daily driver?

["John Hertzman" <johnhertzman@domain.elided>]

Interesting discussion on the GTV6/Milano daily driver question.

Glenn Wasserman's "but the Milano was built better" in AD8-0084 is one of the
enduring basic truths about Alfas: Alfetta sedan vs Alfetta coupe,Berlina vs.
GT Veloce, Giulia Super vs. Sprint GT, and (probably, not the
voice-of-experience here) Giulietta Berlina/TI vs. Sprint and 1900 Berlina/TI
vs. Super Sprint, the basic machinery have been shared across models within
lines but the coupes have always been styled with more consideration given to
attractive forms and elegant details while the basic sedan hulls have always
received more engineering attention to structure, durability, ergonomics, and
the exigencies of production assembly and later service. The sedans have more
often had rear-hinged hoods, invariably have had better access to more usable
trunk volumes, usually have had better door/window/hinge/latch systems,
normally have had better ventilation systems, and have usually been (but not
looked) more aerodynamic. They represent different values, both worthy for
slightly different balances of uses; while Alfa occasionally dipped into
two-seat variants like the SZ and the Sprint Speciale the coupes normally
preserved a fair degree of sedan practicality.

 The greater vulnerability of the GTV6 to rust, compared to the Milano, is
partly but not entirely explained by newer technology in the Milano; I believe
that the Alfetta Berlinas were generally less rust-prone than the slightly
later Alfetta coupes, and in my anecdotal experience both my '67 Super and my
'72 Berlina were far better built, and less rust-vulnerable, than my '71 GT
Veloce, which was certainly more handsome. All three were good cars on long
trips, but the two sedans were the better of the three on a quick
thousand-miler, and I suspect I would feel the same about the GTV6/Milano
split.

 Apart from that, there are a couple of major details which could be critical
variables, making one or the other preferable for particular drivers,
climates, or patterns of use. Power steering is one; sissy stuff and a
long-term expense for some people, a lot more pleasant around town for others.
Air conditioning isn't great on the Milano, but I believe tends to be less
great on the coupe. The Milano is probably more amenable to a good sound
system (sure, the engine is the main sound system, but there are times when
music is nice) and the Milano is more likely to have cloth upholstery - yes,
leather is better, except sometimes it really isn't. And the Milanos came with
both 14" and 15" wheels - yes, the 15s are sexier, but fewer people complain
about bending the fourteens on potholes. And there are the seating positions,
in relation to the windshield.

 I would probably plunk for the Milano except for one thing -

 Adam Reeves, who asked the question, already has a good Sport Sedan - which,
with an eventual optimized Spica engine or a Twin Spark, and thoughtful
massaging in a few other areas, would do much that a Milano might do. A GTV6
could be a nice compliment to a developed Sport Sedan. Plus, eventually, when
the cog belt had done its thing on the valves, he could yo-yo the six out,
drop in a second Twin-Spark, add a bulge-free hood, and have one of the nicest
Alfetta coupes imaginable.

 Heresy, again. He has two good choices, and should enjoy either.

 John H.

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