This 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT has an interesting history. It sat in a dealer’s inventory until 1978 before finding its first owner. It has been enjoyed by enthusiasts throughout its life, but the seller has made some mild engine upgrades to improve performance. It has only one small rust spot, and remains as structurally sound as the day it left the factory. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Alfetta listed here on Craigslist in Burlington, Washington. The seller set their price at $11,000 OBO for a classic that is a turnkey proposition.
Penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, Alfa Romeo released the Coupe version of its successful Alfetta in 1974. Aerodynamic efficiency played a key role in the design philosophy aimed at maximizing performance potential. Our featured Alfetta GT rolled off the line in 1976, but sat at the dealership awaiting its first owner until 1978. It is a striking car in Navy Blue, and I’m sure many readers will be asking, “But what about rust?” This is the first slice of good news, because the listing images suggest that someone undercoated the car pretty early, protecting the floors and other hidden surfaces from the ravages of the dreaded tinworm. The seller acknowledges a small spot in one lower front fender, but that’s as bad as it gets. They recently performed a paint correction, and while the car isn’t perfect, its condition is comfortably acceptable for a survivor of this vintage. The trim and glass look extremely clean, and the factory wheels are wrapped in new tires.
Italian classics typically feature relatively small engines, and the ’76 Alfetta GT is no exception. Tilting the hood forward reveals a 1,962 cc DOHC four-cylinder engine that produced 115hp and 110 ft/lbs of torque from the factory. What makes the Alfetta shine is its design philosophy: the company fitted these cars with a rear-mounted five-speed manual transaxle to improve weight distribution and handling. This little Italian gem may place a few additional ponies at the driver’s disposal, because the seller fitted the motor with a professionally modified, ported cylinder head and new injectors. They recently replaced the fuel lines, master cylinder, and motor mounts. The deal includes a new rack-and-pinion, although it is unclear whether the car needs it fitted immediately. Otherwise, the seller states that the Alfa runs and drives well and is ready for action with its new owner behind the wheel.
The Alfetta GT is a four-seater, although rear accommodation is probably for children only. Interior trim has a nasty habit of deteriorating severely due to age and UV exposure, but this car looks surprisingly good. The driver’s seat exhibits wear and a seam separation, but the remaining upholstered surfaces look excellent. The carpet looks nice, but the dash and pad are impressive due to their lack of deterioration. Alfa Romeo emphasized the sporty leanings of the Alfetta by placing the tachometer directly in front of the driver, with the other gauges set into a center binnacle. After all, isn’t engine performance the most important factor for the person behind the wheel? The only visible upgrade is a modern CD stereo.
Enthusiasts typically brace themselves when older Alfa Romeos are the object of their desire, wondering whether the vehicle in question has fallen victim to significant rust. That doesn’t appear to be an issue with this 1976 Alfetta GT, because the listing images paint a positive picture. Although the seller’s price sits near the market’s top end, their willingness to negotiate may improve the situation. Therefore, if a turnkey Italian classic is on your Wish List, this sweet little GT deserves a closer look.
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