I thought I'd push the envelope on the Friday Funnies category to include
heresy (early Saturday). Flame away!
Reading about Bonham's Monte Carlo auction in the latest "Automobile"
magazine--there's a 1959 Alfa 750 Giulietta Spider that went for $21k. It
occurred to me that that's about the only other affordable sports car from
the '50s that can hold a candle to the Healey for overall appeal. 356
Porsches are not quite in the same class, seeming rather drab by comparison.
In my opinion, the Alfa doesn't _quite_ have the exterior looks of the
Healey, but the 1300 has 90 bhp, an all aluminum DOHC engine, all-syncho
box, superb handling, roll-up windows, double or triple-leading shoe brakes
that would hold up under racing, and a convertible top that disappears into
the body like the original 100 or a modern Miata.
If you've seen the original "Day of the Jackal" you know you can reach back
with one hand and pull up the top while you're driving.
It's a hell of a car for the same money as a Healey. Parts are quite a bit
more expensive though.
--
Steve Gerow
Pasadena CA
59 BN6
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