The Art of Restoration: Alfa Romeo 147 GT Allegerita by VVM

The Alfa Romeo 147 GTA is a car that truly embodies the spirit of Italian performance. This hot hatch was introduced in 2002 as a high-performance version of the popular 147 models, and it immediately won the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide.

With its 3.2-liter V6 engine producing 250 horsepower and a top speed of over 150mph (240km/h), the 147 GTA was a serious contender in the hot hatch market. The handling and driving experience of the car were also highly praised, thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and well-balanced chassis. The 147 GTA remains a beloved icon of Italian automotive engineering and design to this day.

The Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, designed by Walter de Silva and Wolfgang Egger at Alfa Romeo Centro Stile, boasted an aggressive look with numerous cooling upgrades and unique equipment to enhance high-speed stability. The new front bumper assembly featured additional air ducts inboard of the headlights, chin spoilers, larger base intakes, and fog lights mounted above to maximize airflow.

The GTA's sportier appearance was accentuated with black headlight internals. Along the sides, you'll notice subtly flared fenders, body-colored-and-vented side skirts, a re-contoured fuel filler cap, and clear indicators. The roof-mounted spoiler and extended rear bumper assembly with a trio of meshed cooling vents and twin-pipe exhaust were added to the back of the car. With the exception of the plastic composite bumpers and skirts, the GTA’s panels were fashioned from steel, making it 43mm longer, 35mm wider, and 30mm lower than the regular 147.

At VVM, we pride ourselves on restoring classic vehicles to their former glory. Our Alfa Romeo 147 Gran Turismo Allegerita, which we acquired in 2022 is in need of some serious TLC. In this series of blog posts, we'll take you through our journey to fully restore this iconic vehicle from scratch.

First on the list was a complete respray of the body shell. The 147 had seen better days, with a worn-out paint job and various dings and scratches throughout. Our team of expert technicians spent hours carefully preparing the body shell, sanding down every inch to ensure a smooth surface. We then applied several layers of high-quality paint, making sure to match the original color as closely as possible.

Next, we turned our attention to the doors and bumper. Both had seen better days and were in need of replacement. We sourced brand new doors and a bumper, ensuring that they matched the original specifications of the vehicle. Our technicians carefully fitted them to the body, making sure everything was aligned perfectly.

With the body shell, doors, and bumper looking as good as new, it was time to move onto the next phase of the restoration project. Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we'll be diving into the engine and drivetrain.

At VVM, we take pride in our meticulous attention to detail and our commitment to preserving the heritage of classic vehicles. If you have a classic car that needs restoration, we would be honored to work with you to bring it back to life. Contact us today to learn more about our services.