1 Jun 1998
The GTV dates back to 1995 in Europe, but is based on the circa-1988 front-wheel drive Fiat Tipo platform.
Allegedly, the design is also from that time. The GTV coupe and Spider convertibles were Alfa’s re-entry vehicles to the Australian market in 1998 after a six-year absence.
Appropriately so too, because they managed to embody traditional expectations of an Alfa, while not being unreliable rust buckets.
Even today the GTV looks great, is very charismatic to drive and easy to live with – as long as you’re not too tall.
Apart from minor quirks, like a mildly uncomfortable driving position and a tiny boot, it still rates OK, although today's crop of high performance sports cars make it look and feel geriatric.
Engines are a 114kW/186Nm 2.0-litre Twin Spark four-cylinder or the firm’s classic 162kW/270Nm 3.0-litre V6.
A six-speed manual replaced the latter’s five-speeder from October '99.
