[alfa] Re: Berlina or Milano

[Alcon98340@xxxxxxx]

Dave,

I'd say you have a tough decision ahead. Some things to consider are cost of insurance (Berlina gets the nod), initial cost of purchase (Berlina again), smog requirements (pre '73 saves you that headache depending on the Berlina's age), how much you like tinkering (potentially less with the Milano), and what other mechanical problems the Berlina has (even if the engine is strong, costs for other items can add up quickly! ask me how I know!). I'm certain there are others I am forgetting, but I will add some other thoughts here. Just to confuse the issue, have you considered a GTV6? I just turned over 200,000 miles last Sunday on my '84 (daily driven)and overall has been quite reliable for me. It is a coupe instead of a sedan, and I don't know if 4 doors is a requirement for you. I also currently own 2 Berlinas, a '71 1750 and a '72 2000. I have plans to restore the '71 after I get some money together, and have used the '72 as a daily driver when my girlfriend was borrowing the GTV6 for about a month. Personally, I have a soft spot in my heart for the Berlinas (and other Alfa sedans). They are quirky, funky, and perhaps a bit misunderstood. They may not look like prom queens, but they still have a beauty that attracts. My heart would tell you to rescue the Berlina and give her some love. They are fun cars, and you'll be able to find it in a parking lot no problem. Most of my female friends have told me that my Berlinas were 'cute' at one time or another, so there's the chick magnet potential to think about as well ;) You are already familiar with the Alfa 4 cylinder engine, and the systems will be much simpler than that of a Milano (excepting perhaps the Spica). Two detriments the Berlinas have are age and neglect. They tend to be workhorses instead of garage queens. They get left outside while the Spiders and 164s sleep soundly in the garage. That being said, if the mechanicals are sound, I would tend to lean towards the humble Berlina. Just be warned, you may find that one is not enough. Be sure to check out http://www.berlinaregister.com for more information. Take a moment to look at the Berlina on the home page (a 1750 I believe), and listen to your heart. Feel free to contact me off-digest if you have any further questions. Please pardon the long response, but it is almost 4am, and my internal editor is already asleep.

Regards,
Josh
'71 1750 Berlina
'72 2000 Berlina (Moxy)
'84 GTV6 (200,260 miles!)
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