Alfa Romea Giulia GT105 (1963-77): Buyers Guide
Alfa Romea Giulia GT105 (1963-77). Fancy a bit of sixties style?
Alfa Romea Giulia GT105 (1963-1977)
WHAT IS IT?
The car that put Alfa Romeo on the Australian map. The Giugiaro-styled Giulia 1600 GT coupe appeared in 1963 with a highly-advanced (for the time) twin-cam 93kW 1570cc engine, five-speed 'box, four-wheel discs and grippy Pirelli radials - a car for enthusiasts.
A restyled, more powerful 1750 GT Veloce model arrived in '67 with a 1779cc 99kW engine and top speed of 185km/h. Styling changes included reshaped wheel arches, a new nose panel and grille incorporating driving lights, and wider 14-inch wheels replacing the original 15s.
The ultimate 112kW 2000 GT Veloce variation arrived in 1972. Accompanying the performance boost were bigger brakes, a standard limited-slip diff and interior changes that eliminated some of the earlier car's attractive timber veneer.
The 1300 GT Junior, sold from 1965-77, retained the single-headlamp front-end and, in 1967, introduced the rounded wheel arches that would be adopted by the 1750/2000 cars. From 1972, a 1.6-litre version of the Junior was built and became quite popular with Australian buyers.
HOW'S IT DRIVE?
Tied down with a set of modern shock absorbers and rolling on quality rubber, GTVs have lots of grip and are extremely hard to unstick - the coil-sprung chassis offering plenty of communication via the wheel and seat of your pants.
Early cars aren't particularly quick - the 1600's 0-96km/h figure of 12.2sec is similar to an MGB's - but the 1750 model slashed 1.5 seconds off that time, with 2.0-litre cars almost a second faster again. But the power-assisted disc brakes stop the 1060kg coupe with ease, repeatedly.
The five-speed gearbox allows sub-3000rpm cruising at 100km/h, resulting in excellent highway fuel consumption. Even with city kays thrown in, you'll average around 13L/100km.
Rear space is tight, but there's enough room in the back for short trips.
CHECKLIST
Rust is the biggest concern. Even cars that have been extensively repaired can be deteriorating all over again unless diligent rust-proofing was undertaken. Check the base of the front door pillars, sills and window surrounds, then move on to less crucial areas. Alloy cylinder heads gave trouble even when new so check for clean oil, and leaks could signal head gasket failure. Engine internals aren't cheap - pistons, valves and camshafts totalling more than $2000.
Noise from the shocks and suspension arms and vague steering all signal a car in need of maintenance, but virtually everything needed for a complete chassis overhaul is available from local or overseas Alfa specialists. Brake parts are cheap, but reconditioning the brake booster can cost up to $500, so check for leakage by maintaining pressure on the pedal for at least 30 seconds with the engine at idle.
The majority of the interior, including seat vinyl, carpets and interior veneer, is easily available through local or overseas specialists and is relatively inexpensive. Aged wiring and corroded connections produce various problems so ensure all electrical components, including the heater/fan, lights and wipers are working.
SPECIFICATIONS
Alfa Romea Giulia GT105 (1963-1977)
BODY: 2-door coupe
ENGINES: 1290cc, 1570cc, 1779cc or 1962cc 4cyl, DOHC, 8v, twin carburettors
GEARBOX: 5-speed manual
SUSPENSION: Independent, wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar (f); radius arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar (r)
BRAKES: Discs (f/r)
PRICE: $4400-25,000
Unique Cars magazine Value Guides
Sell your car for free right here
Get your monthly fix of news, reviews and stories on the greatest cars and minds in the automotive world.
Subscribe