Was The 105 Series GTV Alfa Romeo's Best Car?

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Jack, I am 0:05 sec into the video and I had to stop it, just to type this comment: immediate goosebumps listening to that engine. You could wake me up 2:00 am in the morning and let me listen to the engine note and I would instantly know it’s an Alfa. What a symphony

The car is an icon. I would imagine the Alfaholics upgrade doubled the value of the car. Worth every penny, a thoroughly enjoyable video.

Back in 1980, at the age of 20, I'd just written-off my first car. Up until this time I'd driven a variety of very average vehicles, and I had my heart set on something I now recognise as just another very average car... when a colleague convinced me I should buy Italian instead. One of the first Italian cars I looked at was a 105 series GTV 1750 with a 2000 motor fitted. It was just sensational! Within seconds of leaving the dealer's yard on a test drive, my face split in two with a grin... and I as said at the time, "little hands came out of the firewall and pulled my right foot down". It's probably just as well it was a little out of my price range because I strongly suspect that if I'd bought it I would have killed myself in it. It was impossible (for me) to drive it without "fanging the crap out of it". I ended up buying a 124 Sport instead, but 43 years later that short drive in a 105 series GTV remains one of my most memorable driving experiences.

I've always loved the look of the 105 GTVs, especially in red or other light colours that show off the lines. One of Bertone's best!

This is a pure Sport Car. I'm Spanish and a raised up in Switzerland (Zürich) with a lot Italian friends. We all freak up with Alfa Romeo in the 80's. I had a Gulia Nuova Super 1600 yellow race look and i had also an Alfasud TI. Lovely two Weber double barrel carbs. Unique sound and awesome engine used for décades since the 70's. BEAUTIFUL!!!

I remember when these were new, and I thought then and still do think they are one of the best-looking European cars ever. They were real stunners when they first showed up.

I've been driving Alfas since 1977 and had a few race cars from 101 and 105 series. I agree the 105s have something special...but I have to say that they all do. And I loved the Alfetta gearbox. And the Busso V6 in my GTV6, my two 75s, my 164 (which is a real BMW beater), etc. My current 2023 Giulia is the best car I've ever owned...better than the six 911s or the Audis or VWs or Mercedes or 308 GTSi or the Maserati. The Alfa engineers and the cars they built has continually survived the bad management of the company. Great video...thanks.

The Alfetta through to the 75 were also great cars, with perfect weight distribution from the transaxle set-up.

I own both a 1969 1750 GT Veloce and a 50 years younger Giulia Veloce Q4. The bertone is truly an iconic Alfa with wonderfully balanced steering and a fantastic engine. I just love it. The Giulia is the (underrated) modern equivalent. Beautiful to look at and, as a saloon, unparalleled to drive (and I used to be a BMW enthusiast).

My Mum had a 1976 GT 1600 Junior. As a young lad it was so exotic & beautiful. I remember watching the speedo as she went over 100 mph- it was so exciting. Sadly it rusted to dust over the coming years. Very sad 😢

I owned a 1971 GTV, most memorial car I've ever owned and I've had over 40 cars.

The 105 GTV must be one of the prettiest cars ever. So few lines, so well proportioned. Unfortunately I've never driven one, but I'll take your word for it. This is peak Alfa Romeo.

I had a rare 105 series Guilia GTC in the mid 80's. I bought it from RW Banks who later became Alfaholics. Richard Banks restored the bodywork for me and the car looked stunning! I sold it ( for 6k! ) when the kids came along 😢 of course I wish I still had it....

On the contrary, I thought the 5 speed box in the 105 series was one of the best 5 speed changes of all time. Mechanically precise, oily slick delightful in its movement. 5 th gear just a handspan from the steering wheel , with smaller short movement shifts , you have to take your hand a greater distance to operate. It’s best to FEEL the change with fingertip movements - that’s how you drive an Alfa.

I remember, in 1974, the first time I was in Milan, seeing a lot of these cars. They all seemed to be 1300 Juniors. They were almost all red. I had not bought my first car (that would turn out to be a 1967 Austin Healey Sprite MK III). My brother had a 1968 Triumph GT6, and we were really into sports cars, so seeing all those Alfas in downtown Milan was really special.

One of the most desirable cars. So subtle and perfect proportions. It's a true thing of beauty. The modifications seem to have improved it too! Nice one Jack

There was plenty more to come from Alfa after the 105 series. Late model Alfasuds with the 1.7L boxer engines, especially the Sprints. Superbly balanced rear transaxle Alfettas. The Busso V6 in all its forms. 155s looking fantastic and winning race series. 4Cs with proper carbon tubs - and the Giulia V6 500hp cars. I have a step-front 1600 GTV and it's great - but my 164 24v car is great too, so no, I don't think it was "all downhill from here.."

Loved the 105 and the 124 spider you tested yesterday. Both fantastic. The Italians made some really great cars in the past.

They always say everyone should have an Alfa at some time , ultimate drivers car . And that one is a stunner . Great vid on the Alfa (even though sadly most suffer from rust )One of my many fave classics.