Eldalie ,
This is the one that left me some years ago, very intrigued whether I should become owner of the same.
From earliest design sketch of Chris Bangle (present BMW designer), entire press, and surprisingly from US as well , stated, this is one incredible car creation.
Driving tests later proved, Coupe’s abilities are much more then skin deep, ranging from all sort of compliments and accolades…even hailed as little Ferrari for the real world price - and by Germans !
Most astonishing aspect that I’ve came to conclude is the fact that even in top version 20V LE (Limited edition), Coupe has no obvious homokinetic problems associated with overloading front wheel drive
with more then 200PS. Only penalty however, enormously short life of tires.
Jimster did make a note of some problems, but there is no getting away that Coupe has serious problems particularly until 1999. Fiat made serial slip with exhaust manifold and the same is weakest parts of the 20V turbo Coupé. Because of very poor design that was redesigned after 1999., large temperature range was making all sort of defects, ranging from obvious loss of power to serious vibration problems.
This is the point you will hear from many Coupe owners and mostly Turbo owners
Even prepared models for press testing, could not hide poor connection between materials and mostly doors with typical Fiat trademark…amazon sounds inside.
So if you want to buy one, there is no better address or person on the entire web who could give you more information from the first hand :
www.autonovum.de
This man also made some serious engineering electronic modifications and his own custom design electronic boost controller is special story indeed.
But you do need reality check facts :
Turbo models (provided engine in good condition), would pass barely Euro III regulations, which means you might have serious problems with future regulations.
You will spend fortune on tires (more then on the same power GTV Alfa)
In event of spare parts, prepare to invest fortune,because they will become rare.
I think Fiat look and drive is nothing short of sensation, but realistically speaking,Alfa GTV would be more sensible choice for many real world reasons.
Best thing for engine would be to employ Fly-sequent Gas instalation,either LPG or better CNG which combined with Turbo would make loss of performance less then 2%.
This will make economy, environment happy, and would make permanent smile on your face.