Welcome to the clubs’ new monthly feature – Car of the month – As you may have read, all are welcome to register their interest in this event and a name will be drawn from the list, and a write up will be done of your car.

December 2024

November 2024

Welcome to Novembers Car of the month – This month we will be hearing all about Martin Muirheads Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio 2.9 V6 which he has owned since September 2023.

Any other alfas you have owned:

• I have owned 3 x Alfa 156s
• Seduced by a Silver 156 2.5 V6 with a big spoiler (on a S plate) around
  2003
• Later a 156 GTA in iridescent red….gorgeous from Medway Alfa (2005-
  06)
• Thought I was finished with Alfas but decided to get a “cheaper” 156
  1.9 JTD which to my surprise had a lovely diesel engine

This went when a second child came along, so saved my pennies, waited (a long time) for the right car to come along and last year took the plunge!!

Any significant road trips you may have taken with your Alfa ?

• not yet but Nurbergring to be planned
• And another to take place in Wales end of May

Other information

• My missus, Gemma, is fully invested in looking the part by investing in AROC gear
• My eldest son is desperate to get a good Giulietta automatic for his first car (any good leads appreciated)

Thank you, for sharing your Alfa story with us. Look out for Decembers car of the month. Hope you are enjoying car of the month – it’s not too late to put your
name on the list to be chosen, if you are chosen, I will be in touch to get your story and any pictures.
Thanks All. Take care and safe driving.
Barb

October 2024

Welcome to Octobers Car of the month – This month we will be hearing from Bernard Lien- Lampert about his stunning Alfa Giulietta (one of my personal favourites)

My 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce

I have owned my Giulietta for 3.5 years. In 2013, when I retired and went on to work part-time for another 7 years, my dream was to buy a Giulietta (1954 – 1961) or Giulia (1962 – 1965) Spider. Back then, a very good one could be bought for around £30,000. I found one and bought it online, for what appeared to be a reputable international dealer… but he wasn’t, and it turned out I’d been scammed, having bought a car that didn’t belong to the seller. As a result of this financial loss, I bought a 1967 Spider Duetto (boat tail), which, back then, could be bought, as a very good car, for around £15,000, half the cost of a Giulietta Spider.

After fully retiring in 2020, I found myself able to afford a Giulietta Spider as well as keep my Duetto. After a few months’ search and looking a quite a few, I bought DSL 575, an Azzurro Celeste (sky blue) October 1960 101 Spider Veloce. It stood out because of its colour as well as its great (Pininfarina-designed) looks. As a matter of fact, by then, I had decided that Azzurro Celeste with Black interior or Grigio Grafite with maroon interior were by far the best colour combinations for a Giulietta and therefore it had to be one of these.

Since having it, I’ve sold the Duetto, replaced it with an amazing 1968 GTA-R which I’ve just sold and bought an equally amazing 1972 Fiat 124 Sports Spider…. but the Giulietta is a keeper. I’ll never sell it.

Its previous owner had bought it as a very good rust-free South African import and had proceeded to fully restore it from the bare shell, back in 2001-2002. The fact that, over 20 years
later, it still looks so good is a testament of the quality of body/paint restoration. The mechanical part of the work wasn’t quite up to the same standard, though and, since having it, it’s had a new engine (correct Veloce engine to replace the Sprint Speciale engine it had come with) and the gearbox, rear axle, brakes and instruments have been rebuilt.

My wife Angela and I love travelling in it and we do around 2,000 miles a year, mostly on the continent. For instance, 2 years ago, just after the new engine was run in, we took it to the
Giulietta International Festival in the Provence, followed by a stay in Antibes, exploring the French Riviera, finally travelling back through the Route Napoléon, via the Alps and Lyon. An
unforgettable 2,000-mile trip with a perfectly behaved Giulietta. The only modification since then is to have the seats re-upholstered in leather since driving under the beating sun with the hood down is too sweaty an affair!

In the UK, as well as a weekend driver, it is used to attend the many shows in East Sussex (we live in Eastbourne), like Magnificent Motors, Bexhill 100 or Hooe, and in Kent like Hever Castle and Festival Italia at Brands Hatch. Last year, Southern Alfa Day was at Chatham Historic Dock Yard, which was a great success thanks to Paul Newberry, who tirelessly organises so many events for us. Thank you, Paul.

Bernard Lien-Lambert

Thank you, Bernard for sharing your Alfa story with us.
Look out for November’s car of the month.
Hope you are enjoying car of the month – it’s not too late to put your name on the list to be chosen, if you are chosen, I will be in touch to get your story and any pictures.
Thanks All. Take care and safe driving.
Barb

---

September 2024

Welcome to Septembers Car of the month – This month we will be hearing all about Nigel Browns Alfa Sud 1.5 Super

Alfasud 1.5 Super
Year: 1979
Engine: 1490cc Twin Choke
Colour: Giallo Pompei
Mileage: 60076
Interior: Grey Velour with Grey/Blue Centre Panel
Modifications: No – they got the car 99.9% right!
Future Modifications: Yes – it is getting a Ti binnacle to replace the ashtray with temperature and oil pressure gauges along with a clock.
Mudflaps. To add 0.1%.

Having joined the Kent and East Sussex Section in 2022, I have struggled to get away to meets due to work commitments but have thoroughly enjoyed those I have attended. The plan is to get to as many as possible in the future.

Model History:
As we know, the Alfasud was Alfa’s first mass-produced car and most popular. Designed and built by Alfa Romeo with styling by Giugiaro, the platform was used for a range of models with the 4dr first in production in 1972.

In the UK, a later 1.3 got cheap insurance over an even larger 1.5, with performance few cars in its class could achieve, though best known for its outstanding handling and raspy exhaust note. This revised the models with more refinements are the Series 2 from 1978.

Both the 4dr Super and 2dr Ti had the same engine and gearbox with differences being cosmetic. In 1980, the S3 was rolled out featuring plastic bumpers and a hatch.

The S2 is a rare in numbers produced, though a number have survived having benefited from advances in rust protection with from zinc coatings on the steel, more treatments in vulnerable areas, and finally there was the promotion of rust proofing by the original owner that preserved many. Suds are reliable cars especially for the period and its budget constraints; however, they did wear and rust so their low value meant they were not viable to restore.

My Vehicle History
I own a 1979 Super 1.5 because that is my favourite car of all time.

Growing up in Canada, my first drive was manoeuvring our 1966 Ford Country Squire (with wood effect) around the drive and even down long farm roads probably at the age of 13. My parents thought it would be good for me to work at a service station that sold Renaults of all things. I am sure I was useless. That Ford, and my father’s Corvair Monza, were swapped for a pair of Renault 16s.

School kids sported the brands of Chevy and Ford, as if they were football teams. My attention was drawn to the likes the Miura – the kind of exotica that one could only dream of. Making model cars and even racing slots for time that reflected my interest in European sports cars. Recently I found a photo of myself in pyjamas that were covered in Alfa Romeos long with the logo – just maybe that hit me subliminally.

After learning to drive on a standard “three on the tree” at 16, I got my first car – a Dauphine. What a terrible car, and shortly thereafter got an old 64 Vauxhall Viva. You can thrash those about. Then a series of short ownerships, a splendid R15 (a coupe on Renaut 12 platform), a Celica, Golf, and a R12 Estate.

The 1976 Motor Show at Earls Court was memorable. Have a look on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQurTTUItWE. A fantastic year for cars and there I saw the car of dreams – a Alfasud Sprint. What a car, and as a young person that was all I wanted.

A test-drive of a new 5M Sud in Newick was my first time behind the wheel of a Sud. My mother was after a new car and opted for a disappointing Golf instead. The Sud was the most astounding drive I did not forget. For my help, she gave me her very tired and very rotten R5 GTL – a most hideous excuse of a modern car, well maybe not considering the Marina, Allegro, etc. But the gearing was awful, the rot was dangerous, and the fatigue was unacceptable.

By chance I was left some money just as the Alfasud S3 appeared and for £4K a new one could be had. Managed to arrange a morning off work to test drive a new brown 4dr S3. Arrived at the dealer on time but no salesman or car. The car returned with the new owner and an embarrassed salesman. All that was left on the forecourt was a 1979 Super 1.5. He gave me a such deal that included far too much for the R5. Driving away was one of my happiest moments. The car was such a joy. The smile on my face didn’t leave for days.

Cars have come and gone over the years – never bought new. Checking the Exchange & Mart or FridayAd for something that needed no work and possibly could be resold without losing money. A 1976 Sprint just like the show car – 10; Lancia Beta 2000 Spyder – 7 (after sorting); Alfasud 1.3 SC S3 – 8, Alfasud TiX S3 – 9; Volvo 340 GL – 5, Alfasud Super S2/3- 10 (once a close ratio gearbox installed); and finally, my current car – 10+1. During carless times, the rentals have been between 0 and 5. The Mokka being 0, a BMW 2, and an Astra a 4.5 – to name a few.

Working for a local authority in the 80s, a lot of fun was had with my allocated Renault 4 Fourgonnette. Didn’t mind the leaks in heavy rain. A Bedford HA van followed which gave me back a Viva for a while to rip round the countryside. Finally, an Allegro van which was awful.

In 2012, I bought a mid-life crisis car. A Fiat Barchetta, that I exported to Canada for a holiday. Splendid thing to drive around with the top down. Sold it on to cover all the expenses. While still repairing my Super, I had a 147 4dr for a short term to get me about.

None of my family are into cars, except for my older brother, who thinks old VWs are cool. Wow all those cool designs – Type 1 (1938), Type 3 (1961), Type 4 (1967) – steady on! And it took Karman and Ghia to build a VW “sports” car. VWs are dreadful things. Especially old ones and new ones. I am the sensible one.

Current Ownership:

Purchased in 2012, this modern classic is what I drive. It came from someone who really wanted a Ti – as it was just languishing in a lockup by the sea in Weymouth. He bought it from Mr. Sud, Stephen Parry, who has had countless Alfasuds which were sold on, as he did with spare parts.

The car features in Practical Classics, January 2010, as one of 5 singled out as a future classic. The car has aged little since those photos were taken, except the grey cloth on the seats has perished. It has a borrowed Ti interior for the moment.

It wasn’t running well having been sat, so I took it to Benalfa some 60 miles away. Rare for a Sud, it had a cracked piston and Alan Bennett got it sorted along with a few other issues. At the same time, I had also found a LHD Sprint Trofeo non-runner which I wanted to him restore for export to Canada, where I have a cottage.

Tragedy struck. Alan was diagnosed with a serious health issue that required closing his longstanding workshop in just a couple of weeks. He arranged to store my cars. After the operation he was not in a good way and the loss of his workshop must have been soul destroying. He was an outstanding mechanic – this was a huge loss with all his knowledge of various Alfas – but most importantly he was a lovely guy.

It took some years to find an alternative workshop as my business needed my attention. In the end I found someone in Yorkshire to sort out the rear arches and some paint. Not surprisingly there was a bit more work involved. A new rear quarter fitted, and my Super was back on the road. Well not quite.

Suds are vulnerable to leaky brake fluid and water ingress in the compartment behind the bulkhead. Left to fester, it isn’t long before the base has rotted. By the time my car had been handed back, the damage was so severe that it was in another workshop within a month and just in the nick of time.

Water pooling in places it should not, is problem for many cars including the Fiat 500 and Citroen C3. Missing from the owner’s manual is that cleaning the drains and looking out for leaks, is part on ongoing maintenance. For 70s cars it was worse as rust proofing was an expensive aftermarket option. As cars, primarily made of mild steel, were parked outside every night of the year after being driven through stone chippings and salt brine – just perhaps the rust wasn’t the fault of the manufacturer.

Once repaired, my Super didn’t disappoint. The smile was back though now with more than a few age lines. I found a secure parking space near me, so now it can be used for when a car is required. I collected some ballast and cement from Travis Perkins, and the assistant was horrified that this was going into my lovely classic, telling me I should be taking it to shows. I explained that I did do that, but it was still being used as a car not a museum piece.

Returning from a car show in Hastings in October 2023, the clutch bearing broke when on the A21 near Sevenoaks. It took the AA, 8 hours to get me home but they did agree to relay my Super to my mechanic in Lincolnshire – a benefit of my Lloyds Premier Account. Three days later it arrived with the front damaged and headlight broken. The repair to the body work took 4 months to sort out along with some very rare and expensive parts. Since it was damaged in the care of the AA, they paid the bill.

While it is with my mechanic, there was time during our rainy season to get a bit more done, not least a new clutch. New springs, dampers, bushes, and tyres have been fitted. A good sort out of the engine, and fine tuning the valves and carb, and back in service in June 2024 leading to a surprise 2nd place at Sandwich goes Italian.

Other Cars:

1979 Alfasud 1.5 Ti (LHD) – This is the one going to Canada now. A very complete and decent project. As Suds were never imported into North America, this will be a rare thing to have though there is an AROC member shipping out a Sprint.

1979 Alfasud 1.5 Ti (RHD) – Well if you are going to have one you might as well have two. This project is likely to go to my mechanic.

1982 Alfasud 1.5 Sprint Veloce Trofeo (LHD) – This was going to Canada. It is now stripped to bare metal and will be rebuilt as a RHD as the shells are ambidextrous. By chance that other AROC member wants to swap parts with his identical car in RHD, so he can export it to Canada. They both will be rebuilt 100% correctly, just the other way around. It is an incredibly solid project that will go up for sale when finished.

1983 Alfasud 1.5 Sprint Veloce Speciale (RHD) – Not a car I was looking to buy but did so hoping to use as a donor for the Trofeo. Stupid move. Firstly, the Trofeo didn’t really need a donor as it turned out to be that good. Secondly, the Speciale was excellent having bought sight unseen. Indeed, it too is amazingly solid for a barn find laid up for 30 years. It will soon be complete as original with a bare metal treatment and up for sale soon.

1982 Alfasud 1.5 Giardinetta (Wagon) (RHD) – A ridiculously rare thing that really shouldn’t exist since Alfa didn’t make them RHD. A few were made for South Africa using S3 exterior trim and a S2 interior, and some weird stuff. But overall, the project is just salvageable. There is one other here in the UK which was just restored.

1972 Lancia 2000 Berlina (RHD) – This a proper saloon and at the time the most luxurious that Italy made – mainly because driving around in something really fancy would get you shot or kidnapped. Another solid project. This is to be my big car for occasions.

1977 Citroen AK 400 (LHD) – A fun car for promotion of a sideline I have going in Canada. Still a project, I am hoping to get it out there very soon. Such a rare sight here, but more so out there. Questions will be asked.

1993 Dodge Caravan (LHD) – This my Canada car, which I have known from nearly new. Super comfortable and with a near unbreakable Mitsubishi 4-cylinder engine, it just goes on and on. Seven seats, this a simple MPV that should be made today. It is now the must have classic with millennials – the VW combi is out.

2006 Malibu Response LX – It’s ski a boat but I add this because it is about as close to an Alfa you can have on water. GPS speed controller and small block Chevy 340hp EFI V8. Malibu made Corvette versions in two model years, however as this boat has pin sharp control, incredible cornering, and great sound, it is more Alfa than GM.

My Reasoning:

It may seem strange, but I don’t really enjoy driving. Car or boat. Driving is not an activity I would choose to do unless there was something to do at the other end or on the way. Probably never said “just going for a drive”. Perhaps because I’m not married.

The reason I own these particular vehicles is that they are so very far away from being loathsome. If you don’t especially like driving, driving something awful is purgatory.

The Sud is ideal for UK roads. The close ratio gearbox perfectly matches the engine and road speeds with more than enough torque and hp. Except 20mph – what a daft idea.

Renting a car reminds me why I have a Sud. Getting into something new that won’t recognise its own key. That warns you of cars passing or pulling up behind, or for any number of useless reasons. They wobble down the road with nebulous handling and little vision. Controls on some screen that can do nothing for the steamed-up windows and airless interior. All supposed to be luxurious but isn’t.

In my Sud, I can be content driving. Which is why I own one and the rest. Not to forget their excellence in design and engineering.

Driving the best makes those times you use them, a pleasure. If am going to spend hours of my life driving – then let them be content ones.

Thank you, Nigel for sharing your interesting Alfa story with us. Look out for Octobers car of the month. Hope you are enjoying car of the month – it’s not too late to put your name on the list to be chosen, if you are chosen, I will be in touch to get your story and any pictures. Thanks All. Take care and safe driving. Barb

August 2024

Welcome to Augusts Car of the month – This month we will be hearing all about the Beautiful Brera owned by Terry Seal… and expertly passengered by his wife Anne …..

So, we’ve had our Prodrive Brera “S” No241 for 4 years now and gone from “yeah it’s ok” to actually loving it now. It is the 2.2 JTS with everything pretty much standard trim apart from an aftermarket infotainment system with Bluetooth, SatNav, forward camera and reversing camera. It has also been doors, bumpers and bonnet off resprayed in the original Rosso, although I did contemplate having the 4C Competizione Paint. Apparently, there’s a Renault colour that’s a dead ringer for it! The car is on 96.5K now and has a yearly service for filters and oils and on Toyo Proxes all round.

It’s not a sports car, whatever that is in the readers eyes, but an extremely comfortable motorway muncher and we’re never fatigued at the end of a long journey. Yes, you can get an adult in the back, just the one mind and the boot is surprisingly spacious. It is definitely a high days and holidays car but not a garage queen as we get to as many events as possible. And for us members in the Kent and East Sussex Section, that means a lot!

Historically I started with a ’94 164 Twin Spark in black and I adored that car, but mileage and costs meant it had to go.

Then a ’03 156 2L JTS Sportwagon in blue which went to 111K before I sold it. Then a new GT 2L Blackline which was a company car, but redundancy forced that to go.

Then a Fiat Bravo 150 T-Jet which I traded in very quickly for our first Brera. In 2014 I bought my first Moto Guzzi. The 750cc Breva, then traded it in for the 1100cc Breva which I “sold” to my Son. There is a link there!

We also have my Wife’s Mito Sprint 135BHP in Tornado Blue which is our runaround. It has the TCT gearbox which is a blast in D mode. I am currently on my 1200cc 4V Sport, but that’s now up for sale as health issues mean I’m more of a danger to myself than I was before!

February was a momentous month in the year of 2020 for us. The complete story is told on p34 of Issue 54/3 of Alfa Romeo Driver magazine.
In a nutshell, Breras do not swim! On a trip to Bournemouth, that was cut short very shortly after leaving home, we had negotiated several large puddles – unfortunately, a passing 4×4 swamped us ¾ of way through the largest one … The engine stopped almost immediately, and as I suspected it was hydraulic lock failure! After many conversations
with insurance company, they wrote the Brera off -I could buy it back but couldn’t out it back on the road as it was classified as a cat N. So, I was searching through the classifieds and found a Prodrive Brera No 241 just north of Banbury. This was in March, and I had to get the car sorted before a visit from son from Australia in April …. Time was running out
and there were lots of jobs to be done on the car – these included:
Air,Oil and Cabin filters. Engine Oil Change. A very sticky gear change (lots of WD40 and Silicon oil spray. The seller had replacement gear change cables in the boot – he was told it was the only answer – I did look at the job but seeing them go through the front fire wall bulkhead and exit into the centre console decided it’s a hell of a job to do! All brake disks and pads were swapped from my donor vehicle. Along with rear callipers, boot floor and parcel tray, front bumper with fog lights, near side wheelarch, all wheels and tyres, puddle lights, door window switches along with windscreen wipers! £80.00 of Shell VPower had to be pumped out and put into the new Brera, Annes Mito and my Moto Guzzi.
Th after-market infotainment system from my car was removed along with the front camera, reversing camera, GPS sender and microphone for hands free to be fitted in the replacement Brera.

So, I had to scrap my almost mint 49k ’59 plate “S” Brera and buyt a very much unloved 88k ’58 plate prodrive “s” Brera. Unfortunately, as we all know, events in 2020 stopped all visits so my son was sadly unable to visit.

The moral of this story is …. If it looks bad, it will be, don’t risk it! Further details and pictures are in the magazine mentioned above. The main picture and very much my favourite, is our “S” Brera in Balcary Bay Hotel Car Park overlooking The Solway Firth. One can almost hear it saying, “come on, I need to be driving those hills over there”. But Terry, If you do that drive, Watch out for deer!!

Thank you, Terry, for sharing your Alfa story with us.
Look out for September’s car of the month.
Hope you are enjoying car of the month – it’s not too late to put your name on the list to be chosen, if you are chosen, I will be in touch to get your story and any pictures.
Thanks All. Take care and safe driving.
Barb

July 2024

The member selected for June was Chris Francis and here is Chris’ Alfa story so far.

The beginning

My interest in Alfa Romeo started when I was working and my boss had a new Alfa Brera. It looked gorgeous and so much nicer than my little Clio! My Sisters partner was not impressed though and told me that all Alfa’s were rust buckets and tried to put me off. However in my mind they were lovely and I still wanted one.

When I met my now husband back in 2018 he suggested that when I was looking for another new car that I should give Alfa a try. I was still a bit unsure of the cars but he insisted that when he owned a 146 1.7 boxer that and it was wonderful car and that I should try one at least once.

So I took a Giulietta 1.4 for a test drive! I was really impressed with the car. It felt so special, the noises it made, the way it handled, I just had to have one so I ordered one on the spot. I chose a lovely sporty red and had heated seats added. I was so proud of it, we took the car to lots of events and had a great few years with her.

In 2022 whilst going in for an annual service we happened to see a grey Stelvio quadrifoglio in the showroom. I had never considered an SUV but here was something that looked amazing! It was a time when there were long wait times for new cars but this one was available immediately and was just right! The garage gave me a great deal with the trade-in of my Giulietta and a couple weeks later I was driving my new car which we call Stella.

Oh my can Stella go! I loved the sportiness of the Giulietta but this is on another level. The acceleration is almost amazing and it is easy to get carried away with it. The fuel economy is not so great but the sounds the engine make are nothing short of beautiful and the smile on my face more than makes up for it.

Although we have not have not had the car for long we have taken her out on all sorts of trips and weekends away. We are planning to take her on a European road trip soon with perhaps some gelato stops on the way!

---

June 2024

The member selected for June was Chris Francis and here is Chris’ Alfa story so far.

Alfa Romeo 4C ‘Launch Edition’ in Carrara Matt White – No 318 of 500

I wanted a 4C as soon as Alfa Romeo announced it but being a big bloke, I was worried I might not fit in it so when they officially launched it at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014, I jumped on an EasyJet from Gatwick to go and try it for size. After much persuasion and some terrible attempts at pleading in Italian, the lovely Alfisti people finally got fed up with me pestering them & allowed me to sit in it. Thankfully, my bum didn’t look too big in it, so I decided there & then that “I had to get me one of these!”

Just a little extra and sad note here regarding ‘bodily’ size. I will always remember the dearly departed and much missed John Third recounting to me over a beer from his beloved growler how seeing me turn up at an event in my 4C inspired him to get one because he thought “we’ll if he can fit in it, then so can I!” God bless you John…

No 318 was first registered in May 2014 (I bought it in December 2014 from a dealer in Harrogate with just 750 miles on the clock) & was originally supplied to its first owner from Ripon in Yorkshire (so it’s his name on the matching numbers scale model and other limited accessories rather than mine).

At Brooklands under Concorde G-BBDG

My late dad was car mad and into all sorts of motorsports so that rubbed off on me because I’ve always been a petrolhead having done various motorsports in my younger days and changed cars regularly in the quest for something more challenging to drive!

I came to Alfa’s quite late having my first, a white 3.2L V6 Spider (type 939) back in 2012 to 2014 along with a ‘pimped’ Land Rover Defender 90, both of which I sold as I needed a deposit to buy my house in 2015. I miss both of those cars so much but the 4C is THE best car I’ve ever had!

I’m not knowledgeable about Alfa’s like some of our esteemed members and don’t know a huge amount about the lovely classic/historic models but I enjoy showing off my car because it’s a real head turner and I must admit it’s a summer and show days car really, so I do like it when people take an interest.

It’s only had minor modifications via The Alfa Workshop front suspension geometry kit which I desperately needed after the thing tried to chuck me into the hedge a couple of times soon after I bought it!  I’ve also changed the stock Parrot Asterid Classic stereo head unit which was pretty rubbish and I’ve now got a seven inch flip up touch screen with a wireless reversing camera which is a real must due to the poor rear visibility.

I’ve sprinted it at a couple of demonstration events so I can attest that it is as quick as the performance figures say and playing around with the launch control was good fun. I wrote an article about one event which got published in the October 22 version of Alfa Rome Driver, so I got my 15 minutes of fame!

Ciao for now and see you somewhere soon!
Chris

Hope you all enjoy the article – look out for Julys Car of the Month Selection in a few weeks.
Take care all, Safe driving.
Barb

---

May 2024

The member selected for May was Gavin Moffitt and here is Gavins Alfa story so far.

Gavin tells us that his  2022 Giulia Sprint is the second Alfa Romeo that he has owned, having upgraded from a Mito, which he  owned for five and a half years, at the end of 2022.

Gavins Story …

I had decided that I wanted a Giulia in late 2021 and had set myself a target of having the car for my birthday in November the following year – I missed that target by about 4 weeks, so I guess that wasn’t too bad!

The plan was to buy a Veloce & eventually I’d narrowed it down to 2 cars that D Salmons in Colchester had for sale – a Misano Blue Veloce and another in Alfa red (both 2021 cars). The plan was to take a trip to Colchester just after Xmas & decide from there, they both fell within my £30000 budget.

But that all changed on December 22nd when I had a look on the Alfa Romeo website & spotted that Snows in Southampton had listed a new Giulia that afternoon – a 2022 Sprint in Blu Anodizzato that was their demonstrator & was just over 5 months old. I was attracted by the colour as it’s a less popular shade of blue than the Misano or Monte Carlo blue options. Decision made – I immediately pulled out my debit card & paid the £99 reservation fee! A quick trip to Southampton the day after Boxing Day & we’d concluded a deal to trade in the Mito and the Giulia was mine.

I absolutely love how the Giulia looks and drives, its’s such a sweet handling car. I’ve owned a variety of sports cars in the past (including a pair of Honda S2000s), but as a 4-door saloon, the Giulia handles brilliantly.

Whilst the original 200bhp felt great in such a lightweight car, I quickly decided I wanted a bit more oomph, especially as I planned to use the car on track days. So, in the 14 months I’ve owned the car, it has seen a few modifications:

• Celtic Tuning Stage 2 remap.
• Celtic Tuning ZF8 remap.
• DNA Race mode enabled.
• K&N air filter
• Powerflow custom-built stainless-steel exhaust system.
• Tarox Sport Japan brake discs
• Tarox Braided brake hoses
• EBC Yellowstuff brake pads

As a result of all of this, Giada the Giulia (the name of the Instagram account for the car!) now has a little over 335bhp, more than 470Nm torque and a top speed north of 155mph. The Powerflow exhaust gives the car a much more mellow sound, without a headache inducing drone!! Plus, the exhaust note is the only clue that it might be a bit more than a standard 200bhp Sprint. I’ve had the car at Goodwood, Bedford Autodrome & Curborough for track days & loved every second of it.

In my 14 months of ownership, I’ve clocked up just over 19000 miles & every second of it has brought a smile to my face. It’s a car that I just love owning.

Gavin Moffitt
Instagram: @giadathegiulia
Guardian 2042

Thank you, Gavin, for your Alfa story and some great pictures. We look forward to seeing Gaida, And you of course, during the year.  It’s very clear to see that you love your Alfa.
Hope you all enjoy the article – look out for Junes Car of the Month Selection in a few weeks.
Take care all, Safe driving.

---

April 2024

The member selected for April was Jacob Green and here is Jacobs Alfa story so far.

Jacob is new to the club and is hoping to join us at a few shows this year. Welcome to the club Jacob we all look forwards to meeting you – and of course your Alfa!

Jacob has a 159 Ti 5-cylinder diesel engine. He became the custodian of the Alfa in 2023 after many years of admiring just how the car looks and knowing that he wanted a 2.4Ti waited until one came up for sale … after a day of pacing with coffee in hand talking myself out of it, I bought the car!

As far as modifications go, Jacob bought the car as He thought it was clean. It mostly needed some respraying and a little bit of love.

Jacob says, “as I have had the car part for maintenance, I have seemed to uncover a different beast, from aftermarket breather pipes, air filters, and I still haven’t got the bottom of how they achieved the turbo flutter!”

In the months that Jacob has owned the car, he has taken it as far as Germany and back driving through 4 countries in one day!  In the future He hopes to take the car to southern Europe, as far as Milan. He has heard there is a great museum there…

Jacob says, “the road is long, but I am looking forward to refurbishing this car to looking near on new and is looking forward to many years in the club. 

Once again Jacob, Welcome to the club and thank you for your article.

---

---