Just Moved to Italy - Looking for Beater Ferrari..

[bulletpruf]

Fellas -

After two years of no musclecars in Seoul, Korea, my Uncle Sam sent me to Naples, Italy for the next 3 years. Have been here all of 10 days or so. Thought about bringing over one of my musclecars, but as the saying goes, when in Rome... Anyway, I'll have a very short commute to work (5 minutes?) so I don't need anything terribly practical. I can also import it legally back to the US if it's 25 years old.

Picked up a 99 318i BMW to get around in for now. Wife's SUV (2013 Infiniti) will be here in 80 days or so. Now I need a project or toy of some sort. Budget tops out at $30k but I'd have much better relations with the Chief Financial Officer if I kept it under $20k. I should have a large garage to work in; most of the places we have been looking at have plenty of space for my tools and a few cars. I do all my own work (including engine/trans rebuilds) except for body and paint.

The easy choice is the 1967-1975 105 series Alfa Romeo GT Junior - these can be had for around $10k for a driver, excellent aftermarket support, plenty of OEM parts available, light weight, small, lots of character. The 2.0 liter engine is a bolt in swap, and you can make 200 hp with one without too much trouble. Not bad with a 2,000 lb car. They make sweet looking cars when set up for racing, too.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/Italian%20Cars/700c2db8afe9d394ffafd5b2c6fd33a6_zpsxgui7et4.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/Italian%20Cars/700c2db8afe9d394ffafd5b2c6fd33a6_zpsxgui7et4.jpg.h tml)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/Italian%20Cars/aa44c719235497c8932dd656e34fdd0e_zpsop39yk6v.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/Italian%20Cars/aa44c719235497c8932dd656e34fdd0e_zpsop39yk6v.jpg.h tml)

I also like the 1969-1973 Fiat Dino Coupe 2.4. These were built by Ferrari in Maranello alongside the 246's. Use the same engine (2.4 V6), transmission, and some other bits, too. The Spyder's are bringing close to $100k, but you can still get a driver quality 2.4 coupe for less than $30k.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/Italian%20Cars/1024px-Fiat_Dino_reg_1968_1987_cc_zpsak0xo3yg.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/Italian%20Cars/1024px-Fiat_Dino_reg_1968_1987_cc_zpsak0xo3yg.jpg.html)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/Italian%20Cars/800px-Fiat_Dino_2400_Bertone_2_zpsgmeb8df3.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/Italian%20Cars/800px-Fiat_Dino_2400_Bertone_2_zpsgmeb8df3.jpg.html)

If I beat the bushes enough, I could probably find a Lamborghini Urraco or Maserat Merak for under $30k, but finding parts for these would be a nightmare.

The Ferrari 308 GT4 (no, not the Magnum PI Ferrari) prices are all over the map, but you can still find them for less than $30k too.

I'm also partial to the Sunbeam Tiger, but the real ones have jumped in price recently. Could also pick up a Sunbeam Alpine (nice ones start at $10k; $20k buys a nicely restored one), drop in a crate 347, Toploader, and 9" and call it a Faux Tiger. However, this isn't a bolt in swap. Firewall needs to be massaged, probably transmission tunnel, too, and the stock steering won't work, either.

Along the same lines of American V-8 (Mopar 383/440-4/440-6) in a European car, the Jensen Interceptors are out there for about $20k for a decent one. My main issue with these -- 98% came with slushboxes.

A roached Pantera with a blown motor might be within striking range, too.

Your thoughts?

Thanks,

Scott

[Charley Lillard]

Save up and get a Iso Rivolta. Chevy V8 powered. Tell the CFO it is a great investmenthttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/07/full-23-28752-ause.jpg

[old5.0]

No advice, but I'm a little in love with those Alfa's at the top....

[PxTx]

X2! I also just saw a right hand drive one when I was leaving Ocean City NJ this morning.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: old5.0</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No advice, but I'm a little in love with those Alfa's at the top.... </div></div>

[Charley Lillard]

Or you can get really stupid like me and get a Iso Grifo with a 427 and a 5 speed. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/07/full-23-28756-img_4902.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/07/full-23-28757-img_4900.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/07/full-23-28758-img_4901.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/07/full-23-28759-img_4903.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/07/full-23-28760-img_4904.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/07/full-23-28761-img_4905.jpg

[Lynn]

In my opinion, 308GT4 is just ugly. Ferrari hasn't made many ugly cars, but that one.....?

My choice would be a 5 speed 400i. Still a bit finicky (it is a Ferrari after all), but V12 power is really smooooth.
ATE brakes are easy to work on, and look just like big BMW brakes from the era.

Autos usually bring around 20k, unless they are extremely nice. Has a GM turbo 400 trans. Still a nice ride, but manual trans is much more fun.

Of course, the old adage rings true: there is nothing more expensive than a cheap exotic.

[mockingbird812]

Eddie M should have a recommendation for you. He lived there and has an affinity for them Italian cars.
Think Eddie is in some Bacci tourney on the left coast this weekend. I'll see if I can tear him away for a quick consult.....

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/07/full-1691-28762-image.jpg

[galveston]

That's a classic Sam....but it wouldn't be wise to consult an inebriated Bacci player for advice, I'd wait a little while. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[Xplantdad]

LOL!

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Charley Lillard</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Save up and get a Iso Rivolta. Chevy V8 powered. Tell the CFO it is a great investment
</div></div>

Charley -

Gorgeous cars, but the CFO knows better than to listen to me when I tell her something is going to be a great investment -- my last high dollar car (70 RAIV GTO, Best Concours Restored at 2013 GTOAA Nats) sold for nearly six figures, but I took a tremendous beating on it.

Thanks,

Scott

[enio45]

If u can, id go with a vintage alfa - plenty of used and aftermarket parts in italy and lots of expertise there for repairs.

Ferrari stuff is thru the roof - ISO stuff is now very pricey as well, both the Rivolta and the Griffo's and american parts are very tough to get in italy unless you ship the stuff in.

Alfa will have you fitting in like u lived there forever -

Get a list of the Mostra Scambio's - italian swap meets that are all around italy - - really cool stuff to buy.....

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lynn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In my opinion, 308GT4 is just ugly. Ferrari hasn't made many ugly cars, but that one.....?

My choice would be a 5 speed 400i. Still a bit finicky (it is a Ferrari after all), but V12 power is really smooooth.
ATE brakes are easy to work on, and look just like big BMW brakes from the era.

Autos usually bring around 20k, unless they are extremely nice. Has a GM turbo 400 trans. Still a nice ride, but manual trans is much more fun.

Of course, the old adage rings true: there is nothing more expensive than a cheap exotic. </div></div>

I would love to have a V12 Ferrari, of course. Problem is these cars were fairly low production and most are automatics. I haven't seen an affordable manual transmission version yet. Here's the closest I can find -
http://www.autobelle.it/annunci/vendo_ferrari_400i_manual_italia_186569.php

Not seeing anything near $20k here, either: http://suchen.mobile.de/auto/ferrari-400...ant1.modelId=16 (http://suchen.mobile.de/auto/ferrari-400.html?isSearchRequest=true&amp;lang=en&amp;scopeId=C&amp;ex port=ALSO_EXPORT&amp;damageUnrepaired=ALSO_DAMAGE_UNRE PAIRED&amp;sortOption.sortBy=searchNetGrossPrice&amp;makeM odelVariant1.makeId=8600&amp;makeModelVariant1.modelId =16)

The 208 (came with a tiny 2 liter V-8; some with a turbo)/308 GT4 is definitely an acquired taste, but they're growing on me. I think these are about to take a big jump in price, too, along with the Dino Coupes. Projects pop up periodically for less than $30k, but driver quality cars seem to be at or north of $30k. http://suchen.mobile.de/auto/search.html?isSearchRequest=true&amp;scopeId=C&amp;sortOpt ion.sortBy=searchNetGrossPrice&amp;damageUnrepaired=AL SO_DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&amp;minFirstRegistrationDate=&amp;max FirstRegistrationDate=&amp;minMileage=&amp;maxMileage=&amp;min Price=&amp;maxPrice=&amp;climatisation=&amp;adLimitation=&amp;make ModelVariant1.makeId=8600&amp;makeModelVariant1.modelI d=25&amp;makeModelVariant1.modelDescription=&amp;makeModel VariantExclusions%5B0%5D.makeId=&amp;minPowerAsArray=&amp; maxPowerAsArray=&amp;maxPowerAsArray=KW&amp;minPowerAsArra y=KW&amp;zipcode=&amp;zipcodeRadius=

Thanks,

Scott

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: enio45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If u can, id go with a vintage alfa - plenty of used and aftermarket parts in italy and lots of expertise there for repairs.

Ferrari stuff is thru the roof - ISO stuff is now very pricey as well, both the Rivolta and the Griffo's and american parts are very tough to get in italy unless you ship the stuff in.

Alfa will have you fitting in like u lived there forever -

Get a list of the Mostra Scambio's - italian swap meets that are all around italy - - really cool stuff to buy..... </div></div>

Vintage Alfa is clearly the smart decision, which is precisely the reason that I probably won't end up with one.

Nice thing about them is that they are everywhere. Dozens available in southern Italy at all times. Here's what's showing up on one website in Lazio (for those not familiar with Italy, Lazio is the province where Rome is located, just to the north of Campania [where I am - Naples] and a bit more populous): http://www.subito.it/annunci-lazio/vendita/auto/?rs=3&amp;re=4&amp;cb=000083&amp;cm=000315&amp;sp=1 No pressure to jump on the first one that shows up in my price range, unlike a 208/308 GT4, 400i, etc.

Speaking of fitting in, not seeing any vintage cars on the roads, which is understandable given how the locals drive. I thought driving with 25,000,000 of my closest friends in Seoul was intense, but it was just a warmup for southern Italy.

Thanks for the details on Mostra Scambios. I'll check that out.

Scott

[enio45]

u have to get a vespa for the local, quick trips :-)

i had a nice alfa 166 - fiat punto and 2 vespa's for kicking around.....

fiat 500's are a nice fit as well :-) : not performance oriented but typical car

sounds like fun - i lived in Milan and traveled to Turin every week.......mostly drove the 166, but did the train periodically

itching to do a trip back to the home country - - have a handful of vintage ferrari parts to look for

my family is from Frosinoni - 1.5 hrs south of rome...

[mockingbird812]

Yea, but what about the Bacci tourney!!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif

[galveston]

Sam...It was probably a cluster flake. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif

[Tenney]

Lancia Thema'll get you a Ferrari motor (328/Mondial 3.2). Kinda cool and subtle little sedan.

[PxTx]

I don't think I will ever own a Ferrari, but it would be nice. Just like I prefer muscle cars over 2 seater sports cars of the 1960's - so I would lean towards a 4 seater Ferarri too. A later build Mondial convertible would be nice.

That said, you could own one in the US fairly easily. I would be very tempted to find cars which are not available here- especially if they are old enough to legally come back. The Audi/ Group B fan in me would have to at least test drive one of these:



https://aclassblog.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/lancia_delta_evo_01.jpeg

Lancia Delta Intergrale!

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: enio45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">u have to get a vespa for the local, quick trips :-)

i had a nice alfa 166 - fiat punto and 2 vespa's for kicking around.....

fiat 500's are a nice fit as well :-) : not performance oriented but typical car

sounds like fun - i lived in Milan and traveled to Turin every week.......mostly drove the 166, but did the train periodically

itching to do a trip back to the home country - - have a handful of vintage ferrari parts to look for

my family is from Frosinoni - 1.5 hrs south of rome...
</div></div>

Eddie -

Frosinoni isn't too far from me. Right now I'm living in Gricignano and working in Lago Patria. We're looking for a house to rent in Lago Patria; should be moving in next month.

Do you still have any relatives here? Anyone connected with the vintage car scene?

Let me know if you need any help scrounging Ferrari parts.

On the Fiat 500 and Vespa, I'm 6'4&quot; and 230 lbs; not sure I would fit in a Fiat 500 or on a Vespa, and given the way the locals drive, I think I would want something more substantial if I got into a fender bender!

Thanks,

Scott

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tenney</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lancia Thema'll get you a Ferrari motor (328/Mondial 3.2). Kinda cool and subtle little sedan. </div></div>

I'm familiar with the Thema. Neat car, but not exactly what I'm looking for.

Thanks

Scott

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pxtx</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't think I will ever own a Ferrari, but it would be nice. Just like I prefer muscle cars over 2 seater sports cars of the 1960's - so I would lean towards a 4 seater Ferarri too. A later build Mondial convertible would be nice.

That said, you could own one in the US fairly easily. I would be very tempted to find cars which are not available here- especially if they are old enough to legally come back. The Audi/ Group B fan in me would have to at least test drive one of these:

Lancia Delta Intergrale! </div></div>

Yep. Those are definitely on my radar screen. Produced from 1987-1993, so all would be 25 years old (and eligible to import) when I left here in 2018. The 8v and 16v versions can be found for around $10k in driver condition, the EVO 1's bring a few thousand more. The EVO 2's I have seen start out at around $20k. Would certainly be a fun car to tool around Italy in, but at the end of the day, I'm looking for something a bit older and with a bit more character. If I somehow end up with a place with no garage (e.g., we unexpectedly end up on post), have to leave something out in the weather, this makes more sense.

Thanks,

Scott

[TMagda]

I have loved the Iso Grifo ever since I had the Matchbox car as a kid.

[Charley Lillard]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/07/full-23-28793-image001112.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/07/full-23-28794-img_4928.jpg

[black69]

I still havem my original from 69. I was 9 back then.
Back in the day, these were one of the harder matchbox's to find.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo29/xxxblack69/photo1_zpsci4qexjp.jpg (http://s358.photobucket.com/user/xxxblack69/media/photo1_zpsci4qexjp.jpg.html)

[68l30]

First run tires and rims as well as interior/hitch color ...Mine is in much rougher shape, a definite favorite as well.


BIG

[black69]

yep, and ofcourse charlie had to have the <span style="font-style: italic">superfast</span> version, looking at those wheels..:)

[Stefano]

Get a 1970s BMW CS 3.0 Classic styling, you'll fit no problem, very good power to weight ratio and they handle rear well.

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stefano</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get a 1970s BMW CS 3.0 Classic styling, you'll fit no problem, very good power to weight ratio and they handle rear well. </div></div>

Stefano -

The BMW E9's have been on my radar as well -- produced 1968-1975, can find a complete project for somewhere around $5k - http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/detail...p;pageNumber=2# (http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id=206623714&amp;adLimitation=&amp;isSearchRe quest=true&amp;zipcode=&amp;climatisation=&amp;sortOption.sort Order=ASCENDING&amp;sortOption.sortBy=searchNetGrossPr ice&amp;zipcodeRadius=&amp;scopeId=C&amp;damageUnrepaired=ALSO _DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&amp;minFirstRegistrationDate=1965-01-01&amp;maxFirstRegistrationDate=1975-12-31&amp;makeModelVariant1.makeId=3500&amp;makeModelVariant1 .modelId=1&amp;pageNumber=2#)

Nice drivers can be found for less than $15k - http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/detail...p;pageNumber=4# (http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id=207705516&amp;climatisation=&amp;isSearchR equest=true&amp;adLimitation=&amp;zipcode=&amp;zipcodeRadius=&amp; scopeId=C&amp;sortOption.sortOrder=ASCENDING&amp;damageUnr epaired=ALSO_DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&amp;sortOption.sortBy=s earchNetGrossPrice&amp;minFirstRegistrationDate=1965-01-01&amp;maxFirstRegistrationDate=1975-12-31&amp;makeModelVariant1.makeId=3500&amp;makeModelVariant1 .modelId=1&amp;pageNumber=4#)

Good racing pedigree, too. These cars were very successful in their day.

Thanks,

Scott

[parkbrau]

Here is another site: http://www.autoscout24.it/ And here is the link to the EU wide site. http://www.autoscout24.eu/ I'm a bit north of you. So if you see anything in Germany, let me know, as I might be able to check it out depending on distance.

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: John S.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is another site: http://www.autoscout24.it/ And here is the link to the EU wide site. http://www.autoscout24.eu/ I'm a bit north of you. So if you see anything in Germany, let me know, as I might be able to check it out depending on distance. </div></div>

Thanks, John. I'm familiar with autoscout; just find the other sites a bit more user friendly. Will let you know if I find something in your neck of the woods.

Scott

[mockingbird812]

yenko.net......... reaching the far corners of the globe!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Keep us posted Scott. Not bad duty. Have fun!

[Stefano]

Last time I was in Milano, I was working a deal on a CSL &quot;Bat&quot; Car, but prices have moved a bit on those cars.

Your not going to be very comfortable in many of the Ferrari http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/07/full-295-28834-1973_bmw_30_csl_batmobile.jpg
s you mentioned <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mockingbird812</div><div class="ubbcode-body">yenko.net......... reaching the far corners of the globe!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Keep us posted Scott. Not bad duty. Have fun! </div></div>

Will keep y'all posted. Working on renting a house now. Was worried about finding something with a decent garage, but we've managed to find several with large basement garages (easily fit 2 cars + a LOT of tools) within a few miles of work.

Once we nail down the house I can shift my focus to the car search. One bit of bad news -- appears that I/we can only have three vehicle registrations while I'm here. Already have one pending on the 99 318i beater that I picked up, next will be the wife's SUV, which is on it's way here from Korea. And that leaves one more for my play car. Only way you get another registration is if you have written permission, and that's usually only if one of your cars was stolen or totaled. So I may be up sh*t creek without a paddle when that barn find Iso Griffo shows up for $5,000...

Scott

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stefano</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Last time I was in Milano, I was working a deal on a CSL &quot;Bat&quot; Car, but prices have moved a bit on those cars.

Your not going to be very comfortable in many of the Ferraris you mentioned <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif </div></div>

Stefano -

Gorgeous car, but CSL's are a different breed altogether and well out of my price range. An E9 would make more sense if we head to Germany for our next tour although they may be more expensive there. Was surprised to see that folks were buying 633's and 635's in the U.S. and shipping them to Germany to sell; they're more affordable stateside.

As for the interior size, good point. I have done some research and looks like I will fit in a 208/308 GT4, but not the later 308 GTB/GTS, which are out of my price range, anyway. I should be able to fit in a 348, too, but these don't really fire me up, and start out at $30k. For those not familiar with the 308 GT4, designed by Bertone, click here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_GT4 - they're not the same car as the Pininfarina styled 308 GTB/GTS - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_308_GTB/GTS

Scott

[bulletpruf]

Good news! We found a place that the wife likes and it has a very large garage! Only about a mile from work, too.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/House/IMG_3259_zpscpfetgdv.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/House/IMG_3259_zpscpfetgdv.jpg.html)

It's 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms in a gated parco (subdivision). Circular section of the house is for a large marble staircase. We have roof access and a nice view of the bay and Mediterranean. Small pool in the back yard, too. We should be here for 2 or 3 years.

Garage will house my tools -- 90% are in storage in the states, but they're being shipped here now and should be here in about 90 days.

Here's half of my garage space (had a detached 2 car garage as well) when I lived in Columbus, Georgia - 2011-2013. Will have to find room for 80 gallon compressor, tool boxes, bench, grinder, parts washer, blast cabinet, welder, shop press, etc, etc.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/71%20Javelin/IMG00073-20110828-1832.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/71%20Javelin/IMG00073-20110828-1832.jpg.html)

Scott

[mockingbird812]

Looks great Scott. Sounds like you are set. You, of course, have the light-weight tools that won't blow thru your weight limit!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/whistle.gif

P.S. How do you like your Quincy? Thinking of getting a smaller version for my new (smaller) shop. I also like the dolly under your floor drill press - what's the skinny on that?

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mockingbird812</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks great Scott. Sounds like you are set. You, of course, have the light-weight tools that won't blow thru your weight limit!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/whistle.gif

P.S. How do you like your Quincy? Thinking of getting a smaller version for my new (smaller) shop. I also like the dolly under your floor drill press - what's the skinny on that? </div></div>

Yeah, we're right up against our weight limit; think it's 15,500 pounds or something like that. If I keep up with the tool buying spree, we'll have to come out of pocket to move back. Just hope I don't find a few anvils, 8&quot; vises, etc, while I'm here.

I like my Quincy, but these aren't cheap. Think I paid around $2k for it.

Drill press came with the homemade dolly. Bought it used a few years back. DP is heavy enough to keep it from moving around when you're using it.

Thanks

Scott

[mockingbird812]

Thanks Scott. My final PCS in mil was over weight limit by 1.5K and I braced, but alas no additional bill. Just my experience but it could be one of them urban legends.

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mockingbird812</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks Scott. My final PCS in mil was over weight limit by 1.5K and I braced, but alas no additional bill. Just my experience but it could be one of them urban legends. </div></div>

Ruh roh. Recently got the weight from my stuff in CONUS -- 11,500 lbs! Ouch! That will put us well over the weight limit because I think we shipped 8,000 lbs here. Will have to see what we can get rid of once it arrives.

Scott

[bulletpruf]

Well, it's a done deal. After more searching I really narrowed it down to one car -- the 1965-1975 Alfa Romeo GT Junior/GTV. Second place was the Fiat Dino coupe, but a nice Alfa can be bought at half the cost of the Dino, parts are readily available, and there are 20 GT's for every Dino on the market.

I looked at several, but most were fluffed up turds with shoddy bodywork evident under shiny paint.

The car I ended up with is a 1972 GT Junior 1300. I picked it up for 12,000 euros, or about $13,500 U.S. It's quite original, and appears to have had only one repaint many years ago. The car will need a bit of metal work, but I don't think I will find too many surprises when I strip it down.

It runs and drives now, but as soon as my tools arrive (they're on their way over from the U.S. now) and I get the garage set up, it will be time to set all ratchets to counter-clockwise and tear it apart for a full resto.

Will be interesting working on a DOHC all aluminum engine -- looks like a toy compared to the big American V-8s that I'm used to messing with, but at 2,000 lbs, you don't need 500 hp to get it moving.

Plan is to maintain the stock-ish appearance, but with upgraded drivetrain (2 liter engine), upgraded suspension and brakes, and restored/upgraded interior. I'll bring it back to the states when I'm done.

Thanks for all the input!

Scott

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/72%20Alfa%20Romeo%20GT%201300/IMG_3911_zps4h6jdsth.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/72%20Alfa%20Romeo%20GT%201300/IMG_3911_zps4h6jdsth.jpg.html)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/72%20Alfa%20Romeo%20GT%201300/IMG_3894_zpsitb478ap.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/72%20Alfa%20Romeo%20GT%201300/IMG_3894_zpsitb478ap.jpg.html)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/72%20Alfa%20Romeo%20GT%201300/IMG_3884_zpssvz3jekt.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/72%20Alfa%20Romeo%20GT%201300/IMG_3884_zpssvz3jekt.jpg.html)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/72%20Alfa%20Romeo%20GT%201300/IMG_3882_zpsgzungi98.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/72%20Alfa%20Romeo%20GT%201300/IMG_3882_zpsgzungi98.jpg.html)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/72%20Alfa%20Romeo%20GT%201300/IMG_3917_zpsfhggxdp1.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/72%20Alfa%20Romeo%20GT%201300/IMG_3917_zpsfhggxdp1.jpg.html)

[markinnaples]

Fun looking little car and I can totally see that tarted up like a road racer. What's your plan for the exterior?

[enio45]

scott, there is a big show coming up in 2 weeks in Paodva - -largest and one of the best swap meets in italy. Attracts lots of international buyers for rare, and vintage italian parts.

Look up Padova Fiere - located in Padova (on the way to Venice) .

Im trying to figure a way to go myself to look for some F-car parts.

Worth the effort and numerous hotels right there in town next to the Fair.

[mockingbird812]

That is a good looking Alfa. Great colors too. Keep us posted on her progress! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fun looking little car and I can totally see that tarted up like a road racer. </div></div>

You mean something like this?
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/Italian%20Cars/DSC1568_zpsluobxzlz.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/Italian%20Cars/DSC1568_zpsluobxzlz.jpg.html)

Or this?
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/Italian%20Cars/gtv-2_zps45gf03f7.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/Italian%20Cars/gtv-2_zps45gf03f7.jpg.html)

Or one of these?
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/Italian%20Cars/aa44c719235497c8932dd656e34fdd0e_zps389edrtu.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/Italian%20Cars/aa44c719235497c8932dd656e34fdd0e_zps389edrtu.jpg.h tml)

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: enio45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">scott, there is a big show coming up in 2 weeks in Paodva - -largest and one of the best swap meets in italy. Attracts lots of international buyers for rare, and vintage italian parts.

Look up Padova Fiere - located in Padova (on the way to Venice) .

Im trying to figure a way to go myself to look for some F-car parts.

Worth the effort and numerous hotels right there in town next to the Fair.

</div></div>

Thanks for the heads up, will try to fit it into my schedule, but on the road a lot these days. Kosovo yesterday. Brussels on Sunday. Kosovo again next Friday, followed by Sarajevo. Then to Skopje a few days later.

Grazie,

Scott

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mockingbird812</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is a good looking Alfa. Great colors too. Keep us posted on her progress! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif </div></div>

Thanks, Sam. Hope I'm still loving it when I get the paint stripped and see what I have to work with.

Scott

[markinnaples]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bulletpruf</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fun looking little car and I can totally see that tarted up like a road racer. </div></div>

You mean something like this?
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/Italian%20Cars/DSC1568_zpsluobxzlz.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/Italian%20Cars/DSC1568_zpsluobxzlz.jpg.html)

Or this?
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/Italian%20Cars/gtv-2_zps45gf03f7.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/Italian%20Cars/gtv-2_zps45gf03f7.jpg.html)

Or one of these?
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/Cars/Italian%20Cars/aa44c719235497c8932dd656e34fdd0e_zps389edrtu.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/sd_walters/media/Cars/Italian%20Cars/aa44c719235497c8932dd656e34fdd0e_zps389edrtu.jpg.h tml) </div></div>

Yes, esp that last one.

[scuncio]

Love it! I had a 72 GTV with the 2L engine that was a lot of fun. I'll buy yours when you're sick of it!! Seriously!!

[bulletpruf]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scuncio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Love it! I had a 72 GTV with the 2L engine that was a lot of fun. I'll buy yours when you're sick of it!! Seriously!! </div></div>

Ok. I'll be here for 2 or 3 more years. Bringing it back to the states with me when I finish my tour.

FYI - GTV 2000's have jumped in price recently. There are a few on eBay now with an asking price of $50k. Glad I bought a GT Junior; they're much more affordable.

Scott