After 6 months of ownership, a friend of my boss (in that same golfing group) who knows the Bentley was sold to me made an offer I could'nt refuse. Figured that enjoying this life of the "rich" is not my bag. If anything went wrong with the decade old elephant, parts and service labor costs would be overbearing for my "cheapness". Delivered this last Wenesday.
With the windfall money on hand, us guys are always itchy for a replacement.
Found that today! Something different from the current stable. My second Italian car. A 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C with 1,550 kms (970 miles) on the odometer. As usual, it's White, my lucky color!!! Should arrive in the next two weeks. Critique to follow!

 

I’d say that was a great trade off.

In the words of Jeremy Clarkson “you can’t be a true petrolhead until you’ve owned an Alfa Romeo”


Rottboy's Reply:
Ya got it right!
After the recent delivery of the CTR I realized, despite my senior status, still wasn't ready to travel in an opulent, overweight sedan. The remaining youth in me still yearned for another sticky, corner hugging stablemate for the Type R. Couldn't afford the likes of a Pista nor a 991.2 GT3/RS so looked elsewhere for something more affordable.
Considered a Lotus Evora and the 4C. They both are track oriented cars and chose the later as the price was right, has very low mileage and looks was "too Italian" to pass up. Colored White, further convinced me! LOL!!!
Closest I came to owning an Alfa was back on the islands. A '69 GTV 1750 Veloce belonging to a close officemate/drinking buddy. He decided to keep it (and still has it).
Installed with an Abarth exhaust, it sounds so sweet!!!
Hoping to become a Clarkson true petrolhead once the 4C arrives. Alfa is on the top of the favorite cars he owned.

 

Safely unloaded this morning at the club garage facility my son uses in NJ. Travelling in enclosed carrier resulted in a very clean arrival. The R8 will now sleep in excellent company nightly!!!
#4 son plans to take it for a drive when his work schedule lightens up.

 

The wait is over!!!
The new baby finally arrived and spent 3 hrs to clean her up and familiarize myself with all the controls. Took her for a short drive and must say this will be a "keeper" in my garage. So tight and raw. The seat makes it part of your body when on and off the road.
At 5'5" and 125 lbs. this vehicle was made for my frame. LOL!!! Getting in and out is a smooth exercise. Everything fits although the wife is NOT looking forward to riding with me. Another LOL!!! She finds it too low.
Added bonus were the OEM car cover and battery maintainer. It's in such good shape even the factory wrap remains on the passengers footwell plate. Another bonus was that PPF has been done on the rockers and carbon door sills by the previous owner.
Figured the trick to get a light steering is to move a few inches and turn the steering. Works like a charm. But then again I am old school. My first car was '67 MG Midget 1275cc RHD. Just needed the senses to be re-ignited.
Oh, the power. What a joy to experience plus the sound that goes with it. Loving every moment and am looking forward to some nice weather to bring her to some twisty roads. A 100 miles of driving and I should be bonded to how she handles. Can't wait for my learning curve to peak.

Flatbed delivery



Looking spotless after cleanup



Delivery Mileage



CTR lost her parking spot!



Sleeping in with her OEM blanket!!

 

Looks awesome. I'm sure it is a real joy to drive and glad to hear that you will be doing that. That's what cars are meant for, to drive and enjoy. I would not fit comfortably in it lol and I'm sure the wife will warm up too it. Maybe her not liking it is not so bad ;-)

So where does the CTR go?

ROTTBOY'S REPLY:
Took the 4C for a 15 mile jaunt yesterday. Left the gear selector at Normal mode mostly to bond further. Gotta accept this for what it is. Raw and tight. Fit and CTR definitely are my choices for the daily drive and comfort level. Contrary to a bunch of YT comments, didn't find the steering overly sensitive, nor does the suspension tramline excessively. Both feel so connected.
One thing I do get are a lot of stares. Gotta be it's Italian look!!! Thinking your right about the wife not liking it may be a blessing!!! LOL!!! Appreciate the kind comments.
The CTR is parked in my neighbor's (lives in Europe 9 months of the year) gated garage where my Yamaha 125 Zuma resides.

 

Didn't come with opional rear park sensors and was in need off a reverse parking aid. In choosing the camera, was after something that wouldn't add clutter to all glass area, given the 4C's overall visibility.
The rear view mirror chosen, being wider than the stock and with the built-in 7" reverse screen, was not intrusive. Having anti-glare and auto-dimming lens are nice upgrades.
With the rear on jackstands, install took me about 4 hours in total which included tapping, routing and securing wires and both cameras.

Rear jacked up


Jackstands in action!


Mounted bolow rear plate frame



Unsecured mounting. Will use stainless bolts to finish.


Rear camera test successful.

 

I've always wondered how those reverse mirror cameras would work in terms of image quality and stability (flickering) and response (delayed image?).

Rottboy's Reply:
Secured the hardware and wires. Excellent results w/ sharp resolution and immediate response. Hooked the reverse camera to the reverse light wire and it instantly appears upon engagement.
Resolution is very clear for these senior eyes!! Our trusty GK got me so used to having a rear camera.
Keeping the wiring neat was an effort but did solve it.
Image quality is excellent and sharp with no interference. Could have gone wireless but too many complaints.
For now am pleased that my 4C can back up with visual assistance.



The unexpected bonus is the Picture Resolution is better than in both my GK and FK8!!!

4C Accessory install update 6/24/20:
Door sill carbon wrap to limit scuffs on the carbon fiber tub.


Seatbelt covers. No more seatbelt scuffs on my withering neck skin!!!


Last Saturday, after first driving the CTR took out the 4C to confirm the reverse camera's wiring integrity. Both so nice and light. The CTR'S Continental tires are much stickier than the 4C's OEM Pirelli P Zero's. They're both pleasing me more n more, not only on the drive, but likewise, to look at!!!

 

With lockdown easing, had to find an excuse to go for a short social drive to relieve the boredom. Took out the Alfa 4C and joined a Coffee/Car meet at the local beach. Glad to meet her sister (forefront) plus some other interesting vehicles. After 6 years in Canada, my first and certainly not the last I will be attending. Drivers are all so friendly!!!


A trio of viintage 2002 tii

Classic Lambo Miura

Pristine post '70 XKE 6 cyl.

Pair of Lotuses

Lotsa of Porsches, Ferraris and BMWS!!!

A great sunny day for this fine gathering!!! CTR got jealous, so she'll be going to the next one. LOL!!!


2nd Car n Coffee Meet 7/19/20 :
This time six 4C's showed up!!! What a great day to met people with common interests.
Forgot the CTR.🤗 again. Maybe next time

 

My wrapper seems to always have customer cars that make me gaze with jealousy!

A pristine Ferrari 458 Speciale


A similar "raw" n lightweight driiving specimen - a red Lotus Evora! Further back the wrap guy's personal Acura NSX.


A 2020 911 C4S


PPF install finally commences!!!

My first experience with PPF was having it done on my 2015 Fit upon arrival to Canadian soil. My previous GD had it's share of stone chips and didn't want a repeat with the GK, which I plan to keep indefinitely. After close to six years, not a single chip in front anywhere and there have been at least 5 instances I've heard road debris hit the hood and headlight. The resulting tiny scuffs left behind proved PPF's worth.
For those that may be contemplating this addition to any car, it was explained to me that that not only the material used is important, but, the person applying the wrap is critical. Lack of expertise could result in sub-standard performance and durability.
My guy uses Avery and 3M Premium exclusively (both made in the USA). The other products (Xpel, Suntek, etc......) are all at least 40% thinner. These products all come from one factory in China but are re-packaged and re-branded by the multiple NA importers. Being 50% cheaper, lots of local installers love using these.
Looking forward to driving the 4C much more once completed!!!

UPDATE 8/6/20:
A few small 4C accessories arrived in the mail and took the CTR for a drive to visit her sister to install them. Again, more delicious cars for me to ogle over!!!

Two 991.2 GT3 RS's making the CTR comfortably protected on both sides!

UPDATE 8/9/20:
Picked up the 4C yesterday and my wrap guy had two pleasant surprises:

Alfa Romeo 110th Annivery logo on both rear quarter panels


Alfa Badging on both sills!!!


Ceramic coated finished product!!!
Needless to say, I am one happy customer!!!

 

#2 son in LA sold his '14 Cayman S 2 months ago as his ordered a Cayman GT4 was arriving. Upon delivery 2 weeks ago, being meticulous like me, there was a noticeable interior defect which the dealer was having issues replacing under warranty. I advised him to get back his deposit and walk. Since then we have been conversing constantly, and I finally convinced him to step up and try something different.
With my retirement package coming around the corner, and helping him to start on this new quest, it became financially viable.
He found a private seller on Rennlist last week, made the offer on Friday which was accepted yesterday. The third party inspection was done by a Porsche specialist well-known in the Bay area. Costing $650, it's pricy but absolutely detailed mechanically, plus pics of everything and oil analysis. Was done today and passed with Flying colors.
He's driving to SF this weekend to pickup.
A 2018 Porsche GT3!
This son tracks so PCCB and Chrono pkg. were desirable and so was the larger 90 li. gas tank and front axle lift. Full body PPF was a bonus. With less than 6k on the odo everything, in, out and even underneath was spotless.
Fair to say he paid a tiny bit more than dealer wholesale but way less than retail values.
He is now one excited boy.

Listing photo. Surely more more to come after pickup!!!

 

Very nice! Your family has an eye to nice cars!

ROTTBOY'S Reply:
Thanks! 🤙

 

So very clean!!!




I was impressed with the oil and oil filter analysis!





No previous faults!!!





With only two minor scratches on the plastic under panels the inspection categorized this car as "like new". My kid lucked out on this puppy!!!
In all fairness, my son really was after a manual but I convinced him to accept new technology and get a DCT. Only time will tell whether I steered him the right way. I'm sure I did but he has to experience it for himself. My R8, now with my #4 son In NYC with the R-tronic moved me to accepting the advancement that MFG's have made with clutchles trannies. I find Porsche's DCT even better!
Can't wait for Covid to be over. Once the border is open am driving the Fit down to LA with my pup to visit this German Beast!!!

 

Gorgeous car!! I'd love to drive a Porsche to feel what they are all about. Some of the best value as far as performance, road feel and quality.

ROTTBOY'S Reply:
I agree.
Had two of them back on the islands. A '96 911 993 TTurbo (which I regret selling to this day) and a '02 991 996 TTurbo. Tightly built machines.
However, have become so cheap in my advancing age, just can't justify spending hundreds of thousands and depleting my retirement savings. The current prices have gone up to much for me too stomach.
At least you young guys on this forum have a long ways to go and lots to still enjoy!!!

 

The kid's new beast finally home in LA from SF, after the drive back yesterday. Looking spotless after a morning clean-up. As predicted, he continues to enjoy learning the drive!!!




The beast feeling at home on a Malibu beach!!! Muy guapo!!!


Likewise off Point Mugu by the Santa Monica Mountain Coast.


Attached magnetic rear fender protectors aka 1975 original 930.

 

Had a S124 MB wagon RWD back on the islands in '86 and have always missed its unique appearance and versatility. IMO, the original luxury SUV.
Couldn't pass up on this pristine cherry I've been following. '13 E350 4-matic (S212) w/ 35k miles, one owner, local with a spotless CarFax. Had to experience one more wagon while I still can. LOL!
Made an offer which the seller accepted last Tuesday n was delivered yesterday. Fair to say, it's cost was similar to buying a new base 4wd HRV!
Came loaded with all the options available (excluding the Designo interior): Premium Pkg. 2, Driver's Assistance Pkg., Sport pkg. w/ AMG18" wheels and body skirts.
Pearl Beige Metallic exterior with Natural Beige interior. The MSRP was around $70k. That's a depreciation of 69% over 7 years. Ouch!!!
This non-smoker didn't fail to impress me. Drives smoothly without any noise or rattles whatsoever. Tight engine with a crisp shifting 7-speed auto tranny. The leather has close to zero wear (the original driver surely must've been lightweight) as with all the carpets and mats. Few tiny pinhole stone chips on the front bumper which I'll touch up in the coming weeks. Zero road rash on all wheels, tires at 80% and brakes at 75%.
Harmon Kardon entertainment system sounds great (as in the wife's G wagon). It can stream music via Bluetooth, unfortunately, no titles available (on my SamsungS7 but works with the S9). An unexpected bonus was it has HD FM (G doesn't).









AMG RIMS

Resting beside her younger sister - the CTR!!!

 

Oh man I love wagons and that one is a beauty!! They make great daily drivers. I'd love a Volvo 850R or Audi RS2 Avant. They are my dream wagons.

I just picked up a TDI SportWagen a month or so ago for daily duties. I looked for Mercedes and BMW diesels but they are harder to find.


ROTTBOY'S Reply:
Congrats on the TDI. Lots of torque and miserly with fuel! Good looker too!!!
Appreciate the kind words.
Nevertheless, our trusty Honda Fit remains this household's go to daily!!
Let's both continue to enjoy our drivers!

 

My wrap/graphics buddy gifted the 4C with a nice sticker of my school colors. ICE upgrade is the last mod to make her complete.

Located in Athens, Ohio. Hometown of QB Joe Burrow!!!

 

So OP, did you ever install that suspension in your Fit?

ROTTBOY'S REPLY:
Too lazy for now. LOL!!!
Wrapping up my work and preparing for retirement.
Will schedule it when the shocks need to be done sometime in the future.

ROTTBOY UPDATE (11/28/20):
After delaying the install of the RSR down springs for more than a year, I figured that I'm getting too lazy to proceed further now that there are other rides in the garage that fulfill the tight suspension that us drivers relish. BMWguy22 PM'd too see if I was going to pursue the install and after a brief thought, decided it best it goes to a fellow FF, who will make better use of them.
We did the deal today, and am so glad to finally meet my first FF member. A stellar young fellow who met me at exactly the time we agreed upon. Was glad to know his GK is a manual too!