In 1999, Milan Motors, the only Alfa Romeo new car dealer in the country, got this latest GTV Coupe (along with the Spider convertible version) in small quantities for a few Malaysians to keep their souls alive while driving. Yes, at a time when the Germans had few interesting coupes or sporty offerings for Malaysian car buyers, this GTV made the difference.
With only one engine choice on offer initially, the 150bhp 2.0-litre 16v Twinspark unit and later a 3.2-litre V6. The impressive and vocal V6 came over here in tiny numbers in GTV coupe form. In 2006 the even more beautiful Brera coupe replaced the GTV with limited success and Milan Motors shut and gave way to Sime Darby Motors.
Today in the used car market this is one of the most beautiful sports cars you can buy, at any price. The GTV is beautiful and sounds even better than it looks. The styling is unmistakably Alfa Romeo, from that trademark triangular grille, through those distinctive twin circular headlamps, to the stubby, dynamic tail treatment of the GTV.
Certainly, build quality is up to the highest mid 90s Teutonic standards, an essential attribute given that Alfa had Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Saab in its sights when designing the car. Even the sports seats have Germanic firmness, though reveal themselves as being comfortable and supportive over longer distances.
Just as surprisingly for long suffering Alfisti will be the excellence of the driving position. The steering wheel is adjustable and the stylized dashboard, with its deeply recessed dials, easy to use.
Biggest issue by now will be cracked plastic trim, broken air-conditioning vents, warped rubber bits, especially around the windows and faded rear and signal lights. Previous owners maintenance records is a must and cannot be overlooked to ensure an un-abused buy.
Prices hover around RM65,000 for an excellent well looked after unit and dip down to only RM25,000 for a fixer upper unit. Some might say it would be better to look at a used Fiat Coupe 20V.
