131mirafiori forum

It is often said on this forum (including by me), I wish I had kept my SuperMirafiori, Sport, 132, Beta's etc.

These are in the main genuine statements, although keeping cars for many years especially when you are in your late teens or early 20's is not always feasible.

Once upon a time the classified and auctions were full of these cars that could be picked up for a few hundred pounds, and now most of gone (or command very high prices). How we would all love to get our hands on a S2 Super Panorma.

However, there are certain modern(ish) cars that need to be preserved. One such car that springs to mind is the Alfa 156. There is still a good supply of these 98-05 cars, but for how long. I have  just seen a stunning 2002 Veloce 2.0 in Alfa Red. This could probably bought for not much more then a thousand pounds.

Fiat Coupe's also spring to mind.

We should be buying up these cars now, until there all gone.

Let the debate begin........

The trick is to pick the right examples. If you bought and kept a Chrysler Alpine for example you wouldn't be in the money, but a 2 door Mk 1 Escort, well......

I would say the Fiat Coupe is definitely a future classic and I think a Punto GT in standard form will see what has happened to the Uno turbo.

Mk2 Punto hgt if you can find one without a knackered crank!
Sure there's loads more.

Not clued up on Alfas to say.

Coupe Fiat is definately a future classic as is the Alfa 916 GTV, preferably of course in the strongest variant.
Other tips: Peugeot 106 Rallye, 306 S16, Clio Williams(already too late) and Baccara, Thema V6, Croma V6, Stilo 5 cilinder.

I will think about some more cars.....

Hey Albert the 106 Rallye springs to mind, they are very quick....had a play once with my Croma Turbo!

My neighbour bought a brand new Clio Williams on a 1992 or 95reg i think from new, nearly bought it in 2006...was mint with full history and low miles. Done a few cambelts on them...they are fun!

I do think the 916 GTV will be a future classic too, I had one a few years back and loved it ;D Alfa did make a big come back with the 916 GTV & 156 and look at Alfa Romeo now very poor range for cars now >:( No GTV or 4 door saloon type car's :'(
(http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx34/minicacj/H17GTV2-1.jpg)

Didn't know that the Croma came in a V6 Version.

I know Lancia did the Thema as a 2.8 V6 (Auto Only). I think it only lasted 3 years from launch in 85 /86.

Other cars that spring to mind are the Lancia Dedra (Bobby has one, no pictures yet) and the Alfa 75 that always looked good in Twin Spark Veloce mode with all those skirts and spoked wheels ;D ;D.

The Alfa Mito and Guilieta are great cars and good sellers with massive appeal. Yes Alfa does need a '3 Series' and a Coupe / Convertible to complete the range. However, they are on the way.

I am very pleased with my 159, and it covers some serious miles (440 Mile one way trip to Northern Scotland scheduled for Monday). I did think a few weeks back of passing it over to Mrs Rob 131 (briefly lusting after a 5 series again) and then decided to keep it  :o

I wish Alfa would make a replacement for the 166. A 5 Series Alfa. Now that would be great.

The Croma used the 2.5 alfa V6 engine ;D looks like a fiat and sings like an alfa ;D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD4lU36DLUU

I had a couple of Alfa Romeo "Arna's" AKA  Nissan Cherry Europes,  go through my hands. they had the Alfa Sud lump in them. Could never understand why they took a good engine from a car that rusted as you watched it and put it into another shell that was even worse!! ??? Cant think many are left here in the UK but i am sure someone will tell me if i am wrong.  ;D

The Alfa Romeo ARNA >:( What was alfa romeo thinking taking an Nissan and putting a alfa bage and engine in it ??? Nissan made some of the most boring looking and driving cars in the 1980's not very Italian !

Have a sick bag to hand :-\
(http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx34/minicacj/Alfa_Arna1.jpg)
(http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx34/minicacj/Alfa_Arna_4d1.jpg)

I drove a Nissan Cherry for work, back in 1989. I agree, not a spectacular model, but very nice drive.

From memory it was Nissans way of side stepping european legislation governing numbers of imported cars allowed in. I think Alfa actually produced them badged as Nissans (europes) as well for the UK

Other cars that spring to mind are the Lancia Dedra (Bobby has one, no pictures yet) and the Alfa 75 that always looked good in Twin Spark Veloce mode with all those skirts and spoked wheels  .

Hi Rob,

As you know the weather has been pants, so getting some decent pics of the Dedra have been slim.

Here is one last week next to my cousins 500

Always liked the Dedra, and they were a great buy used (rare as Lancia didn't sell many in the UK).

However Lancia pulling out of the UK in 1994 always put me off buying a Dedra or Thema. Shame really.