Digestible Collectible: 1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6

The sounds a car makes can elicit strong emotions for enthusiasts. Some love the guttural burble from an American V-8, each marque emitting distinct noises. Others, the fan-dominated sounds of an air-cooled Porsche. A modified straight-six, like that found in a Datsun Z, emits a wail that buckles my knees.

As a gearhead kid, these sounds were the object of my obsession. I still have a copy of “The Sounds of Sebring” in the basement, with no corresponding phonograph with which to enjoy it. While others were trying to find porn, I used my school Compuserve account to try and pirate CDs of Formula One engine notes, unsuccessfully.

Yes, I’m old. I was in high school before Netscape existed.

Anyhow, it seems the Italians really know how to make an engine sing. I’m not sure why, however, but from Ferraris to a single cam Fiat to the MultiAir turbo in the new Abarth 500, these engines all have a wonderfully purposeful sound. The Busso V-6, as found in today’s 1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6, is another shining example of a orchestral engine.

The car is absolutely stunning. It shows under seventy thousand miles on the odometer, which means it has been sitting in a garage waiting on backordered parts for much of the last thirty years, but no matter. It looks pristine. The seller gives no useful information in the text of the ad, unfortunately, so a local inspection is absolutely necessary before bidding.

This makes an interesting alternative to the E30 BMW I featured on Monday. If I had around $8,000 to spend on a sporty car that could haul my kids on occasion, these would be near the top of my list. I’d likely be able to rely on the 3-series much more than the Alfa, but the new tunnel that recently opened up on my morning commute just begs for a screaming Italian.