Curious kitcar.

[Steve Webb]

I stumbled across this whilst looking for pics of the 159 Alfetta. Not sure how I feel about it really, would be a cool car to run around in in the summer, but from what little I could find out about it, it seems to use alot of VW bug parts!!

Alfetta 159 (http://www.prewarcar.com/postwarclassic/classifieds/ad48755.html)

Here is another view of it

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/8894/numeri10od1.jpg

[WhizzMan]

http://www.arestaurer.fr/annonce-fiche.php?no=729618

This one is yet to be built. Offered it seems by the manufacturer of the car in the advert. In 2006 there was a company called "Mariani replica" that offered this kit, but it has vanished now, it seems. I can't really find any details on it with a casual search. Do you have any more information on the build and the required parts for this?

[Steve Webb]

I've found a thread on the kit\car here Alfetta 159 replica (http://www.forum-auto.com/automobiles-mythiques-exception/section5/sujet378184.htm) from what I can tell the kit for the complete car is ?6000 and includes the body mounted on a restored chassis, gearbox, grille, exhaust, dashboard, windscreen, fuel tank, seat mountings, pedal box and gearshift.

Can't tell what chassis or running gear is used, but the front suspension does look beetle derived.

The website is dead but it looks like the guy who produced the kit is still active on the forum, I'm going to send him a mail and see if he can send any more pics or details.

Don't like the front view of the car much due to the extra width, but I think it looks great from the side and rear.

Steve

[Steve Webb]

Just found this thread as well Alfetta 159 build (http://kitcar.bb-fr.com/les-autres-f23/alfa-159-replica-1951-t609.htm) looks like the kit is based on a complete beetle chassis & running gear.

Steve

[wrinx]

Never really know what to think of replicas, you'd always know it isn't real...but on the other hand, some of them can be amazing pieces of work themselves.

Bugatti Royale springs to mind :eek:

wrinx

[Steve Webb]

I know what you mean about replicas Wrinx, but to be honest this isn't an MR2 dressed up like a Ferrari trying to be something it isn't. No one is going to be fooled into thinking its real and lets face it its a €6k kit of a €2.5million+ race car.

I'd love one to run around in for the summer, the only thing that would trouble me would be noise of the bug motor.

Personally I would have shortened the nose by 6" to improve the look.

[wrinx]

...this isn't an MR2 dressed up like a Ferrari trying to be something it isn't.

Yes, they are rather sad :eek:

wrinx

[Steve Webb]

Slightly off topic here, but this kit has got me thinking about the 159. The spats behind the front wheels, as seen in the pic above, they are on some 159s and not on others. Are they some form of anti-spray/anti-dust device or aerodynamic aid? Personally I'd go for the former as 1951 is too early for any meaningful aero.

[wrinx]

Yeah, can't see them doing much for aerodynamics...splatter guard seems about right, instead of a full mudguard.

wrinx