Folks,
Just putting word out that if anyone knows of a series 1 156 V6 manual that is for sale locally, I may be interested.
Manual Busso only - I'm not interested in a four pot, nor a facelift model.
If you know of one, please PM.
Cheers
There's a black 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 V6 Manual for $3,500 in Bentley WA 6102 on CarSales.com.au currently. Not sure if that's Series 1 but it's the original shape.
Happy Alfaring!
JohnB
Already sold unfortunately. I looked at it 2 months ago, it drove really well but had a few rough edges, dents/scrapes which really show up on a black car, and some electrical niggles so I ended up passing on it.
Then I saw it was still being advertised at a lower price, and got in touch earlier this week with a view of offering $2k. Missed it by 2 days ... damn!
Going to look at a V6 auto 156 and a 166 this weekend. Not really looking for a slushbox, but nothing else around at the moment, and the Q system is apparently ok.
Will probably still end up hanging out til what I want becomes available. Much as I love the 81 GTV, I really miss my Busso.
Well I have jumped in the deep end and purchased a white 1999 V6 156 auto with 100k on the clock. Collecting it tomorrow.
First time I have driven a Q-system auto, and have to say I was pleasantly surprised - in manual mode, it feels almost as spritely as my old 6sp.
Has lost a bit of lacquer off the roof, but otherwise tidy, good service record, lowered, and red leather. But the sound of that Busso makes up for everything ..
Now I have to pretend to the missus that I really am trying to sell the 81 GTV ... and I have already warned her it could take a looong time. Will see how long I can get away with keeping both.
Good luck Poohbah,
I've got one of each too, but we call the 156 Mrs ACE's ;-)
They really are very nice, an exceptionally easy car to drive and live with!
Hahaha I knew it was only a matter of time before you got another Busso. Once you drive one, you will never go back to a 4 pot.
Congratulations! Got any pics of her yet? To find one with red interior is pretty rare, so nice find!
Also good luck with the missus! Hopefully you can keep both! Have 156 as your daily drive and the GTV as a weekend toy!
Andrew.
Cheers Ace. Spending the last year without a 156 really made me realise just how much I missed it.
I even told the missus that because this one is an auto, she will be able to drive it, and she'll end up getting the Alfa bug too.
She rolled her eyes at that - she's just glad I've now got something with airbags, ABS and other safety mod-cons ... like side intrusion bars, and wipers that work when the headlights AND stereo are on!
Thanks VAR - yep, was always just a matter of time. I still reckon the Busso is the best sounding 6 I've ever heard. Will post some pics tomorrow when I pick her up. Apart from the bit of missing lacquer, its also got aftermarket rims - which are not really my taste, I much prefer teledials.
But they are ok, so maybe when I get the roof done, I will get them painted black.
Forgot to mention the other oddity - it doesn't have private plates, but bizarrely the rego is ALF-081. Spooky...
Heck, can't wait to post my own pics. Here are couple from the ad.
@Poohbah,
Mrs ACE said "I want the next car to be an Auto!" (We have always had manuals)
I said "That's fine, it'll just have to be a 156 V6 then !"
And it didn't take me long to find a nice low K one either ;-)
18 months later, and I was told only last week that she STILL likes it!
So again, good luck.
Well that is encouraging. Cheers Ace!
After my first Sunday with the new Busso - like George Costanza, I'm back baby...
Couple more pics:
Ooooo that looks really nice! I actually like those wheels quite a lot on that car, especially that it is lowered!
Also it looks really clean, so nice buy!
But try not and sell the gtv, you will seriously regret it. Especially with the time and money you have put into it.
Andrew.
Cheers Andrew, I agree about the GTV. Even the mechanic who worked on it told me not to sell. Will see how it goes. If I get no interest, I'll have to keep it!
Fingers crossed - some mellowing on the home front re the GTV ...
Starting to think I should really push my luck and change my ad to say I'm not interested in selling, but am open to a straight swap for a 3.0L 75?