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The Founder Of Petrolicious Has An Alfa Romeo Problem
I’ve always like Alfas after being introduced to them as a four year old. The spectre of rust and reliabilty always put me off getting one until late last year when I bought a V6 156. So far it hasn’t given me any real grief, and it’s so much more interesting to drive than my daily Mondeo.
I recall the first time I saw an Alfa Giulia SS at a European Car show many years ago. There was a field of Italian exotica with the usual assortment of modern Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghinis but it was the Alfa SS that I kept returning to view. For about a year I scanned the classifieds finding a few under $30K but I recall thinking that was too expensive at the time! Oh well, these magnificent Petrolicious videos will have to substitute for ownership – for now.
Alfa Disease is an incurable addiction that can strike at any time once you have been exposed to what wonderful little cars these are. For me it was when my dad brought home a 1960 Giulietta Spider around 1964. His friends were all buying sports cars and he brought home this little red convertible that we somehow managed to fit a family of 5 and a Standard Poodle into on rare occasions. The first car I ever drove was that Alfa when I was 14 years old and it has affected me for life. I’ve owned both a 1958 and a 1961 Giulietta Spider and I have serious lust in my heart for a Giulietta Sprint coupe. Strangely I’ve never had the desire for a Ferrari or other Italian exotic- the Alfas do exactly what I want a car for – they are such an absolute joy to drive. I will admit to having an ongoing Porsche problem though. Beautiful Sprint Special – especially in white. My favorites are the dark grey and white.
There are Ferraris and Maseratis and Lambos on the “far” end of the Italian spectrum, and lots of cars on the other end.
Alfas transcend similar classification, or placement on that spectrum.
Alfa Romeo is, to me, the most Italian car, a symbol of everything that makes motoring a magical adventure.
I have never owned one. Lately I am seeing Spider Veloces with some regularity here in Manhattan. I think my time is approaching.
Your videos are always a joy, and this is one of the best. You articulate so well what so many of us are smitten by. Your gift to your public of these magnificent videos encapsulating the art of the man/machine affair is appreciated. Collection of Alfas is stunning.
Also striking is how your videos and this genre of machines makes up for the overwhelmingly bland automotive scene around us, suvs, automatic transmissions, trinket gadgets, and ponderous mass.
Please never stop doing what you are doing.
Great story, well told. Thank you for sharing. Drive long & prosper….
Music as usual was great. BTW, as a father’s day gift..how about a cd with some of the best music you’ve featured on your site. I’m thinking the piano pieces on the million mile porsche story and the story about the white Jag XK 120 from Compton for example…just a thought
As they say, Always Looking for Another is really what Alfa means to those smitten. Still own my dads GTV he bought new in 67, found my 63 Spider race car in 2003 and am deep into a 59 Touring spider restoration now. They are all unique, visually and emotionally and definitely create a connection like no other car I’ve ever owned. Love the site, look forward to Tuesdays movies and dream of being a part of it someday. Ciao
I missed the Alfa train in 1972 when I chose a 2002 BMW over a Giulia Sprint. That BMW led to many of the same marque over the years but Alfas always had a hold over me. I’ve been a Mustang enthusiast of late but it looks like this fall or winter I’ll be shopping for my first Alfa.
Better late than never eh?
I was in my early 20’s in the 1970s when I attended a car auction, held by Maynard’s Auctioneers in Vancouver. At the auction was a Alfa which I bid on. I was the highest bidder and it was “going once, going twice” when I got scared. I was scared because I had no idea of where to source parts, then someone bid higher. I have to say that I was really relieved. The Alfa was either a blue or green and was from the early 1960s. I still think of it now and then and wonder.
My Sympathies Afshin… My father and I have owned a number of these as well, but unfortunately, we are not in the position of late to maintain any that we desire. I’d have to say that you suffer from a high quality problem, where as we are left with just a drool issue. Please let us know when you look into the Pur Sang 1920’s 8C Grand Prix recreations being constructed in Argentina. They are supposed to be the best proximity to the real thing for 1/10th the price (a bargain at $250,000). Perhaps then you will have a real Alfa Problem…
