GT (Type 937) 2003 - 2010

On the 22nd April 2024 I took the GT to a local garage for a quote to sort out the engine. It had previously been diagnosed with Head Gasket failure by Autolusso Bournemouth. I wanted to find somewhere more local to myself and after trying two other garages I finally ended up at Robinson Garage Sandwich. 

Matt rang me to confirm the Head Gasket would need replacing and gave me a quote for that work along with the Cambelt, Water Pump etc. 

With that all out of the way and another years MOT to boot, I am ready for summer '24 and as many car shows as I can get to! More importantly I have finally found somewhere local that I feel comfortable using for all my Alfa Needs. Cheers Matt! 😀

Almost one year ago today I drove my 2.0l JTS Blackline up to Rutland from Dover to look at a V6 GT with Blackline Wheels and Mirrors. I loved my Blackline but it suffered from what I called 'Not a V6itis.'

My JTS had cost me £1300 and was category N. It had very minor rear end damage. Superficial and barely even noticeable. My biggest regret was that I had just had the JTS cambelt done locally at AutoBritalia in Kent. That along with some exhaust repairs had set me back £1400. I was now driving to PX the car for a V6. I am officially an idiot. 

When we got to Rutland, I was very excited. The Busso engined GT was there. I took it for a test drive. The power was phenomenal compared to the JTS, which was no slouch itself to be fair. I was hooked immediately. I'd been reassured that the sills were good and the engine seemed fine* more on that later. It drove like a dream. I swiftly parted with £4k and the keys to my JTS and rapidly made my way back south to Dover in my V6 Dream. 

I'd like to say at this point that I have no regrets. It wouldn't be entirely true though. My regrets are mostly based in my own stupidity. 

Regrets;

1. Spending £1400 on my JTS only to PX it after 6 months.
2. Dinging the front of the V6 GT on Xmas Eve parking on a hill
3. Not knowing enough about cars to see that I'd been had over by Mr. Rutland.

Things I don't Regret;

1. Smiles per Gallon
2. V6 go go
3. Shopping around locally for repairs. 

The V6 is lovely to drive and makes me smile all the time. I get withdrawal if It's in a garage. Which it has been for a considerable slice of my time with it so far. The sills were NOT fine and the Head Gasket was on it's way out out. Something I may well have noticed if I knew anything about cars as the expansion tank was grim.

One year on, I've had the Engine sorted with a cambelt and water pump as well. I've also had its gusset rearranged by a very lovely welder named Martin in Deal.  It's got another MOT for one year with only the brakes as advisories. 

So far it's cost me;

£4000 purchase +JTS PX

£900 at Autolusso Bournemouth to look over it and sort my door handle which failed first week of owning. This also resulted in the brakes hoses being sorted out and the fuel line, which was being held on by a cable tie being made safe with a replacement. 

£200 Autolusso BM diagnosing the Head Gasket Failure

£500 Welding up the floor pans and damage from jacking to pass MOT

£3,080 Robinson Garage Sandwich for Head Gaskets, Cambelt etc, Water Pump, Thermostat etc... MOT

I'm still a very happy boy and wouldn't change much to be honest. Big thanks to all the advice I've had with it from Laurence in BM, Matt in Sandwich and Martin in Deal. Roll on next year!

This was my fist venture to a Thanet Classics meet at Minnis Bay Birchington Kent. 

On the way home me and my son stopped off for Maccy Ds. 

When we got back to the car another local gent with impeccable taste had deliberately parked next to us. 

Love a FIAT Coupé, pretty cars! 😍