re: alfa-purchase

[Dana Loomis <dloomis@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greg Morgan wrote:
>I am looking at 1970-1974 GTVs and would like to ask a few questions.

I can offer answers to some of them.

>2. What are the maintenance costs of these vehiclles?

These cars are not expensive to maintain.  Of course, being 25+ years old
and fairly rare, they will demand more attention than a 1990 Nissan, and
the number of people who know how to provide that attention is relatively
small. 

>3. Are parts readily available for these cars?

Depends.  Most mechanical parts (especially for 72-74 cars) are shared with
the 2000 Spider, which continued in production until 1994.  These parts are
available and reasonably priced.  Body and interior parts are  another
story.  The supply of new body and interior bits is probably better now
than any time in the last 10 years, but expect to spend time looking and
spend real money.

>4. What are the more desired features to look for when purchasing?

The main difference is between 1971 and later model years.  The 1971 model
(there was no 1970 model for the US) has the so-called 1750 engine (really
a 1.8 l), which some people prefer, and different trim and interior details
from later cars, which some people also prefer.  1972-74 models have the
2000 (2.0 l) engine, but only minor differences between years.

>5. What are the major problems with these cars to lokk out for?

Rust, rust and rust.  

>6.Which yearshave the fewest problems?

No difference.  

Good luck,
Dana Loomis
72 2000 GT Veloce

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