1980s Remix
Auto Italia|December 2017

How two 1980s Alfa saloons have been transformed, using period parts, into much more appealing machines – including a Giulietta 116 converted to V6 power.

Alex Jupe
1980s Remix

It is often the case that the classic cars many of us enthusiasts choose to own in later life are a reflection of the cars we knew growing up. At one end of the scale, it may be an Athena poster car such as a Lamborghini Countach or Ferrari

Testarossa. At the other end, it may be the more mundane roadgoing version of a hallowed touring car, or even just the car you were driven around in by a parent or grandparent in your formative years.

Both the cars featured here are at the lower end of that scale. Arguably you could even say that they’re among the least coveted Alfa Romeos of the 1980s: the Giulietta 116 and the 75. But now, suddenly, just at the point where most of them have disappeared off our roads for good, they are becoming much more sought-after – one rather more so than the other, it has to be said. It’s the red one in our pictures…

At this point, however, I should admit a heavy bias, as the black Giulietta featured here is my own car, one of four that I own. My love for the Giulietta and the Alfa Romeo marque came from my dad having one of the first 116 series Giuliettas sold by our local Alfa dealer, Roy Owen of Cosham. Dad ordered it brand new in 1978 in Alfa Rosso. It arrived three months later than promised in Navy Blue, but dad decided he couldn’t wait any longer so took delivery. I was only four when she was sold. A series of Lotuses came and went, but I recall sitting on dad’s knee and steering around the local car park on a regular basis.

This story is from the December 2017 edition of Auto Italia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2017 edition of Auto Italia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AUTO ITALIAView All
Heart of the Scorpion
Auto Italia

Heart of the Scorpion

Abarth is tapping into its rich heritage by opening a new ‘Classiche’ department. We take a tour around Abarth’s Turin HQ to delve deep into the heart and soul of the scorpion brand Story & images by Chris Rees

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2017
Auto Italia

Lusso Or Sport?

Maserati’s executive saloon is relaunched for 2018 with a subtle facelift, more equipment, a power boost and new GranSport/GranLusso versions. Is it better to drive, though?

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2018
Toy Boy
Auto Italia

Toy Boy

We survive heckling nuns and comedy proportions as we climb aboard this 1948 Mille Miglia racing Siata-Fiat 750 Spider Corsa.

time-read
7 mins  |
March 2017
Auto Italia

A-Lister

What should you replace a clunky old Ford Fiesta with? Something from the top drawer, naturally: a tastily modified Alfa Romeo 147 GTA .

time-read
7 mins  |
March 2017
Wind of Change
Auto Italia

Wind of Change

Levante is a Mediterranean breeze – we test Maserati’s first-ever SUV in UK-spec right-hand drive form to find out if it’s a breath of fresh air 

time-read
7 mins  |
February 2017
Il Mago di Modena
Auto Italia

Il Mago di Modena

We tell the story of the ‘wizard’ of Modena, Stanguellini, through two of his exceptional and pioneering race cars

time-read
7 mins  |
April 2017
Alfa Romeo TZ2
Auto Italia

Alfa Romeo TZ2

We attempt to shed light on the mysteries of the ultra-rare and delectable TZ2 – and get behind the wheel of one

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2017
Auto Italia

Tail Sliders

Recent Lamborghinis have majored on four-wheel drive. But there’s a hardcore enthusiast market for rear-wheel drive cars – a great excuse for us to compare three generations of mid-engined rear-drive Lambos: Huracán, Gallardo Balboni and Urraco.

time-read
9 mins  |
December 2017
Auto Italia

Usefully Sporty

Alfa’s new Sports Utility Vehicle has finally landed in the UK. We head to Northern Ireland to put the Stelvio through its paces in right-hook form.

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2017
Auto Italia

Andrea Zagato Face To Face

In an exclusive interview with Andrea Zagato, we find out why Italians don’t believe in perfection, why electric cars are great for designers and how Zagato’s future includes Alfa Romeo.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2017