Alfa Romeo All-alloy Twin Cam Companion, 1954-1994

Book excerpt: Alfa Romeo All-Alloy Twin Cam Companion provides an excellent technical and historical overview of the Giulietta and Giulia family of small sporting roadsters, coupes and sedans. If an Alfa Romeo had one of the all-alloy four-cylinder engines and reached production, it's covered in the Alfa Romeo All-Alloy Twin Cam Companion. That means that even after the Giulia name was dropped - particularly in the United States - the many variants of Duetto, GTV, Berlina and Alfetta are covered, from 1954 through 1994 when the final Alfas-including the four-cylinder Spiders-were sold in the United States. When it came to Alfa Romeos, author Pat Braden was an enthusiast's enthusiast. Pat didn't just write about Alfas - he lived and breathed Alfas. From the mid-1950s when he first owned a Giulietta Sprint until his death in August 2002, Pat had owned scores of Alfa Romeos, ranging from a 6C 1750GTC and an 8C 2300 to 1900s, Giuliettas, Giulias and countless later models. Alfa models are discussed according to history, engine, chassis and trouble spots. Without being a repair manual, this book contains important technical information needed to understand and enjoy one of these Alfas, as well as to perform many minor repair, maintenance, and service tasks. Braden starts with a brief overview of Alfa Romeo history, followed by a look at Alfa's presence in America. He also explores the major models of coupe, spider and berlina that used the all-alloy four-cylinder, as well as the limited production variants. Of course, he also gives much attention to that mighty engine itself. Braden explains the design and history of the engine, as well as exploring trouble spots and offering extensive advice and tips. Additional technical sections focus on the fuel system, transmission, brakes and chassis, not to mention overall restoration. Alfa Romeo All-Alloy Twin Cam Companion is a key to getting the absolute maximum benefit and enjoyment out of Alfa.