Why an Alfa

[AlfaBill <alfabill@domain.elided>]

Well, I started this so I should enter my submission...

Back in '92, I was selling Volvo, SAAB and Alfa Romeo. Because they were
quirky, I somewhat adopted the Alfas as my pet. Although I could get
many "seats" in the 164, they never sold well at that dealership. Shame.

One day, a woman and her daughter came in with an odd car which the
sales manager convinced them was worth little. (They bought a SAAB 900)
A 5 year old 59k miled Milano Platinum. Well, being the vultures we were
by nature, I was the only on out there looking with fascination at this
boxy, dirty unloved example. Originally owned by an Italian immigrsnt,
he passed away and his daughter used the car to commute to college.
Results included keyed doors and various dings.

I bought it for $1500 plus tax... and proceeded to use it on a date a
day later, after having it cleaned by the dealer used car dept. The girl
was amazed by the cool little car, but like all Alfas, it was jealous
and proceed to die in an intersection. She was a good sport and steered
while I pushed it towards a side road with a hill. Bad battery. Ugh!

Other than later bouncing a chunk of guibo off the door of a 911 at a
light, (DON'T LOOK OVER AT THE DRIVER) there was very little other drama
in 3 years of ownership, and much pleasure. 

	I sold it to buy Sofia, which was everything I didn't want, silver and
a stick, but I have learned to love both. Oddly, I bought the Milano
back after a few years as the purchaser was worn out on dealer bills for
care. I have since passed the car on to Chip Denyko, known here in West
Florida as a guy who will never take the short way to restoration. He's
going full steam on putting the car back together.

Why an Alfa? because it is different, sometimes clever, sometimes
infuriating but always interesting. Alfas, for all their faults, really
do seem to have a soul.

Why keep it? Unless there is a disaster, I will always keep my 168. The
memories and experiences collected while owning this car, 34 states,
conventions etc. have made it part of my life. What else can start so
many converations, bring such pleasure and be so much fun. It also looks
great after a polish, while it sits in the carport. She may be showing
her age (patina?), but Sofia has had one heck of a run... 

AlfaBill

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