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Your confidence delivering the commentary was off the hook! As was your enthusiasm. And your personal history with this beautiful car brought all the feels. That little towhead gearhead melted my heart. Your dad must have been so proud. I bet he still is. Wonderful work here, Ed. So much content perfectly presented.
Yes. I did buy a brand new Alfa 147 2.0 Twin Spark in gabbiano blue with optional extras of blue leather seats, 17” alloys and full electric sunroof. A stunning car in every way.
Alfas are the used car market's best kept secret. You can have a 147, GT or 159 for pennies and they're just... better. Alfa reliability stories are old wives' tales best left in the 1980s, and nothing else gives you so much style, so much exotic engineering and so much driving enjoyment for so little outlay. Every Alfa will appreciate into a genuine classic if you keep it long enough too. I've had four in the past six years and don't regret a second. Great video, some titbits of information about the TS engines that I didn't know.
@@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess I didn't specify what they were better than, I was just using a superlative. But, factually, they're better than the vast majority of people think they are. I would 100% rather have an Alfa than any Volkswagen for example, because the quality is similar and I think they're infinitely more interesting to look at and drive. I don't think they drive better than BMWs, but then they don't cost anything like as much either and I don't think the difference is worth the extra money.
@@MybeautifulandamazingPrincessYou cannot imagine the work that went into the design and creation of the 147 which in 2001 won the Car of the Year award judged by 21 European countries and 56 specialized journalists. It was even designed and partly built already in 1994, therefore before the famous 156 which debuted with the now famous multijet invented by Fiat. The 147 adopted very sophisticated suspensions, a high wishbone at the front and an advanced Machperson at the rear with independent wheels with a self-steering effect which then translated into exceptional maneuverability when cornering and a unique driving pleasure. The 16-valve twin spark engines are very reliable with a cast iron crankcase that is much more robust and resistant than the 8-valve twin spark and the really economical diesels are ready to cover thousands of kilometers without problems. I also own a 147 1.6 twin spark with 215,000km and I plan to do the same. Unfortunately I don't understand what he says in the video but it certainly would have been interesting.. greetings from Italy 👋 🟩⬜️🟥💪👍 Alfa Romeo sporty heart ❤️
In 2003 at the age of 25 I bought my 147 2.0 TS Lusso Selespeed in silver. It was a complete dream. I loved the paddles, the Twin Spark, the heated leather seats. The fact that the gearbox & paddles had been developed from formula one just made it for me! You are spot on in your review. Thank you!! Aqua... Benzina… happy days!
I 've had in my time A GTV6 and an Alfasud (I've also owned a number of Lancias but that's another story), You never forget your Alfa Romeos or Lancias. You're right, they are deeply flawed but wonderfully so. You live with the flaws because you love the design and you really love the sound. I can hear in my old brain now wringing the neck of my Alfasud hooning the back roads of Kent. I always explained to my friends who complained about the acres of bubbling rust that they were missing the point. Alfas were never meant to grow old gracefully, they were meant to be crashed through a stone wall as you careened around that outside curve with a 50 ft drop on the other side or bent to buggery as you drove up a tree because the understeer finally caught you out. Lancias and Alfas were working class exotica. I was never going to own a Ferrari, but a GTV6? Oh yeah. I ended up moving to the USA and driving bloatware. It's not the same here. Corners are a new concept to the Americans. BTW nice video. Nicely done.
Love this. You've hit the Alfa-loving mindset straight on the head! Just reading that I can hear the buzz of the boxer engine in an Alfasud. One day... one day!
Your enthusiasm is so infectious... I too love Alfa Romeo`s!, had a number of Alfasud`s in the 1980`s and in 2003 i bought a 147 jtd 16v 3 door in that blue you loved, my love Alfas still remains and i really hope that some day soon they will return to making an affordable hatchback...
Wonderful, and oozing passion. An Alfa is not just a car, it's art, history, fun, and problems. But when the problems get described as giving character or personalty, as they often do with an Alfa or many classic cars. You know it's a winner. I would jump as the chance for a 155 GTA Stradale, a wonderful marriage of Alfa and Arbarth. It's a shame Sbarro never got the go ahead to make a sports wagon of the 155. I also have such a soft spot for the insane SZ, it screams Alfa being let loose with no holds barred. Oh if only I could afford both.
Hi just bought a 147 recently coming from driving German cars for 20 years. It's so pretty that I don't even look at its faults, as you rightly said. Who would have known after 20 years of driving various cars an older Italian car would get me so excited!
I should note that this is only applicable to the 16 valvers! The earlier Twin Spark equipped engines had two plugs of the same size firing at the same time.
Replace everything you said about your dad having a 147 and it creating your interest in cars as a child with a 75 2.4 TD and you'll have the exact same situation as me. Alfa Romeos are truly something you can call "special ordinary". I am sure each person has it's own preferable brand for this, but, in my case, I wouldn't want it to be any other brand. Alfa is the reason why I love cars so much and it made me interested in mechanics and specifications as well. I wish they never stop making them "different". Amazing video, now off to look how much do 75s go for and can I even find them in Croatia at this point in time. Cheers.
I know there’s this “grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” effect for cars that were never offered in your own market, but the 147 proves the rule, and makes my envy greener on this side of the Atlantic. As green as the paintwork on this particular car. I like the facelifted car as much, too, which is rare. You’re quite lucky to have one of these in your past.
Great review Ed really enjoyed it. I have a 2.0 TS Spider and daily it. You’ve managed to articulate why anyone should bother in a far better way than I could. The indented pods in the dash are a throwback to the 1960s Duetto Spider.
Thanks Craig :) Had I got to it a few months earlier, I could have done a video on the 916 GTV the owner of this 147 also had, but unfortunately he sold it! Certainly, the 105-Series Spider had proper instrument pods, but didn't all 105-Series Alfas or am I remembering things here?
Most underrated hatchback by far, passengers in the three I've owned always remarked about how it can turn 90° in an eye blink with no fuss and on a twisty road nothing gets on the back bumper as it always has an advantage in turning speed and steering.
Love your enthusiasm and passion while delivering a very professionally voiced video! I've just purchased a 147 Collezione, my first Alfa Romeo and I instantly fell in love with it from the moment I saw it for sale, faults and all! My Dad has mostly owned Alfas and Fiats so I also have the pre-installed love! Looking forward to seeing future videos and watching your channel grow. 😊
Alfas are works of art, and a joy to drive. They are a great buy second hand, I bought a 145 cloverleaf in 2009 for a grand, and it was in awesome condition, once I put a cone filter on it screamed like a banshee when it came on cam. Then in 2019 I got a 159 sport wagon for 1100 quid, the front end of those things are a joy to behold ❤️ I really fancy a 147 , the 3.2 is pretty much the ultimate hot hatch.
Thank you for this great review. Finally, a video appreciating the 147. My love story with this car started in 2013. when I was 12 years old, my parents bought a 2006 147 TI. Years after that, today, 8 days before my birthday, I am waiting to receive my first car (up to now I was using my mom’s car) a 2008 147 Sport. I love this car.
Wow! This bring back lots of fond memories for me. I got the 1.6L 120hp manual one with black leather seats and red threads for about 7 years. Love the looks, interior trimmings and the driving experience. Was my second car, i never realised how good and fun the driving experience was until much later.
I think Alfas are something that you should have after you’ve driven other stuff just so you know just how special they are. I had a 1.6 147 and am about to get another (also had a 146Ti) and even though on paper it’s a sensible small family hatchback, that just doesn’t come close to describing how incredible they are
Thank you. The level of safety and car strength is mind boggling in the 147. The more that is asked of the car the more it gives. Superb in the wet, Braking in emergency is insane , makes Peugeot seem bad. I love these cars because they punch above their weight. Very pretty cars.
What an utterly lovely colour. Matches the leather perfectly. Fantastic condition too. The 3.2 V6 Busso version would have a sound to match the whole design but would, I suspect, be ruinous to own. It is possible to get slightly smaller number plates than standard for Italian cars (or any cars really). Only the font style, size and spacing are specified, the plate itself can be reduced in size and doesn't have to include a border. Double wishbones can be very good, but in FWD vehicles the packaging (particularly the upper wishbone) tends to dictate that they are quite short and not really optimal. Who cares though, you buy these to look good and feel good, not to be sensible or win races. Respect to whoever owns this one.
Ed, what a great video. You are definitely going upwards. You have a good blend of originality and old Topgear. That is a total compliment. Keep on doing lad. 👍
Very well presented Ed, you can see the enthusiasm on this car how much it means to you with your dad owning one, This example is beautifal in that green with the tan interior.
Great video. I love that you are reviewing a car that might be less obvious for a lot of people. Also, the quality of your videos has really shot up. You're looking quite professional!
01:59 Yes! I'm not the only one who like the offset number plate! It's not something you see on many cars these days, but it really works with the retro grille design.
yes yes yes Ed!! Love this video!! Excellent review of a very special car!! I love your in depth research, your enthusiasm and your own personal story about your Dads Giabbino Blue 147!! I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said and share your passion for the brand! what a lovely example you had to film there! Were you able to drive it because they drive as good as they look! I invite you to drive one enthusiastically and you'll end up with a big smile on your face!
Brilliant and I formative review, sir, take a bow. Had Alfas all my life without any regrets. Just hope this iconic company can continue to offer some special cars.
I’m so glad you’ve experienced the Alfa magic! I’m on my third, and I can honestly say that no other car marque has quite the same effect on me. I’ve had BMWs, Mercs, Audis and SAABs, but none of them felt as special to me as my Alfa does. The best one for me though? The 156. I’d have another without hesitation. Go on, buy one, you know you want to!!
Oh it's not a maybe, it's a when! It might be a couple of years off, but a 147 or 156 would suit me down to the ground. As you may expect, a video on the 156 you saw in this video is coming... this weekend!
I had two 145's. The first was a pre facelift R reg 1.8, with the cast alloy engine cover. And the second was a W reg 1.6 with the plastic engine cover. Loved both of them, but neither were without the notorious Alfa Romeo electrical gremlins, which drove me to distraction at times, but that is what I think some people mean, when they say "Alfas have soul"
Italian cars perform like nothing else; The edge of the exhaust note, and the intimate dance of the steering on tarmacadam make them partners. French cars are co-conspirators; German cars are organisation personified; American cars are loud and extreme and rugged; and Japanese cars are terrific samurai warriors. But Italy makes partners with soul and fire and a keen edge that exists nowhere else in the same way.
As you can tell I kinda like 147s! My baby being a 2003 silver GTA. Very loved car and kept wrapped in cotton wool most of the time. 147 gta uk versions getting quite rare now. Good video btw
The facelifted version is still one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen. It's one of those designs that keeps feeling better and better the longer you look at it. Which is what I love about Alfas. I need a cheap second car and am finally going to buy a facelifted 147. It's in gabbiano blue actually. Looking forward to taking good care of it. Nice video by the way. Underrated channel 🙂
The main thing that "ages/dates" any car is when the headlamps yellow, the ones on the Alfa 147 in your video looked almost new. Another great watch from Twin Cam. How about a Cooper S with twin fuel tanks or a MOKE, if one ever comes along. Stay safe Stay strong....
You never to old to learn something new. I didn't know about the big time difference between the two spark plugs. I had a GTV1750 - 72, and I bought some special (expensive) plugs that gave 4 sparks (at the same time) Alfa romeo had also a very nice cigarette light er. You put the ciggaret into a hole, and after a while you could feel a really good aroma of rosted tobacco. It's a little strange but I never heard anyone mention this in any review.
Also the Alfa Giulia is also another one of my favourite car as I got privilege on driving this one on hire absolutely brilliant fantastic car to drive too me out of this world and as you said the Badge says it all
I own a 147 1.6 twin spark and must say Alfa Romeo really put a very good car together and beautiful body and interior ! Even better than today's cars with all that fancy digital shit
Never had an 147! I really wanted one but could not afford it at the time. I knew a lot of people who owned one though. I can say that those who maintained their cars properly kept them for many years and had no problems with them. In contrast, those who didn't were the owners with the "faulty" ones... Later on, I bought a GT and kept it for 8 years. Sold it with a heavy heart in order to replace it with a 4door. Did all the maintenance as advised and never had any issues! In fact it was way way way more reliable in compare to my current Mercedes. For me it is quite clear with the Alfas. They are like wives. Happy wife = happy life. If you service on time & properly your Alfa, you got nothing to worry about. If you drive it like a maniac and service it whenever, I hope you got a deep pocket...
Great review! I owned a 1.6 TS 147 from new in 2001, then bought a facelift in 2009… last year I missed them so much that I bought the 147 GTA. Great timeless cars.
A really beautiful 147 Ed. Almost as good as your pedal car :-) That 147 has a great colour combination. If Alfa Romeo brought it back, it would sell like hotcakes. :-)
Really enjoyed this one. My wife craved a 147 she eventually got a 2004 2:0 she ran it for 11 years. We still have one front seat for an office chair. So much emotion for a car! Off set number platte yep. Tupperware of course well done great work.
Fantastic video Twin Cam ... both passionate and knowledgeable but delivered with real confidence. Got me convinced ... I will be looking for one of these ... and already own a GT and a Brera.!!!!
Oh dear, you are now officially an Alfaholic... incurable I am afraid. I had a wonderful fling with an Alfasud 1.5 Ti, but my daily crave is an Alfetta GTV V6 3.0 in red. I had a two year love affair with a GTV 2.0 but I was always after her faster, younger sister. I got my love for cars from my dad too. Great vid Ed.
I love Alfa Romeos. I didn't know about the 147 though. I would love to drive this! It reminds me of the Volvo c30, but more style. Awesome video as always.
Well done Ed on this Car like you it’s one of why favourite cars in the Alfa range also I use to own 2 Alfa Suds a Dark Chocolate Brown and 2 years later metallic mint Green which stood out from the crowd it was fast and nippy heads would turn because of the throaty sound that all Alfa give off I just left the crowd behind from a standing start:))
Great review, I've had loads they are wonderful. The Twin Spark Fiat/Alfa engine in the early 145s and mid range 155s were the best - aluminium cam cover and tubular manifolds mark them out - they sound amazing and perform the best
Terrific review! Always wanted one of these as a kid - the Alfa designs of the late nineties were really special. My dad had a Alfa 156 sportwagon as his company car in the late nineties which was absolutely beautiful to look at and drive. People really did stop and give it a second glance when they walked past it!Alas, it really did suffer with its electrics….I think that was what put me off becoming an Alfisti. Keep up the good work really look forward to these reviews.
Great review. I had one of those and loved it. I think your review makes me see the car in a different light. If I hadn't swapped it for a fabulous Honda Cr-Z, I probably would have regretted it!
I have a rare rosso 2.0 selespeed from 2001 for sale in Portugal. The full range of extras including original Alfa navigation sistem and phone antenna in perfect working conditions. Collectors car. Unique in european market.
I own a 147 1.6 TS (reg 01/2004). It is a 120 hp (remaped to 129 hp by All Car Tuning Austria). No other mods except a set of Koni dumpers (orange). I have just exceeded 300.000 km!!! Here is my judgement: 1) Excellent braking & turning, 2) very good interior quality, 3) bulletproof engine despite the hard use & the years of ownership, 4) excellent 2 zone air-conditioning, 5) average fuel consumption 7,4 lt/100km according to vehicle's computer. Enjoy!
I've had Two 147's, Both 1.9 JTDM. I prefer the facelift versions but will definitely love to work my way up to the GTA, My Current one Is the Q2 and it eats up corners! Lovely review mate!
I like your style and a good, even handed reviews which goes a way towards dispelling the urban myths about Alfa. They have their issues as do all cars, but one thing with an Alfa is you should lift a bonnet and check stuff. Most folk don't these days . Cracking vid. Thank you
I borrowed one of these a few years ago, a 1.6 and it was fantastic with exquisite steering and a lively engine. The seats were very comfortable and the ride was nice and pliant. I would have bought one if there was a sunroof available.
Well done Ed, beautiful car. I completely relate to your childhood association with your discovery of your Dad's Alfa. In 1968 it was the same for 3 year old me. That is why I drive the car in the picture beside this message. Keep up your excellent work. 👍
Good to see some love for the 147 for a change. Only the 147 GTA normally gets a nod among Alfisti, other 147's are somehow lesser cars than 156 and GT's. I've owned a 147 Sport Q2 for 8 years - bought cheap with swirl flap failure simply because it had no rust and was otherwise very good. Fixed it, rustproofed and maintained to last forever because there is simply no other car I'd prefer to own - not even a Giulia. Wonderful steering, grip, seats, comfort, economy, style and understated, elegant looks. Personally I like the facelift 147's (and 156's) best, but it's not something I'd argue about. Spiritually it reminds me of the Golf GTi Mk1 I owned in the 1980s but the Alfa is better, safer, faster, more grown up, and far more reliable, economical and rust is a non-issue at twice the age the Golf turned frilly around the sills and door bottoms. Yet 'everybody' says Alfas are unreliable rust heaps with terrible electrics - in reality made by, er, Bosch.
The 145/6, 916 GTV6 are probably my favourite models but by the time the 146 and 156 were out I was old enough to drive myself. Though I'd never had an Italian car at that time I was intrigued. A 156 in silver with a red leather interior and teledials with a busso engine would be perfection. The 146 would be a great consolation prize though and even though green isn't my colour, that one looks superb with as you say, the best colour interior. My 15 year old really wants a MTO or a 146 for his first car.
Great video Ed. Your enthusiasm is infectious. I realise insurance issues precludes you from driving the cars but would it be possible to hear the engine running, revving and exhaust note?
Thanks again Peter :) I have some noises in an upcoming 156 video, but I find it difficult to shoehorn in some engine noises without it appearing to be a sore thumb in the flow of the video. I need to figure out how to do it, but more importantly, see if I can get some cover to actually drive them!
@@TwinCam and the Insignia Grand Sport offer is still there if you ever find the time now we’re getting back to a bit of normality and if you still have my email 😂
By popular demand, I have now set up a Patreon page!
If you enjoy my videos, then please do consider supporting Twin-Cam with a donation.
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Your confidence delivering the commentary was off the hook! As was your enthusiasm. And your personal history with this beautiful car brought all the feels. That little towhead gearhead melted my heart. Your dad must have been so proud. I bet he still is. Wonderful work here, Ed. So much content perfectly presented.
Little Ed is adorable!
Thanks David, that's lovely to hear :)
Alfa 147 is beautiful
Yes. I did buy a brand new Alfa 147 2.0 Twin Spark in gabbiano blue with optional extras of blue leather seats, 17” alloys and full electric sunroof. A stunning car in every way.
Alfas are the used car market's best kept secret. You can have a 147, GT or 159 for pennies and they're just... better. Alfa reliability stories are old wives' tales best left in the 1980s, and nothing else gives you so much style, so much exotic engineering and so much driving enjoyment for so little outlay. Every Alfa will appreciate into a genuine classic if you keep it long enough too. I've had four in the past six years and don't regret a second.
Great video, some titbits of information about the TS engines that I didn't know.
Thanks mate :)
Every car is a s**t box if you do not maintain and clean it tho... Dunno why people talk all those silly reliability stories😊
How are they just better like you said? What objective facts do you have to support that claim.. or are you just biased
@@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess I didn't specify what they were better than, I was just using a superlative. But, factually, they're better than the vast majority of people think they are.
I would 100% rather have an Alfa than any Volkswagen for example, because the quality is similar and I think they're infinitely more interesting to look at and drive. I don't think they drive better than BMWs, but then they don't cost anything like as much either and I don't think the difference is worth the extra money.
@@MybeautifulandamazingPrincessYou cannot imagine the work that went into the design and creation of the 147 which in 2001 won the Car of the Year award judged by 21 European countries and 56 specialized journalists. It was even designed and partly built already in 1994, therefore before the famous 156 which debuted with the now famous multijet invented by Fiat. The 147 adopted very sophisticated suspensions, a high wishbone at the front and an advanced Machperson at the rear with independent wheels with a self-steering effect which then translated into exceptional maneuverability when cornering and a unique driving pleasure. The 16-valve twin spark engines are very reliable with a cast iron crankcase that is much more robust and resistant than the 8-valve twin spark and the really economical diesels are ready to cover thousands of kilometers without problems. I also own a 147 1.6 twin spark with 215,000km and I plan to do the same. Unfortunately I don't understand what he says in the video but it certainly would have been interesting.. greetings from Italy 👋 🟩⬜️🟥💪👍
Alfa Romeo sporty heart ❤️
In 2003 at the age of 25 I bought my 147 2.0 TS Lusso Selespeed in silver. It was a complete dream. I loved the paddles, the Twin Spark, the heated leather seats.
The fact that the gearbox & paddles had been developed from formula one just made it for me!
You are spot on in your review. Thank you!! Aqua... Benzina… happy days!
Thanks John :)
That green is a lovely colour, such a underrated colour on cars
Green over tan all the cars.
I just bought an Alfa 147 Ducati Corse, and this very car was also on his drive way. The metalic green paint looks great.
I 've had in my time A GTV6 and an Alfasud (I've also owned a number of Lancias but that's another story), You never forget your Alfa Romeos or Lancias. You're right, they are deeply flawed but wonderfully so. You live with the flaws because you love the design and you really love the sound. I can hear in my old brain now wringing the neck of my Alfasud hooning the back roads of Kent. I always explained to my friends who complained about the acres of bubbling rust that they were missing the point. Alfas were never meant to grow old gracefully, they were meant to be crashed through a stone wall as you careened around that outside curve with a 50 ft drop on the other side or bent to buggery as you drove up a tree because the understeer finally caught you out. Lancias and Alfas were working class exotica. I was never going to own a Ferrari, but a GTV6? Oh yeah.
I ended up moving to the USA and driving bloatware. It's not the same here. Corners are a new concept to the Americans. BTW nice video. Nicely done.
Have you driven the Giulia?
Love this. You've hit the Alfa-loving mindset straight on the head!
Just reading that I can hear the buzz of the boxer engine in an Alfasud. One day... one day!
Your enthusiasm is so infectious... I too love Alfa Romeo`s!, had a number of Alfasud`s in the 1980`s and in 2003 i bought a 147 jtd 16v 3 door in that blue you loved, my love Alfas still remains and i really hope that some day soon they will return to making an affordable hatchback...
a new alfa sud maybe!!!
Thanks Peter :)
Wonderful, and oozing passion. An Alfa is not just a car, it's art, history, fun, and problems. But when the problems get described as giving character or personalty, as they often do with an Alfa or many classic cars. You know it's a winner. I would jump as the chance for a 155 GTA Stradale, a wonderful marriage of Alfa and Arbarth. It's a shame Sbarro never got the go ahead to make a sports wagon of the 155. I also have such a soft spot for the insane SZ, it screams Alfa being let loose with no holds barred. Oh if only I could afford both.
Hit the nail on the head!
Car enthusiasts don't care about inherent problems, they care only about how a car feels.
Hi just bought a 147 recently coming from driving German cars for 20 years. It's so pretty that I don't even look at its faults, as you rightly said. Who would have known after 20 years of driving various cars an older Italian car would get me so excited!
Love the explanation of T.Spark - never really understood this before but it makes perfect sense!
I should note that this is only applicable to the 16 valvers!
The earlier Twin Spark equipped engines had two plugs of the same size firing at the same time.
8 plugs.
I've got to say that the front really sets these off - pure Italian! 😍
Ed: Another excellent review, brilliantly scripted and presented!
@ 5:28 - cute you!
Thanks as ever man :)
Oh, I want one so bad now...Oh, wait ..I have one already (2005 2.0) but still love hearing positive reviews about them
Replace everything you said about your dad having a 147 and it creating your interest in cars as a child with a 75 2.4 TD and you'll have the exact same situation as me. Alfa Romeos are truly something you can call "special ordinary". I am sure each person has it's own preferable brand for this, but, in my case, I wouldn't want it to be any other brand. Alfa is the reason why I love cars so much and it made me interested in mechanics and specifications as well. I wish they never stop making them "different". Amazing video, now off to look how much do 75s go for and can I even find them in Croatia at this point in time. Cheers.
I know there’s this “grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” effect for cars that were never offered in your own market, but the 147 proves the rule, and makes my envy greener on this side of the Atlantic. As green as the paintwork on this particular car. I like the facelifted car as much, too, which is rare.
You’re quite lucky to have one of these in your past.
It's a lovely thing. Probably ruinous to own, but bursting with character!
This, the GT and the GTV will always have a special place in my heart. Great review.
Thanks mate :)
Many thanks from us in Texas for your videos! Makes us miss our '87 Milano Gold (or 75). Keep up the stellar work sir!
Thanks mate :)
I’m a passionate 147 owner and now I’m a diehard Twin cam fan 🙌🏽
Great review Ed really enjoyed it. I have a 2.0 TS Spider and daily it. You’ve managed to articulate why anyone should bother in a far better way than I could.
The indented pods in the dash are a throwback to the 1960s Duetto Spider.
Thanks Craig :)
Had I got to it a few months earlier, I could have done a video on the 916 GTV the owner of this 147 also had, but unfortunately he sold it!
Certainly, the 105-Series Spider had proper instrument pods, but didn't all 105-Series Alfas or am I remembering things here?
@@TwinCam yes you are right, a bit of retro done well. Maybe Melvin needs an Italian friend!
Most underrated hatchback by far, passengers in the three I've owned always remarked about how it can turn 90° in an eye blink with no fuss and on a twisty road nothing gets on the back bumper as it always has an advantage in turning speed and steering.
true
Miss my 2001 147 2.0 Selespeed so much. Adored it.
Love your enthusiasm and passion while delivering a very professionally voiced video! I've just purchased a 147 Collezione, my first Alfa Romeo and I instantly fell in love with it from the moment I saw it for sale, faults and all! My Dad has mostly owned Alfas and Fiats so I also have the pre-installed love! Looking forward to seeing future videos and watching your channel grow. 😊
Thanks Emma, that's very kind :)
Hope you keep enjoying it, no matter whether it puts up a fight or not!
Alfas are works of art, and a joy to drive. They are a great buy second hand, I bought a 145 cloverleaf in 2009 for a grand, and it was in awesome condition, once I put a cone filter on it screamed like a banshee when it came on cam. Then in 2019 I got a 159 sport wagon for 1100 quid, the front end of those things are a joy to behold ❤️ I really fancy a 147 , the 3.2 is pretty much the ultimate hot hatch.
I have a beautiful 147 1.6 16v ts from 2001 its really true what this person tells you its a blessing
Excellent review
Thank you for this great review. Finally, a video appreciating the 147. My love story with this car started in 2013. when I was 12 years old, my parents bought a 2006 147 TI. Years after that, today, 8 days before my birthday, I am waiting to receive my first car (up to now I was using my mom’s car) a 2008 147 Sport. I love this car.
Wow! This bring back lots of fond memories for me. I got the 1.6L 120hp manual one with black leather seats and red threads for about 7 years. Love the looks, interior trimmings and the driving experience. Was my second car, i never realised how good and fun the driving experience was until much later.
I think Alfas are something that you should have after you’ve driven other stuff just so you know just how special they are. I had a 1.6 147 and am about to get another (also had a 146Ti) and even though on paper it’s a sensible small family hatchback, that just doesn’t come close to describing how incredible they are
Thank you. The level of safety and car strength is mind boggling in the 147. The more that is asked of the car the more it gives. Superb in the wet, Braking in emergency is insane , makes Peugeot seem bad. I love these cars because they punch above their weight. Very pretty cars.
Had a black 1.6 Lusso about 15 years ago, loved it! Worst best car I've ever had...
What an utterly lovely colour. Matches the leather perfectly. Fantastic condition too. The 3.2 V6 Busso version would have a sound to match the whole design but would, I suspect, be ruinous to own. It is possible to get slightly smaller number plates than standard for Italian cars (or any cars really). Only the font style, size and spacing are specified, the plate itself can be reduced in size and doesn't have to include a border. Double wishbones can be very good, but in FWD vehicles the packaging (particularly the upper wishbone) tends to dictate that they are quite short and not really optimal. Who cares though, you buy these to look good and feel good, not to be sensible or win races. Respect to whoever owns this one.
Yeah ive got a smaller plate on the front of mine, gets rid of the plastic plinth and makes it look a lot cleaner 👍
I agree that a smaller plate would suit these better!
Also, green over tan all the cars!
@@TwinCam what is the name of the colour?
Ed, what a great video. You are definitely going upwards. You have a good blend of originality and old Topgear. That is a total compliment. Keep on doing lad. 👍
Very well presented Ed, you can see the enthusiasm on this car how much it means to you with your dad owning one, This example is beautifal in that green with the tan interior.
Thanks as ever mate :)
Your best work to date. Good to see you back.
Thanks mate, that's lovely to hear!
Great video. I love that you are reviewing a car that might be less obvious for a lot of people. Also, the quality of your videos has really shot up. You're looking quite professional!
Thanks Mark, that's lovely to hear :)
Spoken with passion !
Absolutely adore my 147, it's here to stay.
01:59 Yes! I'm not the only one who like the offset number plate! It's not something you see on many cars these days, but it really works with the retro grille design.
yes yes yes Ed!! Love this video!! Excellent review of a very special car!! I love your in depth research, your enthusiasm and your own personal story about your Dads Giabbino Blue 147!!
I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said and share your passion for the brand! what a lovely example you had to film there! Were you able to drive it because they drive as good as they look! I invite you to drive one enthusiastically and you'll end up with a big smile on your face!
Thanks Timothy, that's very kind :)
Brilliant and I formative review, sir, take a bow. Had Alfas all my life without any regrets. Just hope this iconic company can continue to offer some special cars.
My mum had a 2.0 16v in silver, honestly one of the best cars I've ever driven
I share your passion for Alfa Romeo. Your stories about the 147 and the 156 are brilliant. Thanks for that. Greetings from Germany
Thanks Patrick :)
I daily a 147Ti; in spite of it being being 20 years old it's still a great looking car and it's way more fun than all the other econobox spamcans.
good man!
I’m so glad you’ve experienced the Alfa magic! I’m on my third, and I can honestly say that no other car marque has quite the same effect on me. I’ve had BMWs, Mercs, Audis and SAABs, but none of them felt as special to me as my Alfa does. The best one for me though? The 156. I’d have another without hesitation. Go on, buy one, you know you want to!!
Oh it's not a maybe, it's a when!
It might be a couple of years off, but a 147 or 156 would suit me down to the ground.
As you may expect, a video on the 156 you saw in this video is coming... this weekend!
Love my 156!
i own both an alfa 147 and 156, id love to own a giulietta in the future, very magnificent
It was and still is, a head turning car. Beautiful.
I had two 145's. The first was a pre facelift R reg 1.8, with the cast alloy engine cover. And the second was a W reg 1.6 with the plastic engine cover. Loved both of them, but neither were without the notorious Alfa Romeo electrical gremlins, which drove me to distraction at times, but that is what I think some people mean, when they say "Alfas have soul"
Italian cars perform like nothing else; The edge of the exhaust note, and the intimate dance of the steering on tarmacadam make them partners. French cars are co-conspirators; German cars are organisation personified; American cars are loud and extreme and rugged; and Japanese cars are terrific samurai warriors. But Italy makes partners with soul and fire and a keen edge that exists nowhere else in the same way.
excellently put!
Had overlooked this one. Fantastic. Your enthusiasm is contagious. I had a 156 which I loved. Perhaps I need to buy a 147 as my daily driver…
Very good presentation for the 156 and the 147 excellent.😎
As you can tell I kinda like 147s! My baby being a 2003 silver GTA. Very loved car and kept wrapped in cotton wool most of the time. 147 gta uk versions getting quite rare now. Good video btw
The Italians certainly know how to do style!
The Alfasud was a stylish good looking car in its day too (especially in red😁)
You didn't even had to buy it in red, it would turn red after a couple of years!
My brother had a red Alfa Sud.sadly rust let it down and wasn’t even old then 😲
@@Viking2dk 🤣 lovely cars but rusted away in no time!
The facelifted version is still one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen. It's one of those designs that keeps feeling better and better the longer you look at it. Which is what I love about Alfas.
I need a cheap second car and am finally going to buy a facelifted 147. It's in gabbiano blue actually. Looking forward to taking good care of it.
Nice video by the way. Underrated channel 🙂
The main thing that "ages/dates" any car is when the headlamps yellow, the ones on the Alfa 147 in your video looked almost new. Another great watch from Twin Cam. How about a Cooper S with twin fuel tanks or a MOKE, if one ever comes along. Stay safe Stay strong....
Thanks as always Mike.
I have to say, a Cooper 1275 S is coming...
You never to old to learn something new. I didn't know about the big time difference between the two spark plugs.
I had a GTV1750 - 72, and I bought some special (expensive) plugs that gave 4 sparks (at the same time)
Alfa romeo had also a very nice cigarette light er. You put the ciggaret into a hole, and after a while you could feel a really good aroma of rosted tobacco. It's a little strange but I never heard anyone mention this in any review.
Also the Alfa Giulia is also another one of my favourite car as I got privilege on driving this one on hire absolutely brilliant fantastic car to drive too me out of this world and as you said the Badge says it all
Beautiful review. I am the owner of 2 original design 147s and really enjoyed your video. Big thumb up and subscription from me.
Thanks mate, that's very kind :)
I hope you enjoy what I have lined up!
I own a 147 1.6 twin spark and must say Alfa Romeo really put a very good car together and beautiful
body and interior ! Even better than today's cars with all that fancy digital shit
Yesss! Had one recently and unfortunately crashed it but it was an amazing car.
i had a diesel one, it brigned only problems, a lot of them. but the handling of this car is just something beyond this earth
Great stuff TC, just getting better all the time!
Thanks Stevie :)
Never had an 147! I really wanted one but could not afford it at the time. I knew a lot of people who owned one though. I can say that those who maintained their cars properly kept them for many years and had no problems with them. In contrast, those who didn't were the owners with the "faulty" ones... Later on, I bought a GT and kept it for 8 years. Sold it with a heavy heart in order to replace it with a 4door. Did all the maintenance as advised and never had any issues! In fact it was way way way more reliable in compare to my current Mercedes. For me it is quite clear with the Alfas. They are like wives. Happy wife = happy life. If you service on time & properly your Alfa, you got nothing to worry about. If you drive it like a maniac and service it whenever, I hope you got a deep pocket...
Great review! I owned a 1.6 TS 147 from new in 2001, then bought a facelift in 2009… last year I missed them so much that I bought the 147 GTA. Great timeless cars.
Thanks Gordon :)
A really beautiful 147 Ed. Almost as good as your pedal car :-) That 147 has a great colour combination. If Alfa Romeo brought it back, it would sell like hotcakes. :-)
Really enjoyed this one. My wife craved a 147 she eventually got a 2004 2:0 she ran it for 11 years. We still have one front seat for an office chair. So much emotion for a car! Off set number platte yep. Tupperware of course well done great work.
My granddad left me his 16 year old 2005 1.6, it's the best car I've ever driven
Fantastic video Twin Cam ... both passionate and knowledgeable but delivered with real confidence.
Got me convinced ... I will be looking for one of these ... and already own a GT and a Brera.!!!!
I bought a 2007 147 last year and it brings a smile to my face every time I drive it. Absolutely beautiful car and it really turns heads.
Do you still have it?
@@Sam-gw5pl I recently sold it and got a Hyundai Coupe Siii
Will miss the 147 but also love my coupe
@@EricWalkerUk would you recommend?
@@Sam-gw5pl yeah definitely
Oh dear, you are now officially an Alfaholic... incurable I am afraid. I had a wonderful fling with an Alfasud 1.5 Ti, but my daily crave is an Alfetta GTV V6 3.0 in red. I had a two year love affair with a GTV 2.0 but I was always after her faster, younger sister.
I got my love for cars from my dad too. Great vid Ed.
Oh don't worry, it's a long standing affliction!
Some day, I'll have a few Alfas knocking about. Until then, I can but dream!
Thanks David :)
I love Alfa Romeos. I didn't know about the 147 though. I would love to drive this!
It reminds me of the Volvo c30, but more style. Awesome video as always.
Thanks mate :)
Well done Ed on this Car like you it’s one of why favourite cars in the Alfa range also I use to own 2 Alfa Suds a Dark Chocolate Brown and 2 years later metallic mint Green which stood out from the crowd it was fast and nippy heads would turn because of the throaty sound that all Alfa give off I just left the crowd behind from a standing start:))
I'd love an Alfasud so much!
Great review, I've had loads they are wonderful. The Twin Spark Fiat/Alfa engine in the early 145s and mid range 155s were the best - aluminium cam cover and tubular manifolds mark them out - they sound amazing and perform the best
Thanks Paul :)
Terrific review! Always wanted one of these as a kid - the Alfa designs of the late nineties were really special. My dad had a Alfa 156 sportwagon as his company car in the late nineties which was absolutely beautiful to look at and drive. People really did stop and give it a second glance when they walked past it!Alas, it really did suffer with its electrics….I think that was what put me off becoming an Alfisti. Keep up the good work really look forward to these reviews.
Thanks David :)
Your descriptions are pretty much perfect. Excellent stuff.
Thanks Alexander :)
Great review. I had one of those and loved it. I think your review makes me see the car in a different light. If I hadn't swapped it for a fabulous Honda Cr-Z, I probably would have regretted it!
Excellent video, Ed! I really miss my 147, it was an excellent car. Bella macchina 👌🍀🇮🇹
I own one 1.6 petrol,2003.Do you wanna buy?
@@panditbhudev21 no thanks, I don't have room for more cars unfortunately 😁
@@fhwolthuis U can park outside like i do.
Thanks Frank :)
Glad to see you back. Love these Alfas. Great review thanks
Thanks Phil :)
I have a rare rosso 2.0 selespeed from 2001 for sale in Portugal. The full range of extras including original Alfa navigation sistem and phone antenna in perfect working conditions. Collectors car. Unique in european market.
I own a 147 1.6 TS (reg 01/2004). It is a 120 hp (remaped to 129 hp by All Car Tuning Austria). No other mods except a set of Koni dumpers (orange). I have just exceeded 300.000 km!!! Here is my judgement: 1) Excellent braking & turning, 2) very good interior quality, 3) bulletproof engine despite the hard use & the years of ownership, 4) excellent 2 zone air-conditioning, 5) average fuel consumption 7,4 lt/100km according to vehicle's computer. Enjoy!
Had a 1.6 twinny, loved it 😍
I've had Two 147's, Both 1.9 JTDM. I prefer the facelift versions but will definitely love to work my way up to the GTA, My Current one Is the Q2 and it eats up corners! Lovely review mate!
Thanks Sam :)
I like your style and a good, even handed reviews which goes a way towards dispelling the urban myths about Alfa. They have their issues as do all cars, but one thing with an Alfa is you should lift a bonnet and check stuff. Most folk don't these days .
Cracking vid. Thank you
Thanks Steven, that's very kind of you to say :)
Bravissimo, great video! you described the essence of the Alfa Romeo! Please do just like this for 156 model
Thanks mate :)
Fortunately, there is a video of the 156 coming this weekend!
147 is a great car. excellent description and enjoyed the passion. You have to own a Alfa once
Thanks Martin :)
I borrowed one of these a few years ago, a 1.6 and it was fantastic with exquisite steering and a lively engine. The seats were very comfortable and the ride was nice and pliant. I would have bought one if there was a sunroof available.
There was a sunroof available!
My Dad's 147 had one fitted.
An excellent presentation of à wonderfully Delicious Alfa Roméo 147. Gorgeous, timeless styling inside and out.
Thanks mate :)
Italian cars certainly have a wonderful style .
I do love BL/Rover cars but I will always be win over by the Italian cars..
Another great review Ed...
Thanks Paul :)
Well done Ed, beautiful car. I completely relate to your childhood association with your discovery of your Dad's Alfa. In 1968 it was the same for 3 year old me. That is why I drive the car in the picture beside this message. Keep up your excellent work. 👍
Thanks Sean :)
Keep the videos coming!
Good to see some love for the 147 for a change. Only the 147 GTA normally gets a nod among Alfisti, other 147's are somehow lesser cars than 156 and GT's. I've owned a 147 Sport Q2 for 8 years - bought cheap with swirl flap failure simply because it had no rust and was otherwise very good. Fixed it, rustproofed and maintained to last forever because there is simply no other car I'd prefer to own - not even a Giulia. Wonderful steering, grip, seats, comfort, economy, style and understated, elegant looks. Personally I like the facelift 147's (and 156's) best, but it's not something I'd argue about.
Spiritually it reminds me of the Golf GTi Mk1 I owned in the 1980s but the Alfa is better, safer, faster, more grown up, and far more reliable, economical and rust is a non-issue at twice the age the Golf turned frilly around the sills and door bottoms. Yet 'everybody' says Alfas are unreliable rust heaps with terrible electrics - in reality made by, er, Bosch.
Looks great! Very well preserved.
Now you've got me looking for one as well! What am I thinking, no, no, be sensible, don't do it! Oh well, you only live once, enjoy it while you can..
Do it do it do it do it ;)
Haha, I ended up buying a Citroën XM, how about that for being sensible 😄.
@@Ricketik65 Well that I do approve of!
Professional Video. Subscribed!
The 145/6, 916 GTV6 are probably my favourite models but by the time the 146 and 156 were out I was old enough to drive myself. Though I'd never had an Italian car at that time I was intrigued. A 156 in silver with a red leather interior and teledials with a busso engine would be perfection. The 146 would be a great consolation prize though and even though green isn't my colour, that one looks superb with as you say, the best colour interior. My 15 year old really wants a MTO or a 146 for his first car.
Green over tan all the cars!
03:47 That was my experience with the GTV6. I still don't care if it's not as sporty as it looks, it just _looks._
Great video Ed. Your enthusiasm is infectious. I realise insurance issues precludes you from driving the cars but would it be possible to hear the engine running, revving and exhaust note?
Thanks again Peter :)
I have some noises in an upcoming 156 video, but I find it difficult to shoehorn in some engine noises without it appearing to be a sore thumb in the flow of the video. I need to figure out how to do it, but more importantly, see if I can get some cover to actually drive them!
@@TwinCam Cheers Ed. 👍
Thats a rare colour combo, lovely!
Green over tan all the cars!
Very pretty in green.Still a lovely car,even now.
Green over tan all the cars!
Good to have you back doing what you do so well!
Thanks Adam :)
@@TwinCam and the Insignia Grand Sport offer is still there if you ever find the time now we’re getting back to a bit of normality and if you still have my email 😂
Another great informative with great presentation video. Look forward to the next video.
Thanks Martin :)
I hope you've been enjoying!