Alfa Romeo 916 GTV and Spider

The Complete Story

Robert Foskett

• Editore: Crowood
• Anno: 2013
• ISBN:
  9781847975331
• Argomento: Technik & Maschinenbau
• Categoria: Automobil- & Transportbranche

Alfa Romeo 916 GTV and Spider traces the complete story of the Alfa Romeo GTV and Spider models produced between 1994 - 2005, commonly known to enthusiasts by the manufacturer's project code as the 916 series. The 916 models would always be controversial - they replaced the iconic Spider, the best-selling Alfa Romeo sports model of all time, and the brand-establishing Alfetta GTV. Sharing components and a platform with a humble Fiat hatchback, would the cars ever be considered 'real' Alfa Romeos? The cars were critically acclaimed, and, though they faced tough competition in the late 1990s from the likes of the Audi TT, they remained in production for over a decade. Topics covered include: Full history of the 916 series GTV and Spider models; Design, development and evolution of the models from 1994 - 2005; Participation of the GTV in motorsport; Model variations in depth through all three facelifts; Previously unpublished production figures, and chassis numbers for the desirable, limited-edition GTV Cup model. Comprehensively researched guide to the entire lifespan of the 916 series.Will appeal to Alfa Romeo and automotive enthusiasts.The history and design process are examined along with an in-depth guide to each of the model variants produced.The cars' current position in the classic car market is considered.Superbly illustrated with 240 colour photographs.Robert Foskett is a life-long Italian car enthusiast with a special interest in Alfa Romeo.

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCING THE GTV AND SPIDER

‘Every time I see an Alfa Romeo pass by, I lift my hat.’

Henry Ford

There is something intrinsically magical about an Italian car. Perhaps it is the flair, aesthetic sensibility and love that designers have lavished on even the most humble of their designs that shines through, enriching the ownership experience with elegant form and delightful detail just waiting to be discovered. Happily, as a reflection of the Italian nation’s post-war democratic leanings, the experience is not reserved exclusively for luxury car buyers; even the most basic of Italian transport usually contains a satisfying feature or an intriguing line or two – cleverly conceived flourishes sure to delight an owner. Perhaps the artistry in car design is merely an expression of an idealized, stereotyped Italian approach to life and style, an echo of spontaneity and confidence that crystallizes in the form and function of the cars they produce. Even better, an Italian car will usually exhibit the same confident exuberance on the road; progress is often exciting, but at the same time somehow carefree, easy-going and always a great deal of fun.

Whatever the indefinable characteristic that makes Italian cars special, enthusiasts are captivated. It takes more than mere unreliability to turn an Italian car fan from the object of their passion and they usually remain loyal for life – a curious affliction, given that Italian cars of old were perhaps equally capable of frustrating as delighting their owners. The notorious lack of reliability and resilience are well-publicized clichés that are nevertheless rooted in historic reality. To choose an Italian car in the 1970s and 1980s was to live in the permanent shadow of impending electrical breakdown and the early onset of terminal corrosion, the nightmare often compounded by abysmal manufacturer support and dealer indifference.

And while Italian cars are no longer the quality control nightmares they were thirty years ago, a shadow of the legacy remains; quirks and irritants are often apparent even in the best of the breed. Most owners tolerate and some delight in idiosyncrasies that include excessive oil consumption, awkward seating and recalcitrant controls, even arguing that such foibles are embedded within the character of their favourite marque. Happily, in recent years design and construction processes have improved to the point that excuses are no longer necessary. In newer models, such quirks are very minor in nature and usually easy to ignore. Sadly, journalists and amateur pundits often seize upon minor foibles, so that these come to dominate press coverage and discussion about a certain model, overshadowing virtues the car may possess. In this climate of criticism, it is hard to imagine why a prospective owner would choose to invest their hard-earned funds in an Italian car, no matter how extreme the exaggeration of its failings, or outdated the tales of unreliability may be.

So why do enthusiasts buy Italian cars? Some are surely seduced by the promise of high performance, whether or not they intend to exploit the turn of speed. Many will buy in anticipation of an involving driving experience, craving incisive and informative steering, precise and powerful braking, and optimal gearing accessed through a positive and accurate shift mechanism. Some will be sufficiently discerning to hope that these responsive controls harness vivacious handling and tenacious roadholding capabilities to make every drive an event to be savoured. Ultimate speed and handling prowess are by no means the sole preserve of Italian manufacturers, though many feel these Italian products offer the least compromised and most driver-focused performance capabilities, in a package that emphasizes satisfaction and rewards skill.

A handful of technically literate enthusiasts will savour the prospect of owning a machine that embodies the most advanced engineering techniques. They may be seduced by the promise of cleverly conceived engines that harness race-car technology in order to offer an intellectually satisfying combination of performance and efficiency. It is a well-judged compromise that balances outright speed with an acceptable level of economy and emissions cleanliness, a tightrope that Italian manufacturers must negotiate for success in their home market; circumventing punishing taxes imposed on profligate large-capacity motors, without sacrificing the potential for speed that certain Italian drivers demand.

A contemporary, handsome and stylish design, ideally one executed by a fashionable design house, will always exert an influence on the market. Many would-be drivers certainly wish to express their own personal style and good taste through their belongings, and there is none more important than the car they drive. There is an attractive haute-couture connotation inherent in a model obviously drawn by a big-name designer, particularly if he has attached at least equal importance to aesthetic excellence as to convenience and functionality.

There may even be a very few buyers for whom an association with a distinguished history of automotive achievement is a prerequisite for their new car purchase. They may be interested only in cars produced by a marque with a strong sporting heritage, a memorable range of historically significant cars and an unmatched track record of sporting success. They may demand a track record of the highest order – success in Grand Prix or international sports-car endurance races, or perhaps a history redolent with adventurous achievements, iconic characters and sporting legend. But most would-be owners, especially those of moderate income, have no alternative but to balance selfish obsession with the need for a measure of practicality; the ability to move people and possessions around reliably and in reasonable comfort, and without exorbitant maintenance or fuel costs. And many, often by financial necessity, though sometimes by preference, will be required to make a selection from the pre-owned market.

Anyone looking to meet one or two such criteria will find it easy to generate a lengthy shortlist of potential purchases. If performance is the criteria, a Ferrari fits the bill to perfection. Technical accomplishment can be found in modest, yet innovative, Fiat models like the 500 Twin Air. Bodywork by illustrious design house Bertone can be found on Lancia’s new Delta. And few manufacturers have a race-winning pedigree longer than that boasted by Maserati. However, a prospective purchaser wishing to encapsulate all these criteria in a single selection will find that their shortlist is, well, short – and even shorter if their budget is modest.

Front view of a Phase 1 GTV TB. Note the predominantly matt-black detailing and complete absence of chrome highlights on the first series grille design. (Radboud Vaessen)

Happily for such a picky enthusiast there is a family of cars that delivers on all counts. It is a family of moderately practical sports cars, from which any version is eminently capable of being used for work or play, as cosseted toy or year-round transport. Within this family are models that boast intelligently efficient 4-cylinder motors, striking an admirable balance between zesty performance and economy of operation, and much-admired V6 power units delivering characterful and muscular performance, to the accompaniment of a sublime soundtrack.

They hail from one of the most revered of automobile manufacturers, with an illustrious roller-coaster history and an incredible scorecard of motorsport success. A marque with a backstory that includes engineers of undoubted genius, famous racing drivers, whose exploits have become legend, and even the protective shadow of Fascist patronage. A manufacturer whose story is intertwined with perhaps the most iconic of all characters in motoring history; factory driver and competition manager, Enzo Ferrari.

Norwegian market 3.0 GTV 24V. (Joachim von der Lippe)

Note the standard, flattened exhaust outlet to the 3.0 GTV 24V, perhaps a missed opportunity to distinguish visually the highest performing Phase 2 model from 4-cylinder cars. (Joachim von der Lippe)

Phase 1 GTV TB in profile. The matt-black painted sills and lower bumper mouldings would feature only on this first series of GTV/Spiders. (Radboud Vaessen)

Sketched by a gifted designer working at the most fashionable Italian styling house, who conceived a single elegant design to clothe two distinctive models – purposeful coupé and glamour-infused Spider. Moderately priced and relatively attainable when new, today they represent a startlingly g...