1970-Something Berlina - Should I?

Hi everyone!

So the search for a project car continues. I found this ad for an early 70s (ad says 78, but that is incorrect) Alfa Romeo Berlina. The seller says it runs and that the rust is "not that much." I can see a hole just below the windscreen on the driver's side. There is also a spot just above the rear passenger wheel well. I posted to AlfaBB and they were not too enthused, but I thought I would check with the crazy people here first. Because enablers. All of you.

Let me know what you guys think. Should I be as scared of it as I am?

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/6041952069.html

I'm surprised it's that cheap, it would cost $50k to have someone repair all the rust though. If that's cheap enough you want to enjoy it while it slowly falls apart, or strip it to a bare shell and learn more than you ever wanted to about rust repair then why not though?

Exceptional examples of late Berlinas are going in the $20-25k range but it would probably cost more than that to restore. Seems like a good deal if you can appreciate it in the condition it's in. That hole under the windshield is scary though, the thing is probably hiding a LOT of rot. The AlfaBB crowd knows their stuff, I would trust their opinion.

Windshield frame rust is a bitch to fix. If it's a later one and you're in CA you'll have to deal with smog. Incorrect year could indicate title issues. On the other hand, Alfa.

If exceptional examples are going for $20-$25k, you could probably get a driver for less than it would cost to make this one a ratty driver that at least keeps you dry when it rains.

Ok, thanks for the second opinion. I was sure the AlfaBB guys were right, but I wanted to get the enabler opinion. If you guys are saying no-go, then it is DEFINITELY a no-go. lol.

I repaired rust under the windshield of a 105 GTV once. If you take it out and can weld, or know someone that can, it can be somewhat easy to repair. I know in the GTV, it wasn't hiding a lot of rust, you could see most of it. But, you still had to enjoy getting rid of it. Berlinas are cool though. At least around here they are extremely rare.

They used them as police cars in Italy, I always wanted one of those.

Geekspeed wrote: I can see a hole just below the windscreen on the driver's side. There is also a spot just above the rear passenger wheel well.

Looks like the left front fender is seriously screwed to to me.

There are two types of windshields for these and are very hard to come by. I owned a 73 Berlina and loved the car.