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Rusty But Complete: 1972 Alfa Romeo GTV

While many of us can agree that rust should be avoided when buying a project car, sometimes the overall completeness of a project can sway us the other direction. Case in point being my junkyard find Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth project, which has several areas of rust but was so completer otherwise, I took a gamble on it. The same can be said for this 1972 Alfa Romeo GTV here on eBay, which has rust in numerous places but still looks like a car you could be driving tomorrow.

I had a conversation with a junkyard owner today about a vintage Studebaker wagon that had just shown up at the yard. It was extremely rotten, and despite being a rare two-door, made little financial sense to bring back when decent examples can still be bought for $5K. That’s what prompted me to take a chance on my 190E Cosworth, as decent examples fetch $20K and the price of entry was in the triple digits. This Alfa presents the same conundrum, as top-shelf examples command upwards of $20K or more.

And despite the generous helpings of rust, there’s a lot to like – starting with the interior, which remains in excellent condition. The dash is cracked like many other classics of this vintage, but the bucket seats are quite sharp and the back seat appears to have been used very sparingly. The listing says the Alfa was running last year, but has since fallen silent. It still turns over and the transmission shifts freely through the gears. Clutch, brake, and suspension components are all said to be in good working order.

Rust, however, is not to be taken lightly. From what I can see, the rockers, doors, rear quarter panels and rear valence all have rust issues to contend with. There’s also this situation on the roof, which seems to reveal a different shade of blue paint over a potentially poorly-applied repaint. While the rust issues may scare some away, just seeing the GTV sitting on those chunky wheels and tires and imagining piloting one of Alfa’s greatest cars around some backroads is a hard temptation to resist.

Comments

  1. Avatar CapNemo

    I find no difficulty resisting this at all.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Brian Ach

      Top shelf examples for $20k? Nope that ship sailed over 5 years ago.

      Like 3
  2. Avatar ccrvtt

    Maybe easy to resist in this condition, but I still want one. What a pretty little car!

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Howard A Member

    I’d have to have my head examined if I bought this, but without question, my favorite Alfa. I’d have to think there are nicer ones, that never saw a winter, but none under $50g’s. I guess that means you could put a lot into this and still be good. IDK, looks like a lot of headaches, though. I bet underneath, this one is wasted. Very nice car, just not this one.

    Like 2
  4. Avatar Brian S

    Top shelf examples of these bring WAAAY more than $20K. I’ve seen them go for 50-65K. I can’t really explain the explosion in value over the last few years for these, being exactly the same powertrain, suspension and structure as a Spider which are worth $15 in great shape.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Kevin Harper

      Brian I agree with most of what you say, but the structure on a GTV and a giulia is much better than the spider, and makes the driving experience a little better. Also even some of the spiders have left the 20k zone for a nice one. Round tails and Duettos have long past the 20k mark and I am seeing the early kamm tail spiders are now breaking 20

      Like 2
  5. Avatar Marco

    An absolutely pristine example of this model recently sold for nearly $80K and the price appreciation for these GTV’s some say could be just beginning, similar to what happened with the 60’s, 70’s Porches a while back. This looks like a restorable car and you’ll probably get your money back if you manage the costs. Plus they’re a blast to drive.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Martin Horrocks

      All of these are restorable. And all of those are rusty. All parts are available at reasonable prices so either buy a wreck and spend 50K on restoration or buy a concours one at 60-70K. The sensible thing is go in the middle with a rust free driver.

      Great cars. As Brian S says, the spider is massive value. I suspect if we compared relative value with 911s since the 90s the curves would broadly similar, Alfa a bit slower to appreciate. If you want one, they’ll never be cheaper.

      Like 2
  6. Avatar bobhess Member

    Anyone got a BIN in mind? Mine would be pretty low. Comes from the same place as Fiats…..

    Like 1
    • Avatar Martin Horrocks

      Ever driven a Fiat? Or looked into Italian automobile history?

      To help orientate you, BIN on a 2000GTV in this condition would be about $15000.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar Marco

    Well, Ferraris come from the same place as Fiats. Until Chrysler bought Fiat the Italian manufacturers were all separate companies. Alfa is in a different league as the oldest/continuing auto manufacturer on earth (1910) with a rich racing history including multiple world championships. You also don’t find a restored Fiat Spider from the 60’s or 70’s selling for $75 thousand like the Alfa GTV’s

    Like 0
    • Avatar Kevin Harper

      Fiat was given Chrysler and Alfa

      Like 0
    • Avatar t-BONE BOB

      um, Fiat produced its first automobile, the 4 HP, in 1899. So it holds the title as the oldest continuous automobile manufacturer in the world

      Like 0
  8. Avatar Scott

    When I lived in Germany my land lord had one these, beautiful car. He also drove an old Ford Capri that was in decent shape but badly needed a paint job. He was at my house one day and I told him that the Capri reminded me of a Mustang. He asked if I liked Mustangs and I told him that I had a 69 Sports Roof in storage back in the states. He said you have to come over and look at some of the American cars I have at home. We go over there and he opens the garage to a 1970 Mach 1 and a 69 Shelby GT 350. He had bought both from US service members in the 70s. I was in shock, tried to buy the Mach 1 (no way could I get the Shelby), but he offered to sell me his Alfa at a really good price. Went home and told my wife what a great deal it was. Somehow I ended up getting a Honda Odyssey .

    Like 1
    • Avatar Joe

      Best thing about these is they are light, and light driving. They drive effortlessly and handle quite well – given the somewhat archaic suspension. Kind of a momentum car. Keep it up there – don’t let it bog, and it’s great fun. I have several cars but the GTV2000 is my favorite to get out in the country where I can go fast.

      Like 0
  9. Avatar glen

    I really like the look of these cars. I see them on BAT, on a semi-regular basis. Quality ones aren’t cheap, but not as dear as many other sporty vehicles.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Joe

      They are quite compact. Brakes and shifter only require a light effort.

      Like 0
  10. Avatar bobhess Member

    Martin.. ever restored a really rusty car or any car? Yes I know the Italian car history, especially the race cars. I also know the Porsche history and the history both car makers made both on the street and on the track. And, yes I know what the GTVs in good condition sell for and yes I am a big fan of the GTV series of cars. My question was what would be the $ number on the car featured here?

    Like 0
  11. Avatar bobhess Member

    Martin… 58 2000 Spider roadster steering wheel. Been hanging on my office wall since 1972. I consider it art.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar rapple

    “…the back seat appears to have been used very sparingly.”
    Not surprising since it would only accommodate small bags or double amputees.

    Like 0

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