GM & Fiat (Alfa Romeo) - What if...?

["B.D. & Petei Zelazny" <unltd-ltd@domain.elided>]

I'm been reading much of the "GM's gonna mess with Alfa Romeo" thread. I'm
surprised no one has posted my overly *optimistic* view (or maybe I just
scrolled past it?):

What if GM wants a to glean some of Alfa Romeo's road savvy (i.e. - sharp,
precise handling and response) and incorporate *that* into *their* vehicles?
Sure, it would confuse the hell out'a 'merican drivers havin' a
Chevy/Pontiac/Buick/Cadillac that looks like a Chevy/Pontiac/Buick/Cadillac, but
handles like an Alfa Romeo!

Maybe the above view stems from me havin' a father who mostly owned the
General's cars? I did learn to "drive" in a Chevy Impala Super Sport
convertible. Yeah, he thought I was nuts for buyin' my first Alfa (a *NEW* '73
GTV) and even my second - '74 Spider (almost new - dealer demo) and the third -
the infamous '83 GTV6 ball peen special (Also bought NEW!) which he never
actually saw.

When I took him for a "spin" in the GTV shortly after it was purchased he was
not "impressed!" But, he never got behind the wheel, even though I offered it to
him...his loss.

It's too bad he wasn't still around to experience the '91 164S (also bought NEW
under similar circumstances to John H!) 'cause I truly believe he would've
really liked *that* Alfa...but then again, it's still an Alfa.

Regarding the REAL ALFA thread: We have three Alfas in our garage. I LOVE each
of them, but like people, they each have their own special personality - the '69
GTV (currently sleeping :-( ) with it's spartan sports car magic, not the car to
drive 1,000 miles (or even 800) a day in and where you KNOW you've really DRIVEN
when you get to "Point B"; the '83 GTV6, more refined than the GTV, but still a
sports car at heart but capable of looooooooong drives w/o total exhaustion at
the end of the trip; and the '91 164S a JOY TO DRIVE (even if it's FWD!) at any
speed, but the fun really start at about 100 mph and with the luxury to allow
one to travel 800 to 1,000 miles in a day and still feel fresh at the end of the
trip (try that in the GTV!!). Course cruisin' at 120 mph kind'a shortens the
trip! :-)

I can see why the "old-timers" feel that the new Alfas aren't "real" Alfas, but
what about all those young 'uns? Change is a fact of life, learn to love it or
spend your life livin' in the past - and unhappy about the present. Remember,
"They call it the 'present' 'cause it's a gift!"

'nuff rantin'...

'nardo "maybe I'm just gettin' old" zelazninni
b:d+z
Alpine, Brewster County, Texas USA
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