Alfa Romeo GTV
by Simon Payne 15.04.03
This is a car for a different attitude, possibly even a different era. The efficiency and effectiveness model that we are all conditioned to use as a decision making tool would mean the gorgeous GTV wouldn't make it into the top 50. But is it for you? Well if you're the type who believes the way to your first born is to rush home when all things are optimised, to execute the conception model when the thermometer says the time right then no, its not. But if your first thoughts are to start the evening by booking a quiet table in an intimate restaurant then good on you. You see, if you are even mildly different and you value individuality even more than the output from a web site cost calculator then consider this car. Quite frankly I don't care that I can't see the radio when the car is in third gear, I even resent the fact that journalists even mention it. Or that the door bins empty themselves across the car park when you exit the vehicle at anything more than the speed of Thora Herd. It's still the best car I've ever had. After 46,000 miles I'm still keeping the "to do" list down to a manageable number and I still catch a new line, a new curve on the beautifully organic body. The design is old, but good enough to rise above the fashion fads of today. Valentino will always be in and so will the GTV. And the cockpit is a great place to be, personal as only a coupe is with seats that are the most comfortable in the world. Well they are if you are 5'10 and under. Any taller and the top of the wind screen make the sun visor redundant. And the 2.0 litre version is a great drive. The thing about Alfas is you don't have to have the most powerful engine, they are all good, in fact sometimes it's more satisfying to know that you and the car can explore each others limits without needing an airfield to do so. As cars go they say GTV doesn't register on the practical scale at all. Not true. If you have two kids both under four they slot in the back beautifully. And the wine stands upright in the boot. My wife loves it. To drive it's very intoxicating. The more I drive it the more I like it. Our hundred thousand mile journey together is about half done and we may be the one in three that doesn't get a divorce. Anyway to put romance to bed, the ride is firm, build quality varies depending on what part of the car you are looking at, they dent bloody easily (so park at the far end of the car park and enjoy the walk. Finally a point on service: if you buy second-hand please don't go to a dealer. Find an independent Alfa Romeo specialist; he won't take credit card but he won't be called Dwain either.
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