When is a 1974 GTV really a 1967 GTA is disguise?

Once in a while a project drops into our hands that just blows us away. Our customers always have a vision and sometimes they are kind enough to let us help them bring that vision to life. This project is one of those projects! The project: convert a 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV into a 1967 GTA body style. A total conversion of a steel body to an aluminum body - what a exciting opportunity. As far as we know, this hasn't been done in recent memory? If it has and you happen to have a story about this type of project, please share!

{ The 1974 GTV soon to be stripped }

So, now that we know the extent of the project, where do you go about finding all these alumnium body parts. Well, it just so happens our good friends at Alfaholics happen to have just these parts on hand and boy are we relieved to have them as a great source for these and many other parts.

{Stripped to the bone }

What a radical transformation at this point, and I'm sure most of you are cringing by now. Believe me, we all did, but knew what the car was going to be in the end and moved on. You might notice that there is someone standing on the top of this car! After reinforcing the skeleton of the GTV, the roof was actually rigid enough for someone to stand on it. A simple but effective test of strength! The reinforcement was necessary because the aluminum panels will be riveted on instead of welded, just like a real GTA would have been.

Preserving A Car Worth Preserving - The 1957 Isetta

 When this car was brought into our shop, the initial review of the car didn't seem to be all that bad... so we thought. Once we got into the thick of things, well then it was a whole other story. The damage to the body of the car was extensive. On top of that, we started this project with the understanding that after market body panel and sheet metal were available to bring this car back to life... again, so we thought! There was none to be found, and in hind sight, have you ever really seen these cars out on the road? Obviously the Isetta is a specialty vintage car and picking up parts wasn't going to be a walk in the park.

{The Isetta, as it arrived in the shop }

Thankfully, we have the know how in house to do the custom metal work and fabrication that was necessary to make the new parts from scratch. After careful research and intensive work, this car is being brought back to it's former glory. Who could've guessed a car this tiny would need so much!

{ After quite a lot of work... }

To keep up with the progress of this restoration project, you can check back here frequently or you many visit our site and view a pictorial history of the project in progress. If you would like to automatically know when we post here, just subscribe to us via RSS by clicking the subscribe link in the right hand column.

New website, new blog!

This is a quick note to let everyone know that we are so excited to have a blog now, where Daron can post all sorts of updates on projects, shop goings-on as well as tutorials on things we think any Alfa or vintage car owner can do with a little know-how.

Check back regularly for new posts...