Why do we do it?

[Alfamet]

OK, so having an Alfasud Sprint Sprint as my ideal car, which will be tucked away in the garage for use only on high days and holidays after its resto', I've suddenly got the urge to go all 'retro' for my everyday driver. I now have the chance to buy an Alfa 146 Junior which, because of its provenance and service/MOT history, I desperately want to add to my collection. The speedo' reads a genuine 27,000 miles and the thing is like new with no rust to be seen anywhere.
What do you think? Anyone else on here use a 'Classic' as an everyday driver? I cover about 8,000 miles per annum.

[KevJTD]

I love my little 145 QV Col, sure you had a 145 recently too?
They're a great daily driver, mine isn't at all bad on fuel and comfy enough to use every day, all of which I'm sure you know!

Go for it, you can never have too many options

[Kegsti66]

I still love my 156 jtd.
Go for it. Is that a boxer engine'd or T spark ?

[Alfamet]

Twin Spark. I have had a number of 145/6s in the past and loved them but I've heard arguments that at that low mileage it'd be a shame to add any more to the car and keep it as some sort of museum piece.
Cars are for driving, right?

[Kegsti66]

Right

[junior]

My chum who used to ride Vincent motorbikes which hardly anyone uses now,( investments now) lived by the motto of use it, wear it out, restore it and go again.

Go for it. Esp as the knowledge is there now of all the cars weak points and you can put in some preventative measures.

[Alfamet]

You're right Junior. The crankshaft position sensor springs to mind, they always fail at some point, as do saggy rear shock absorbers but that's about it. Cheap as chips to fit as preventative measures though.

You know what? I'm going to go for it. Watch this space for pictures. According to the 'How Many Left' website there's only three 146 Juniors still on the road, of which the car in question is one, out of a total of twelve (nine on SORN). Makes me want to save and cherish the thing for that reason alone.

The Alfa virus strikes again!

[Kegsti66]

The Alfa virus strikes again!

Lets hope it doesn't clear up.!!

[Alfamet]

As far as I'm aware Keith, there's no known cure. Thank goodness.

Can be isolated but it never goes away!

[Alfamet]

Coincidentally, I've just discovered browsing through my private collection today that the car that I'm interested in is exactly the same spec and colour as these official Alfa Romeo Press Release photographs:

146 Junior in Met Titanium Grey

The car from its best angle I think

[KevJTD]

Coincidentally, I've just discovered browsing through my private collection today that the car that I'm interested in is exactly the same spec and colour as these official Alfa Romeo Press Release photographs:

s-l1600.jpg

1600.jpg

If ever fate was trying to tell you it's a great idea.....

[Alfamet]

Kev. I think you're right!

[Kegsti66]

Yep !! the planets have lined up Colin.
It is meant to be.

[Alfamet]

As if I needed any further convincing!

[Alfamet]

Deal sorted. Watch this space.....

[KevJTD]

inevitable

looking forward to hearing about it mate

[Alfamet]

inevitable

looking forward to hearing about it mate

Well, yes.... It was.

[LooLooSud33Spider]

I also have a dilemma brewing . I’m about to acquire a 145QV minus bumpers and wheels . Initially idea was to break it for the engine and box suspension etc as spares for the spider . However I saw it the other day and I’m starting to think it’s too good for that . The interior is mint but The paint will need a bit of tlc due to bird droppings having been left
On for 7 yrs . It Apparently it ran very well when parked. To put it into context We already have 7 cars. And Charlotte is not going to be happy if I put another in the road. Please advise .

[KevJTD]

They are getting too rare to break now, especially good ones.

Save it!

[LooLooSud33Spider]

Mmm tend to agree Kev I know it’s had some welding work done a few years ago but I understand it was done to a high std. but I’ll review when I collect it. It’s also got a full set of Konis and a raggazon exh system. It had a new variatior and was apparently well maintained before it was taken off the road. Anyway If I do keep it I’ll need some std bumpers. And maybe some Q.V. Alloys.

[Alfamet]

Either way Lou you'll be doing someone a favour by offering spares and parts to keep an existing car on the road or else rescuing another.

[Alfamet]

Well, it appears that good things come to those who wait. My 146 Junior is now not available until October 1st. The vendor's gone off on holiday to France*. Ah, well....
On the plus side, he put the car through the MOT Test before he went and it passed with no advisories whatsoever. Not bad at all for a nineteen year old car.

*Fortunately not in the 146!

[Alfamet]

Right, after what seems like a long, long wait I'm due to collect the 146 at the beginning of next week. Stand by for pictures....

[KevJTD]

Standing by

[Alfamet]

Pictures as promised.
Collect her on Monday next week.
The images don't do the car justice as the saying goes as they were taken by a rubbish mobile phone but wow! What a car! A real time-warp machine!

[Sud 145]

Can't be many T reg motors of any make that look that good?

[KevJTD]

Really does look a tidy example Colin, hope it goes as well as it looks

[Alfamet]

I don't see why not to be honest Kev. Low mileage, fastidious service record, all belts, tensioners, spark plugs and variator done and no rust.
First job when it lands will be to underseal it to keep it that way!

[KevJTD]

Inspirational stuff Col, in fact the thread question I have asked myself.....so a new purchase for myself should be completed this Sunday....

[alfadave]

Maybe pump the cills full of waxoyl or similar?
The rear end of the cills rusted on the ones I've had......also the rear floor area.