The Resurrection - Meet Alonzo

 OK so I might be exaggerating ever so slightly with 'The Resurrection' title for this post, but a  quick search for synonyms reveal; restoration, rebirth, reawakening & revival to name a few so I don't feel I'm overextending with the 'Resurrection' theme. Even though it is not the original Alfa, Aurelia that is being continued with, it is 'The Italian project' that is now experiencing a rebirth.

If your reading this you will be aware that my recently acquired 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 (Aurealia) met her demise in the underground carpark at my workplace during the February rain events (read floods, but apparently we aren't allowed to use that word now, it has to be "inundation" for the politically correct). Since then I have been methodically searching for a replacement as I really want to get on the track and I did enjoy ( the very limited time I had her) the Alfa. So it was with bated breath a couple of weeks ago that I came across another one (2003 model) just on the North side of Brisbane ( I live on the South side so never the twain shall meet; almost the same rivalry as North vs South in Tasmania.)

This little gem was on the market for $3000, having done only 110,000 kms and a very attractive  dark Blue ( Blu Inca, Code 743 met. to be specific) so I crossed the Brisbane River to have a look. Everything was looking good, BUT.... the clutch just went flat to the floor and you couldn't engage gear at all. Engine was good and everything electrical worked. The roof lining and door trims sagged, but the black leather seats and most other components etc were in good nick with a new aftermarket CD, radio. It had been in the same family for many years and was (until the clutch went) used by the university student son as the daily. They explained quite openly that they had a quote for $1500 to repair the clutch but just didn't want to go ahead with it so in the end we settled on $1500 and today with the assistance of Andy and his ute and car trailer, Alonzo was collected and delivered to his new owners residence.

Once home Alonzo was treated to the usual vacuum, wash etc and I must say hasn't come up too bad at all. Bodywork and paint better than Aurelia, and the interior is brilliant. Alonzo will definitely need a cut and polish to clean up the paint work after sitting under a tree the last few years of his life. The wheels have the usual gutter rash from a vehicle this age, but not too bad. I will keep an eye out for some replacements. It is missing the cap off the windscreen wiper bottle and the fuel cap is not the original along with no wiper blade on the rear window; so replacements will be sourced but other than that, very happy with the purchase.

Looking forward to the next steps in this project as I was extremely gutted when Aurelia met her demise. Hopefully I'll be learning some new skills and having a bit of fun getting Alonzo fit and ready for the track. Hope you enjoy the journey with me. Bugger did I mention I have to get him roadworthy first ? 









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