Progress update on the Alfa Romeo GTV 2000's Restoration

Went to see the car last week.

What has been done so far:

1. The engine was overhauled and the 105's twin carburettors replaced.
2. Brake system was overhauled, master cylinder replaced and new calipers installed.
3. The regeneration of the mechanical subassemblies was carried out. The gearbox, front and rear engine mountings and steering system were checked for any defects and those that were found were duly replaced.
4. The engine was dip chromed including the air filter housing as well as some exterior badges.

Next up:

1. Aircond system being overhauled as we speak, with new aircond hose being installed and the radiator + condenser replaced.
2. Replace any old or deteriorated engine bay parts (like that water reservoir)
3. Replace damaged or worn out electrical wires including spark plug cables / Replace insulation conductors, wiring harness / Resolder old electric wiring ends.
4. New exhaust system.
5. New springs as the old ones are pretty soft.
6. New wipers.
7. Thorough cleaning of the car especially the engine bay and the interior - not to mention recondition of the car's leather seats.
8. Exterior detailing.

Alfa Romeo Centennial Celebration Drive (Ulu Yam - Genting)

Today I took the Alfa out of the workshop to take part in the Centennial Celebration Drive organised by Italia Auto Club (IA) along with other Alfisti organisations. The route was from KL to Genting, via Ulu Yam and our support cars were Fiat Coupé 20V Turbos owned by IA forum members.

The weather wasn't perfect. It was raining the night before and there was a brief morning shower. The meet up point was Sime Darby's Autoconnexion Jalan Ipoh showroom. Needless to say, there was a big turn out of Alfas - nearly 70 cars altogether. There were some lovely examples of Italian engineering - like a really rare right hand drive 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider 1600 - supposedly the only one in Southeast Asia.

We were flagged off and promptly got stuck in traffic near the roundabout after Batu Caves. It wasn't that bad after exiting that particular area and the old girl performed flawlessly on the way up. Here is a video of the cars being flagged off:

Granted, she wasn't the fastest car in the pack but I was pleasantly surprised that the GTV managed to keep up with the convoy and reach up to speeds of a hundred plus km/h on the sweeping straights of Ulu Yam. The Genting hill climb was a bit more challenging but she made it to the top. Not bad for a 1973 classic car!

Just after Awana and before Genting proper, there is a large parking lot where the Alfas gathered for a photoshoot. Since she was one of the few classics there, the GTV got front row seats :).


I didn't stay for the buffet lunch and headed back down to KL after a tiring but eventful day. Great job by the organisers of the event (special thanks goes out to IA Fiat Coupé members who made sure no one got lost).

I had an awesome time.

[Pictures courtesy of the IA gang of photographers]

Just bought another car as a restoration project, a 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000

With the 350Z technically sold and the arrival of the new car (more on that in another post), I decided to get a classic car as a restoration project.

So I went down to Jag Classic Cars in Damansara Perdana to have a look at a GTV that was up for sale. This was around 11 am (I took leave from work).

The car in question was put up on mudah.my:







The engine started up the first time without any issues. Didn't sound rough and revved nicely, although the spark plugs need replacing plus there might be some wiring issues. No oil leak. So general servicing is in order. Exhaust did not leak fumes either.

Indicators and electronics worked brilliantly - only the fuel gauge didn't work (indicators, brake lights, head lights, speedo etc all worked). Air conditioning worked really well - the car was well cooled.

Checked the car as best as I could for rust - wheel arches, boot / spare tyre section etc. Crawled under the car but I wasn't able to see anything to fret about (only way to find out is when I send it in for a respray and touch up).

All the fittings were there and in brilliant condition - Alfa symbols, even the fuel cap was original. The previous owner must have sourced or refurbished them. The seats need some reupholstering though but I love the biege / cream colour, so the original seats will be kept. Oh and I'm going to rechrome the bumpers and other fittings for that nice 'contrast' look.

The rubber seals looked fresh without cracks or signs of deteoration (looked new actually). The car was supposedly painted a few years back but some parts had scrapes and cracks. Red was the original color judging from the engine bay. The door locks need work - driver's side cant be opened from the outside - passenger's side door cant be opened from the inside! Windows winded up fine.

Did two test drives (morning and afternoon - deliberated for over a day before I decided) and the car handled really well (no off-center steering feel) and the suspension was excellent (no rattles either).

Needless to say, I sealed the deal with a handshake and now am a proud owner of a Alfa .

Car is currently going through the Puspakom inspection and transfer process. Can't wait to start work on the Red Baron!