2005 Alfa Romeo 147

This is a 2005??spec Alfa Romeo, 147, Gran Turismo Alleggerita Modificata, otherwise know as GTAm???. As far as we know this is the only GTA in the US.

I bought ‘Alfie’ in 2007 and have owned it ever since. In those 14 years the car has had many modifications chief amongst which is a rebored 3.8 V6 Busso that puts out 330 bhp through the front wheels of this little 2800 lbs hot hatch.

Back in the UK the car was registered as E11 GTA, and might well have been seen at numerous AROC-UK events as well as Brooklands Auto Italia. The car is also regularly tracked and has been out at Bedford Autodrome, Goodwood, Castle Coombe, Spa-Francorchamps and the Nurburgring. The latter being regular pilgrimage with fellow Alfsti.

In Aug 2020 the car was shipped to Virginia in the USA. How is the possible? Courtesy of diplomatic plates the car is not subject to the 25 year rule or US safety tests. In just over 6 months the car has been building quite a following around the DMV and you can see lots more photos of the car on Instagram @GTAinUSA. Having already conquered the Tail of the Dragon and Summit Point, the next challenge will be Watkins Glen in Sep 21.

• Autolusso 3.8 V6 Busso, SCS Delta 800 ECU, Q2 Differential, Ported CF2 Manifolds, Ferrari 360 Throttle Body, Short Shifter, Mocal Oil Cooler, Mocal Catch Can, Autodelta Carbon Intake Pipe, Larger Aluminum Radiator, KW V3s, Eibach Anti Roll Bars, Front and Rear Strut Bars, Raggazzon Exhaust, Braided Brake Hoses, Zeatek Metal Under-tray, 12mm Spacers, Polyurethane Bushes.

• Maxton Design Front Splitter, MR Performance Steering Wheel, Giulietta QV Interior Light with Red LEDs, Aluminum Oil Cap, Aluminum Fuel Cap, Lots of Silicone Pipes, Lots of Powder Coating, Lots of extra Alcantara.