Alfa Pages

Ian M · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2005 11:39 pm Post subject: Great start to new year

Driving home from work tonight minding my own business when all hell breaks loose.
Was just going around a slightly downhill righthand bend at about 65mph (only a slight curve) when the rear of the car seemed to start steering to the right as well.
I couldnt catch it and hit the opposite bank and over we went...finally coming to rest upside down and facing the way id just come.
Engine was still running so I killed that and crawled out through the missing windscreen much to the surprise of the first bloke who appeared on the scene.
He had witnessed the final moments of the accident and didnt think anyone was going to come out in one peice.
The paramedics couldnt believe they werent cutting me out and everyone at the scene were very impressed with the strength of the 33.
Lucky old me eh?
Trouble is Ive now got to find another one cos that one wont see the road again.
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Presntly own
Red Abarth 500c

Ben_nz · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 1:37 am Post subject:

It's not every day that the rear of a 33 breaks loose and people are impressed with the strength of the vehicle!
It's good that you came out of it OK and still wanting another Alfa.. Being in England you should be able to get one for about 5p. Rolling Eyes

Are you gonna be able to recover many parts from the crashed car, to use as spares for the new one?

tvatavuk · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 8:53 am Post subject:

Hi Ian,

I glad that you're OK, athough sad about 33.
I know that it's now way comaprable to yours loss, but my 33 also didn't start this year best way.
5 hours before 2005 while parking 33 got cracked bumper and dent/hole on chasis 10cm deep and some 30 cm high, luckily rear light is in one piece.
Two days later I couldn start it, for no apperent reason.
In the morning while towing car, front towing hook (inside bumper) got riped of chasis, and in process kicking out front fog light.

I hope they are lie about old saying "The way you start New Year will continue to be for whole year"
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Tino Vatavuk
Little black dress which replaced Alfa Romeo 33 S 16v Permanent 4 GMo

Eddie W · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 10:03 am Post subject:

Apretty freaky experience Ian but good that you are in one piece. Any theories on what caused it?
Regards Eddie
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A LITTLE FURTHER A LITTLE FASTER

Ian M · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 1:17 pm Post subject:

Well its the morning after and Im a bit sore but thankfully nothing more.
As for what caused it Im not sure exactly,just remember that the rear end seemed to start steering pushing the car into a slide from which I couldnt recover it.
The bend where it happened is one I go round very often,it is very slight requiring next to no steering input.
I would be interested to here anyone elses thoughts on what might of caused this to happen.
I will try and get some pics of it if someone could host them for me...it is quite a mess.
And Ben if you could lend me 5p I would be grateful as Im a bit strapped for cash at present Rolling Eyes

_________________
Presntly own
Red Abarth 500c

James Granger · Alfa 33 Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 302

Damn, you must be pretty shaken! Good to hear that you are in one piece, but a shame about the 1.5. I guess the left-hand part of the roof caved in quite severely during the roll-over?

Seeing that the general temperature here (and in the UK) is above freezing, I guess that the rear end breaking loose was most probably caused by a diesel spillage on the road.

Did the police and incident team check the road afterwards during the 'clean up'? Or doesn't that happen in the UK?

I'll host the pictures! Just mail to jamesgranger@granger-marketing.com

BILL · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 3:42 pm Post subject:

Ian since you are Ok nothing else matters.Hope its the last accident that happens to anyone.

ak863 · Guest

sounds like spillage..

last time this happened to me, i did 2-3 360's between the two direction lanes and stopped on the pavement.. (so fast that i could not understand if i was going clockwise or counter clockwise.. )
luckily no car had passed while .

Ian, this is the opportunity to go for a decent P4 or 16V...

James Granger · Alfa 33 Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 302

The remains of Ian's 1.5 (hi-res images):

http://www.granger-marketing.com/alfa33/marsh_crash/DSCN0001.JPG

http://www.granger-marketing.com/alfa33/marsh_crash/DSCN0003.JPG

http://www.granger-marketing.com/alfa33/marsh_crash/DSCN0005.JPG

http://www.granger-marketing.com/alfa33/marsh_crash/DSCN0006.JPG

Marcin · Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 8:42 am Post subject:

O.M.G.

ak863 · Guest

italian taliategle..

it looks really bad..

Guest · Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 3:59 pm Post subject:

Matt Stolton · Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2005 6:42 pm Post subject: Damn Lucky

After my little incident with the M6 Crash barrier, I was pleasently surprised at the resiliance of the 33 to impacts.

However, I didn't have the misfortune of testing the full 'roll cage' of the car in quite the same way you have.

Still, I think you did damn well to get out of that one, especially in one piece.
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Regards

Matt

Ex Alfa 33 'GTA' (P4 with Knobs On)
Now cruising in a 166 3.2 Ti!!

33 1.7 ie Turismo · Alfasud Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Posts: 37 Location: bristol UK

think it might be a write off!

pretty lucky there Shocked

gritsop · Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2005 8:15 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Matt, what have you done with the new shell you were after?

Regards
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

Ian M · Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 12:26 am Post subject:

JUST CALL ME "THE CAT" Laughing

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Presntly own
Red Abarth 500c

Laki · Alfasud Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Posts: 74 Location: Ljubjana

The lucky cat.....very, very lucky one
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-- ALFA ROMEO 33 Q4 --

Ian M · Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 11:20 pm Post subject:

Well I am pleased to say Ive replaced the written off 1.5ie...unfortunately with a VW Passat Embarassed

(well it was going for a song) sorry guys.
Its really quite wonderful...the heater works,the headlights show you where you are going,you actually have all manner of creature comforts.
The only problem is I get absolutely no pleasure in driving it whatsoever.
It gives you nothing backat all...it doesnt settle quickly into a corner like a 33.
In fact its like going from a jetski to an aicraft carrier.
So dont worry guys I WILL be driving an alfa again very soon...watch this space.
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Presntly own
Red Abarth 500c

paddy granger · Alfa Sprint Joined: 12 Aug 2003 Posts: 248

adh · Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 10:09 pm Post subject: a great start to the new year

Ian,

If the Passat is so bad get the 33 back on the road.
Can't see what all the fuss about, a spot of T-Cut, a bit
of elbow grease and it should buff up just fine....

ad

Daimon7 · Alfa Arna Joined: 18 Mar 2004 Posts: 20

Sorry for your loss mate and the 33 is dead, long live the (next) 33
(Just make sure that its a 16valver this time)

Crying or Very sad

_________________
Call me a maniac, insane or plain stupid for i believe that...

a 33 1.7 16V + T4 + too many things to list - 1****eu = 350hp and many many people wondering why a 360 modena can`t shake off that weird looking, 17" rimmed, red, 11 year old bucket

LDA · Alfa 33 Joined: 28 Nov 2004 Posts: 276 Location: France

hey all,

happy new year all.
so much has happened while i was away!
ian, glad your ok.. sorted a new 33 yet?
damn!! i just seen the pics!!!!! you are a VERY VERY lucky man!!
i dont trust grey 1.5's. my one let go on a left turn and ended in a sign post.. not as badly bent as your crash (thank god) but still made a right mess of the car. i hope you saved some of your lives up'cat Wink

you got a german car!! gah!
meh transport is transport i spose. good luck finding a new 33.

L.
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A good workman allways blames his sh*t tools.

Dreamracers · Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 8:09 pm Post subject:

Hi Ian

Bloody hell, I dont visit the board for a few months and everyone is getting out (luckily) alive out of very bent 33s.

Glad you are OK. Its looks a right mess. You did pop over and have a quick spectate on the track day didnt you? I seem to remember seeing the car in the car park.

Where was the ding? I am up in Wincanton and get to Yeovil, Sherborne and areas quite abit, so may know the road?
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(00=\°/=00) (00=\°/=00)
Alfasud 1.7Ti & Alfasud 1.3Ti

Ian M · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 12:03 am Post subject:

Hi Mark
The accident was on the Sherborne to Dorchester road coming towards Sherborne At top of the hill near Cerne Abbas...do you know it?
Yes I did come to the track day I sent you some photos of the three wheeling fiesta.
s
Sorry to say I am still in the passat but am on the lookout for another alfa....not necesarily a 33 but whatever come along at the right money.
_________________
Presntly own
Red Abarth 500c

Sergio · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 12:24 am Post subject:

Yikes!!!

I have been here for a while....

Ian, I'm glad you are OK Wink

I had a similar accident with a 1.3s about 4 and half years ago... Not a thing I like to remeber...

I hope you get an Alfa soon Wink

All the best

Sérgio
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Driving a 33 1.7 16v QV & Lancia Musa