Re: FAQ about '74 GTV

[MMosko@domain.elided]

In a message dated 11/2/99 1:36:04 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:

<< I have a friend that's looking at a '74 GTV, that's in rough but 
restorable 
 shape.  He know's nothing about Alfas.  Does anyone know of a GTV Faq that's 
 online I can point him to that'll answer some of his questions that I can't? 
>>

I recently bought a '74 GTV for $9000 which was in pretty good shape with 
very low mileage. Had to spend over $10K to bring it up to excellent 
condition. That included bare metal respray and lots of mechanical 
replacement parts due to aging seals, etc. I would advise your friend to buy 
the very best '74 GTV he can find. It will probably cost him between $10,000 
and $12,000 and then to leave it alone, just drive it and enjoy. 

If he buys a rough one and finds rust in all the usual places he'll be faced 
with what could be a $25,000 plus restoration job.. and he'll still never get 
more than $10K to $12K for the car should he decide to sell in the next few 
years. Remember that any restoration follows the rule of 2. That's twice the 
cash outlay you could ever have magined before starting ( with the assumption 
that you had all costs figured out). 

18 months ago I bought a "rough" but restorable '65 Guilia Spider Veloce. 
I've passed the $30,000 mark and have a long way to go. 

In my humble opinion the '74 GTV represents the best Alfa ever made. It's the 
combination of agile handling, performance and the comfort of a spacious 
cockpit, real rear seats for little ones and/room for luggage as well as 
attention getting good looks that makes this car the most desirable daily 
driver an Alfista can own. I drive mine almost daily.... my sensible car 
stays in the garage.

Marc Mosko
'74 GTV 2000
'65 Guilia Spider Veloce - in gestation

------------------------------