May 2007

An open letter to Danny Luccon and David Corbo, Prestige Formula, from Laurie Ardill Immediate Past President AROCA SA.

Gents, Please accept my sincere gratitude for the loan of the beautiful 159 JTD 2.4 litre manual for my trip to the Annual National AROCA Club gathering in Berri. I was gobsmacked when David ushered me to that sensual silver Alfa, complete with my favourite wheels. It took a little adjusting to the 6 speed manual (my daily driver is an auto), the incredible torque (400Nms) and rev range to a tad over 4000. My 2.0 litre twinspark GTV sprint car revs happily to 7000,but without the torque (great shame!).

By the time I collected co-pilots Glen Phillips, WA AROCA president and Peter Axford AROCA SA Life Member I was very comfortable. I found the driving position better than any Alfa I had driven, the aircon very efficient and the sheer beauty if the thing oozed class at every angle. The designers achieved an evil look at the front that carried through to the perfectly desirable rear end provides the proof that the European design team got it right. No wonder that theme is carried throughout the Alfa range. I love those wheels which were surprisingly easier to clean than I thought they would be.

On the road we were extremely impressed with the steering (leave room to make a U or 3 point turn), overtaking ability, that torque and the narrow rev range which made it necessary (or maybe we just wanted do it for the joy) to use the gears. Note 1000 revs in 6th is 60 kph.

Ride was fantastic, a little firm but I like that, effortless cruising and handling that would make the advisory signs look very conservative, if we had felt it necessary/reasonable/responsible to test them. The temptation was mostly declined, but we did come home via the Gorge Road!

We hardly noticed that we were driving a diesel, just a slight noise at idle otherwise it was not noticeable. We didn’t check fuel usage.

A fantastic experience, thanks Prestige.

Needless to say, I was sorry to return it, but it is for sale, please contact David at Prestige 8338 7755, I promise we did not hurt it.

Members are encouraged to drop in to the showrooms at Glen Osmond Rd. and see the Team.

Peter and Laurie on the Murray with 159, photo by Glen Phillips