Rob's rust-free alfa page - guaranteed

It's a training and transport tool, not a pursuit vehicle, folks. At least it's an Alfa!

The original article is here (thanks Alfa Australia)

Have you ever wondered exactly where Alfa is heading these days? Other than up market? We have a top-end: the luxo GT, 166 and Brera, but the bottom is wearing thin. Does the 147 still cut it? The GTA probably does, but the base 147 is neither here nor there. It's more a Type 33 than an Alfasud in a market relentlessly moving up.

Look at the Brera - clearly a GTV - and then look at the sedan-like GT. Hmmm. Trying to be all things to all people, at least at these higher altitudes, and losing the overall target? I'd imagine the the Brera is for the sports crowd (you and me, natch) and the GT is for those anxious Alfisti who don't wish to look too sporty. (It's worth checking out Italiancar.net for their comparo between these 2 Alfas.) Personally - since you asked - the GT is a bit, ummm, dull to look at for my taste; and the Brera that has arrived here is Oz is sadly watered down from the original show car. And both are a bit too pricey. (Or is that just me? I find it hard to justify that level of investment in a car.) I'll wait for a real GTV to come along, thanks - not quite practical but close enough, a sporty GT, low-slung with great style and enough ooomph to get by - at a price that's attractive. Sadly that's not likely to be an Alfa, unless the forthcoming "MINI-killer" has a Sprint derivative?

Now a true 147 Sprint - a pretty coupe with the 4 cylinder tweaked for an edge - that I could buy.

I have many more automotive images here, but here are a couple of my favourites...

Before the GTV and the 33ti I had a marvellous time in the Giulietta. Effortless cruising, amazing ride and soft but reliable handling. Not as twitchy as the GTV, but then the GTV has been 'Bilsteined' and that changed its character somewhat!

GTV 840, up on stands. No particular reason - I was just admiring its engineering!