Highlights
- A new cambelt belt fitted in February of this year
- Completely new suspension set-up
- Ex-Alfa GB press car
The Appeal
Full of soul, character, and noise the Alfa Romeo GTV Cup is one of those special cars that rarely grace the roads. Through the success of the GTV Cup racing series, Alfa decided to capitalise on this with a limited run of 264 LHD cars and 155 RHD cars, with this being number 42 it is a rather early car. This car has been used well throughout its life but in recent years it has received a lot of love, like a glass out full body respray, a totally new suspension set up, and a new cambelt. Meaning the next owner can drive away with ease.
The most interesting piece of information about this particular example is that it was part of the Alfa Romeo GB press fleet. The car was used for promotional work with a photo shoot taking place at Snetterton circuit resulting in a series of postcards handed out to the UK dealer network.
Luckily the current owner lives down the road from the circuit, so we were able to draw inspiration from the 2001 photoshoot some 20 years later.
Luckily the current owner lives down the road from the circuit, so we were able to draw inspiration from the 2001 photoshoot some 20 years later.
The History and Paperwork
- This car was first registered by Alfa Romeo GB for use on their press fleet
- The first stamp in the service book is from Fiat Auto (U.K.) LTD Press Fleet Centre, which really does help back the previous comment
- During 2001 it was used for a photoshoot at Snetterton circuit, and the photos were then distributed throughout the dealer network. Some of these cards can be found in this car’s paperwork bundle.
- It was then sold through Perrys of Aylesbury to its first private owner who would keep the car until 2010
- Passing through another two owners it would end up with the previous owner in 2016 who acquired it in a bit of a sorry state
- During their ownership, a full-body glass out respray was undertaken and they even sourced a genuine Alfa Romeo windscreen
- A new Wizard quad exhaust was fitted with sports cats too, this makes sure that the Busso V6 can emit its glorious soundtrack unobstructed
- Along with the aesthetic regeneration, there were some new belts fitted along with a new water pump
- After all of this work, it would win best in show at a car meet, and you can see why when you’re up and close
- The current owner acquired the car in 2020, and they quickly had the suspension rebuilt with Koni Street front dampers, new bump stops, new rear spring pan, lower arms, and new rear anti-roll bar drop links.
- In February of this year, the car had a new cam belt fitter along with a new water pump, thermostat, spark plugs, and radiator.
- Some welding was also required to the sills near one of the jacking points for the MOT last year.
- With all of this work completed in the latter part of its life, this car is in remarkable visible and mechanical condition. It will shock you when you get in and go for a drive with just how quick the old girl really is.
- The majority of the paperwork has been photographed so a prospective buyer can have a read of what has been done to the car.
- A current V5 is present
- It also comes with a lot of Alfa literature in the original handbook, along with the infamous postcards of this car at Snetterton circuit
The Interior
- The limited-edition seats are in great condition
- Identity plaque in the dash shows this is No.42
- Glorious noise creeps into the cabin from the Wizard exhaust
With the interior of a car being the part that you will interact with the most throughout your ownership, it is vital that it is comfortable and in great condition, the interior of this GTV Cup is both in great condition and rather comfortable. You also get a sense that this is a driver's car from the angled instruments set into the centre consoled, something of a design feature on older Alfas.
The two special front seats are in very good condition, with the driver’s seat usually receiving the most wear it is surprising that this has held up as well as it has. The passenger’s seats are usually used less and therefore don’t receive the level of wear that the driver’s seat would. Along with the seats the carpets also appear to be in rather good condition.
All of the switchgear is presented in very good condition, and all of the markings are still present and easily legible. The previous owner even went as far as to source an OEM Clarion stereo and multi-changer system in the boot. This system works nicely today; the current owner has refrained from upgrading the system due to the originality of the rest of the interior.
The next owner, hopefully, yourself, will be able to create many happy memories within the interior of this car. It has a real sense of Italian flair and character to it.
The Exterior
- Beautiful angular design
- The alloys are in great condition
- With the recent respray, it looks great
What a pretty car, the angular lines lead your eye from the low-slung nose up towards the rear wing. A marvel of Italian flair and design the GTV Cup will also turn heads through both its looks, and its soundtrack thanks to quad tailpipes.
Thanks to the time and effort put into the recent respray it now sits resplendent in any light and from any angle. The brilliant-looking alloy wheels are mainly void of any nasty curb rash, there is a small mark on one of the rear alloys, but this could be seen as negligible when looking at the rest of the exterior condition.
The front end of this car is definitely eye-catching, with the characteristic Alfa Romeo triangle where the badge sits, it also has very small apertures for the headlights which are housed neatly behind the bonnet another wonderful piece of the car's design.
Overall, the exterior of this GTV is in great condition, with a simple glance you will fall in love with its looks and appeal. It is one of those cars that only an Italian could design, and it never fails to turn a head or ten.
The Mechanics
- New cambelt fitted this year
- Appears to have lost none of her power
- Well maintained throughout its life
As the road-going version was based on the racing version you will be correct in thinking that this is one beast of a car to drive. Fitted with one of the best soundings V6’s ever produced, the Busso, this Alfa is full of driving character and is bound to give any driver ‘the fizz’ that only a true driver's car can evoke.
It may have a large number of miles, but with the amount of mechanical work that has been completed over the past few years and the great service record in the book, it is no surprise that this GTV Cup has made it this far.
As soon as you turn the key and the Busso fires into life, barking through the Wizard exhaust, it evokes a deep excitement to just get out and drive. Slipping it into first and pulling away is an effortless task and as you rise through the rev range and change gear you gain an understanding as to why people love these cars so much.
After 21 years on the road, she shows no signs of slowing down, performing as well as the day she left the factory. If you are looking for a fun and different car to add to your collection this rare Alfa should be at the top of your list.
Summary
With such a great and individual story, this Alfa will occupy a part of your heart much like a family pet does. It is an endearing car that will provide you with so many happy memories in the future. Whether you wish to show the car or use it as the designers intended it should never let you down.
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