mjheathcote
Centenary Club
- Messages
- 9,046
The sheer beauty of the P4 was the elimination of torque steer. Having many happy memories of booting it when exiting a roundabout and it just gripped! Especially as I had grippy Yokohama tyres on too!
Andy is basically an Alfa Sud underneath, a brilliant but seriously flawed car with very poor build quality made from **** Russian steel but it handles and drives like any true Alfa should.
Is it a classic, well yes, but aggro money pit too hence why prices are low.
However they did still have the Alfa character and that ability to bring a smile to your face
Right, I see Matt......I suppose the Sud was such a pretty car and I can see why that is a classic.....where as the 33 will never win any beauty contests although I know looks along do not make a classic........Interesting price for the 33.........Think I would prefer a 164 or 166 as loved both of these and liked the looks more.
The problem on both cars is parts availability. In the process of sourcing what I need for a Sud TiX restoration and it is a nightmare. Between them the Sud and 33 had nearly 1.5 units produced and the parts supply is at best extremely patchy.
The image challenge with the 33 is the common theme that is not as good as the Sud, based on the magazine reviews of the time. I am sure owners of the 33 would disagree. The Sud was labeled iconic and therefore seems to have a cachet and price premium. Alfa tried to make the 33 more grown up and substantial and was move it up market to maximize profits.
I can't remember the last time I saw a 33 sportwagon, even a FWD - such a rare beast now and I did enjoy it.
I'm the same as you, if only I had more space! I live in an old farmhouse and if the yard next door ever goes on the market, I will be there in a flash - some lovely big barns to store so many cars!
9 SW's left, I think 4 on the road, 2 series 3 and 2 series 2, though may be wrong. My supplier of 33 parts has one -
View attachment 33059
It looks in good shape. I must dig out my old paperwork and check with the DVLA to see if mine is still going. I part ex'ed against my Delta Evo in around '98
Ha. Thanks for the kind comments regarding my 33. I'm touched. Let me have you're reg & I'll tell you if you're ex 33 is still around. We only have 13 sportwagons left, sadly I have to admit I have 3 of them! Ha.