Driving the Alfaholics Giulia Super R 270: The Family Restomod | Henry Catchpole - The Driver's Seat
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- Опубліковано 18 лип 2023
- After reviewing the Alfaholics Giulia Super R 270, Henry Catchpole thinks this might just be the one car to rule them all. Why? Well it has both verve and versatility. It is a restomod, so you have all the glorious interactivity and tactility typical in such a creation - think Singer, Eagle, Kimera and a whole host of others, including Alfaholics’ own GTA-Rs. But then add more than a dash of practicality. With back seats and a decent boot, this is suddenly a car that will happily tackle a whole host of tasks not normally associated with restomods.
Despite being gorgeous to look at, there is also something wonderfully (and intentionally) unassuming about the Super R. The original 1.3 badge remains on the back, despite the Twin-Spark engine under the bonnet being a whole litre larger. A glance through the glass will reveal an original steering wheel and seats that look perfectly period, even though they have been upgraded. It looks quite prim and proper, but the 270 in its name refers to 270bhp/ton, so the performance on offer is anything but understated.
This is a car that thrives on any road, but also stacks up on track. But that shouldn’t come as a surprise really. The Banks brothers, who (along with their father Richard) are the brains behind Alfaholics, have been hugely successful in historic racing and their experience on the circuits of the world has directly informed the upgrades that they offer. So, when you’re oversteering through a long left hander and thinking how wonderfully balanced the car feels, it’s no coincidence.
And there is another appealing side to this particular restomod. Because while you’ll have to join a very long queue and pay a pretty penny for a complete, turn-key Alfaholics car like this one, you do have the option of the DIY route. You see, Alfaholics sells parts. All the parts. So, if you already have a Giulia saloon you can pick and choose upgrades to suit your own particular budget and predilections. It makes this car more than just a pipe dream for many.
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WOW thanks again to all of you: to Hagerty, for allowing such a perfect piece of commuinication art; to the Banks brothers, for allowing the existence of such a perfect piece of automotive art, and to Henry, for sharing with us his extraordinary passion. It has reminded me, almost with tears in my eyes, of the first episode of car-loving that I remember as a child: I was about seven or eight years old, walking to school, when a friend of my father took me for the last sector of the way to scool on the co-driver's seat of his Giulia (I don't know if it was a 1300 Super or whatever), what I remeber crystal clear is the exciting sound, the low seating position, the gear lever and the dash gauges: it was so impressing that I fell in love with cars for the rest of my life (I'm 64 now). Thank you again.
Co-driver? 😂
You can tell a lot about a car journalist based on what he thinks about an old Alfa.
No car journalist would dare criticise an old Alfa
And if he can throw in a reference to Jackson Lamb
What a sparkling and brand new thought!
You sir, are absolutely right on that one. As a motoring journalist I concur with that rationale.
Show me a genuine car enthusiast who says bad things about old Alfas and I’ll show you a charlatan (not that this is really an ‘old’ Alfa… just looks like one…)
Giulias have always been classy little cars, often overlooked though. This is a magnificent creation by Alfaholics . Well done
"Little"? I don't think so: italian Police used them 50 years ago. Giulia was very fast
I am lucky enough to have a 1972 Giulia Super, which I have updated with an Alfaholics fast road suspension kit. Everything else is standard apart from the Alfaholics/Maxilite TZ-style 15" wheels. Every time I am in it I love it and the smiles and waves I get from passers by makes it all worth it. And as Henry says you can update the car with parts from alfaholics and Classic Alfa as you can afford it and for relatively little money.
👍💪🟩⬜️🟥
Alfaholics really know their stuff, I upgraded my 75 ts with their fast road kit and was amazed how much it improved from something that good already. 👌
This is beyond than ordinary review. The cinematography, sounds engineering, man absolute 100%
Proof that Henry can make any car seem delightful/romantic/desirable. Wish I could drive one. The sound is amazing!
How is this video in particular proof of that? It's about one of the most delightful/romantic/desireable cars of all time lol.
@@tommeiner9983 Exactly.
I’ve never been so happy watching a video on my life. I felt a big grin while hearing the exhaust and the engine, and goosebumps at every moment the camera showed the lovely bodywork.
My god, I’m in love of that Alfa Romeo, and the worst part is that there isn’t even one of those Giulias in my country
Which country are you living ?
Not even one !
@@fredgelhausen8801 Colombia, mate. No chance of Alfas here, let alone the vintage ones.
brilliant car - brilliant film - great video
Italian cars delivered the most joyful and authentic driving experience period...
Apart from the numerous times they broke down.
And still do!
@@robertp.wainman4094 actually pretty darn reliable, especially the 105/115 chassis
@@yodaddamilkman8422 But not ALL Italian cars are so reliable!
@@robertp.wainman4094 you can say that about all cars really from any country
This was an absolute joy to watch, thank you so much for consistently putting out great content like this
Never get bored to see this beauty..
All that was missing from the video were your tears of joy. Thought you were going to open the taps for a minute then !
I have owned my ‘69 Giulia 1300 TI but which is slightly enhanced by a 1600 with twin webers and a bundle of Alfaholics suspension goodies (fast road), for the past 8 years..My brother is building up currently a ‘69 Giulia Super for Hillclimbs, club racing and road rally’s (it’s fully caged), while my brother in law has an original ‘68 Giulia Super. They are such a cool car and like their sibling GTV’s, they too have gone up significantly in value over the years. Nice one Henry 👍
Ive been obsessed with these cars ever since I saw that video of Chris Harris drifting a GTAR around. I WILL own or build one of these one day
That first 5 seconds. The music. The engine sound. The cinematography.
👏👏👏👏
As a car guy in my 40's...there are not words in the English language to properly express how little interest I have in modern cars, let alone super-cars. I can't begin to muster any enthusiasm or interest in electric vehicles, automated systems, etc. This...and similar cars like it, are just leaps more fascinating. I cannot begin to imagine buying a modern "supercar" over something like this if you have the cash.
That's such a beauty! Almost unknown in the US, and Alfaholics have hit max Q-ship with this one. Almost like an Ariel Atom in a tuxedo!😊
Well said fella... regards
First saw these in The Italian Job. Always preferred them to the Minis somehow. They just seemed so cool. This though is on an entirely different level. Love it!
A gorgeous thing. when I was doing my obligatory national service in rge bad days here in SA. A friend had one god we were all so jealous. I think ( and could be wrong) it was only a 1.3 but it revved and ran and sang beautifully.
The ultimate joy of driving a very light car with manual controls and analog feel. Keep building these kinds of cars while others don’t understand these kinds of cars.
positively delightful episode and most definitely my most favorite car i have ever owned. Simply adorable.
Back in the late 70's in Calgary, Frank Cannetero Motors, Fiat, Alfa, Lamborghini - was a part of the dealer group I worked for, at their British car dealership, and Frank daily drove one of these 1.3's with a 2 litre swap, ATS mags, CN36 Pirellis, Konis and it was lowered a bit... I daily drove and slalom raced an X-1/9 then, and was often riding in that Gulia. I loved it! The first resto-mod I had ever seen. I rode in it quite a few times. Frank was an insanely talented driver who also had the first Periscopio Countach in Alberta. I rode in that black beauty about 5 blissful times.
Phenomenal audio
I had the chance to go to Alfaholics in 2012 for their open day, on the night I was just going to my hotel but Andrew invited me to the evening meal, they all so welcoming and friendly. I see this is Andrew's old white car. They are my lottery winning dream car, a 105 Coupe 290 GTA-R In Pearl White with an Italian strip over the bonnet and roof.
It's a different car, the original was right hand drive and more of a track day car. This is a new build but we kept the number!
Love seeing these (non-Alfaholic, but tuned) on hillclimbs 'round here. They run the oldtimer category, so it's a regularity run, but they floor it none the less. :)
Brings back childhood memories of being in the back seat of my parent's Giulia Super 1600.
Good looking car when they came out new, this one is beautiful.
My father had two Giulia's as his first and second cars in the early 70s, having passed up a drop-top 356 for £350! He then moved on to a BMW 2002 for the sake of reliability, but I would love to take him for a spin in this updated Alfaholics Giulia. There is always something special about your first car! Great review as always Henry.
Now the opposite is true
What an absolute treat.
The car of a true Alfa male
I understand the joy of just sitting in a Giulia. When Alfa Romeo had a Ti Super on display at Goodwood FOS alongside the newly launched Quadrifoglio-Verde (2017?), they left the door unlocked and I saw mud on the driver's footwell. I took my own opportunity. I couldn't possibly explain why, but it was like someone turned a dimmer switch up on my mood as I landed on the remarkably soft, homely seat. The large but skinny wheel doesn't make you clasp it like a wannabe helmswright; you naturally greet it gently with not all of your fingers necessary, and wriggle it lightly. Ditto the wand-like gear lever. It just put me in a different headspace. Just sitting there in their little motor show building, it was transportation to a different world from that of new cars. I loved it. I want to always remember that feeling when I see this shape of Giulia. I wish I could afford a Super-R and turn the joy up to 11.
It’s a gorgeous little thing. I would get one in a heartbeat if I had the money.
Dads got one its rotting in our paddock
@@astonbenger67 An Alpina? Or a Giulia?
@@Jo3man96 Berlina 2000
Great piece Henry! You captured well why some of us are total lunatics for these old Alfa sedans, whether they be mild or wild like the Alfaholics version featured.
The Super R is just jewel like. Automotive art. Wish I could afford one. Thanks for making such a fantastic video on it.
I know I’m a real enthusiast, cause as soon as this videos over, I’m deep diving into this car…omg beautiful.
We need alooooof of cars like this but affordable. Old cars were so light but back then had little power. With todays technology having engines that produce good power with chasis under a ton its what the world needs
Modern suspension and tires are key. Putting KW V2's and some sticky tires on my MK1 Golf GTI turned it into a much better car.
Wow! Fantastic video of a tremendous vehicle. I’ve always loved the 105 Giulia sedan and Alfaholics have just taken it to a whole new level. *chefs kiss*
These videos are absolutely incredibly made!
Yess, yess! This is the car i want. This model is perfect. I’m in love.
There is sort of a version of this at Straderial in france. But a very rare station model. And i probably need both in my life.
But the sound, the looks.. perfection.
I just love these Alfas, the Fiat 124 sport coupe, Fiat Dino, Gtv, 2002, etc. These cars are just nice, petite, full of character, and pleasantly raw compared to modern cars.
Then you drive a lada 2101 and all the glory is gone. Modern cars can be good as a well. For some strange reason not enoguh people buy them. (mazda mx5, alpina s110, alfa guilia, toyota yaris gr ...)
@@amduser86 never driven a Lada, but I would love too experience one. I have an ND, Vette, and others.
An Alfaholics 105 has long been on my lottery garage list. They’re just perfect.
And what an utterly brilliant video. It kind of beggars belief that content of this quality is available for free. Thanks to the whole team on this one.
I watched this 3 times back to back. I love it…. And the colour is beautiful
Here in Italy it was indeed the getaway car of choice for thieves and robbers, they would get at least even with the police! There are lots and lots of gangster movies from the 70s based upon Giulia-on-Giulia chases, epic!!
Henry! My man! Still my favourite motoring journalist by a far and what a cat that is! Absolutely perfect in every way and it definitely stands alone amongst many a common restomod! Amazing 🤩
Alfaholics (re)creations are so fantastic!!! 🤩
Brilliant review. Henry looked like he had lots of fun driving that. Makes us all want to drive it.
Did anybody else twig to Henry doing his best 'Hugh Laurie' during his 'back seat' expose...🙂
For me this is the ultimate car, it has it all, a masterpiece.
A magnificent , beautiful car of its times .
The times that Italians produce art .
Makes me long for my '72 GTV2000... what lovely little pieces of mechanical jewelry ALFAs are... almost all of them! Thanks Henry and Hagerty!
The fact this exists gives me hope in this world. So beautiful.
Great film! Keep up the great work Henry! Thanks for all you and the team do.
Beautiful cinematics and great storytelling, thank you for a setting a good mood for me today!
Im astonished by the quality. Stunning shots and Henrys commentary made me truly fall in love with this car. MIght as well be my sort of "affordable" dream car.
Edit: The ending made me tear up, I want to marry this exact car
lol, can I have one from your first litter of pups?
I've said all these words about my Super for many years now. Greatest car ever made.
The joy is contagious. Thank you, Henry for another great piece.
Brilliant review. I was once warned against test driving one of these. Once you’ve driven one, you want one, and back in the 70’s they were regarded as rust buckets
Such a brilliant video. Made me smile so much. Keep up the good work chaps
Still one of my favourite style icon saloons. The Algaholics restomod gives it the chops to be a superstar. An unsung gem of automotive design! Perfect!
Well done Henry and Hagerty, wonderful video, magnificent Alfa Romeo, so full of character.
What a as car 👌
A station wagon would be cool indeed.
i would like very much more Henry reviewing cars vids. He is one of the best communicators in the business.
Thank you Henry, now I'm questioning my life choices. Maybe I should've become a 'specific substances dealer' 10 years ago to afford it now.
You can still get the sedans in project shape for reasonable coin, then buy the parts from alfaholics over time. Most of the money spent here is on the final 10% details
@@borntodieworldisafuck Yes, I don't wanna jinx it but Berlina is still quite affordable comparing to what already happened on sprint/coupe market. I'm also nicely surprised that Alfaholics are not just another 200-400 k restomod producer but they're open to sell these parts itself. Much more inclusive way which probably will help to keep some of these Alfas on the roads.
OMG, I have fallen in love!! Thank you for covering this beautiful car. I might just have to get one!! Love the music towards the end of the video too - absolutely perfect! Fabulous video!
“O mio babbino caro” fits so well.
What a fantastic car and what a lovely video - thanks so much guys. Henry you are one of the very best 😊
Your posts are the best made most exciting I have seen on youtube , period.
BRAVO
I agree. All the 105 series are great cars to drive, even better when tuned. But for many owners, the sedan is the best of the bunch and Catchpole is very eloquent as to why.
You can build something which will give you 90% of this feeling for 30000 GBP as well.
yeah agreed you can tune older 105s and they are great cars to own and drive in original form with some mild tweeks. I prefer the original cars designed by Alfa Romeo. This restomod is not close to Alfa Romeo, it is completely redesigned in engine and suspension and gearbox and chassis, nothing to do with Alfa Romeo engineers or Italian soul
@@cbca6567 Overdone and over-priced. I agree, much better to spend a tenth of the money and enjoy it. I fully approve sensible upgrades( 123 electronic ignition and mild handling kits improve on the original) but there was little wrong with the 105 Alfa when it rolled out of the factory.
Congratulations from Italy , you have made a masterpiece of restomod !!! Your Giulia is wonderful !!!
Guilia 1.3 TI was my first car my mother bought in1971.We still have a good memory until now.Thank for making her alive.
Dude thank you so much for sharing your joy of driving this car. It was really special and brighten my day. Thank you so much.
I can't believe that you fit! So happy to see enjoying an Alfa and hope to see more Alfa content!
It is so unfortunate that manufacturers cannot build new cars like this.
Yes, exactly !
Why is that !
Your posts are the best made most exciting I have seen on youtube , period.
BRAVO 14:31
Henry, you are by far the best motoring journalist on the planet.
Thank you yet again!!😊
What a treat, amazing sound and video work
Alfaholics is to Alfa Romeo Giulia/GTAs like Singer is to Porsche 911s.
I’d sooner have an Alfaholics than a singer.
Singer is ridiculously overpriced
@@kahmed7328Everything is, nowadays.
@@kahmed7328 That's part of their appeal to the super rich though, if it was more reasonably priced they wouldn't want it as much.
They are a different breed, one that doesn't deserve to live.
Or more of a Tuthill approach
❤️🔥 Welch ein schönes Video mit einer noch schöneren, heißen Giulia ( ...wenn das mein guter 156 liest 🫣) ❣️ Danke für das Mitfahren und Erleben! Und danke an die Schöpfer dieses wundervollen Restomods! Mein Respekt und allzeit gute Fahrt 👍 Grüße aus Deutschland 👋😀
The little secret is even in the states, Alfaholics parts are cheaper with shipping than the in-country Alfa parts suppliers. I actually enjoy giving my money to these folks after seeing what they do with it.
Alfa spare parts have always been a problem in Italy (think what happens abroad), they have always produced very few..it's hard to find them for 15-year-old cars, let alone one from the 60s..it's normal that aftermarkets cost less. For this reason they are coveted cars by thieves, spare parts cost as much as gold
I think you are referring to Classic Alfa, a great source for standard parts. Alfaholics parts are truly the best available, engineered for performance, unique and pricy.
Absolutely beautiful automobile showcased in such a beautifully absolute manner...bravo!
I love your sense of humor Henry, when mentioning the car has a left hand steering. It's that kind of literacy which makes this show stand out for me. Massive thanks.
Ciao bella! Amazing praise indeed and the ending really nails home why we love certain cars.
you have no idea how much i love this drive road.those views just outstanding.i wish i could drive my mx miata here.
You are the best Hagerty advert out there, forget the influencer bollocks, Catchpole is real. He loves an Alfa
I've so enjoyed watching this
Beautiful little Alfa.
My first car was a Alfa sud 1500 ti qv
Everything Alfaholics touch is just amazing ❤
I'll tell you when this car won't make you happy Henry, when you see the price!
Masterful video as always, thanks for that.
Fun video to watch, very entertaining and one thing one must point out: great cinematography! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Exceptional car from an exceptional company
This is the first journalist I've found who matches the writing quality of peak Top Gear. Most are interesting nerds, but don't understand narrative structure and so it's not as compelling. Quirky, emotionally present, detailed, poetic, well paced, and with good narrative structure.
I didn't expect me to like it half as much as I do now! Fantastic car and video! 👋🏾
Outstanding review; I bought my first Super --new--in 1968. Installed 10 to 1 pistons and Koni shocks. In the day it was a quick car on the road from Vancouver to Whistler Ski Resort. Sadly, in nine years it was rusted so badly it went to the wreckers. In 2006 bought a "concours" 1967 and put in a strong 2 L, LSD and with 500 # springs up front an Koni Reds the car was outstanding on back "humpy-bumpy" roads.--Sigh,
It's brilliant, it has the right combinations too, great engine, exhaust, suspension and rear wheel drive, it has to be satisfying
if you don't want one of these after watching this - you dead inside! I WANT ONE! Always thought the Giulia looked beautiful. But the fatter tires...slight touches does make it just a dream car.
I normally am ambivalent about restomodding as a business model (most of my car buds would probably say that I actually HATE it...and they wouldn't be all that wrong), but watching the pure joy that HC is having is rather compelling and even vicariously infectious. Seeing a rather anonymous example from a storied company as Alfa in this context IS indeed silly, and at the same time absolutely perfect as a restomod project. The backyard mechanic in me simply LOVES this thing.
What possible objection could there be to restomodding old cars?
@qquarkk There's nothing inherently wrong with restomodding. I simply don't like it as a business. Feeding off of a limited pool of victims, usually taking the best of what's left and making them into something that they never were. And most critically, doing it again and again, erasing even more original cars off the face of the earth. A single guy wanting to build something for themselves I have no problem with, nor with hiring a pro to do that for them. But series production like what Singer does...I think it stinks. And all for the edification of the filthy rich, not for the everyday car enthusiasts.
@@993isgawd Removing lots of good examples from the market and rendering them all unaffordable vs saving many from the scrap heap... Mmm pros & cons but yeah I guess it's not really so clear cut is it?!
This is a love letter to driving
Holy Fn Hell I want one!!!
It’s amazing for a car as small as that to give what looks to be a comfortable amount of headroom for someone as tall as henry
Fantastic Mr Catchpole. Fantastic. What a lovely thing.
This is a truly great presentation, I'm tingling and I want one!
Oh my. What an absolutely gorgeous car. So pretty, the noise, seeing Henry enjoy it so much.