Hello from Traverse City, Michigan, USA!

[fastwheels]

I've been a fan of the Stratos since the mid-70s, and a member of this forum since 2016 after learning about LB kits. I casually watched this forum from time to time, never quite being able to commit the time or money to the build process - then Covid hit. I began to seriously consider the STR kit, but by the time I decided to pull the trigger learned LB had suspended taking orders. So, over the past 4 years I've waited, been added to their 'Reserve List' for 2025 or 2026 production, informed that 'Turnkey-minus' is my only option (now the only configuration for shipment to the USA), and that I *may* be in line for a production slot in 2025. I'm hoping the new year will soon bring an email from LB with information on an upcoming production slot!

I've upped my membership here to allow more interaction with this group as I decide on the options for my build. I am hoping to get lots of suggestion/guidance from those on this forum! I'm leaning towards the Gp4 round arch but can't seem to decide on color scheme. While I would love to use a Ferrari engine, my initial searches have come up with nothing, and I suspect that option would prove to be unaffordable - but I would love to be proven wrong! An Alfa V6 would be my second choice, but I suspect that the Toyota V6 is what I will end up with due to availability and cost. But who knows what will turn up in the next year of two as I await my STR???

I would greatly appreciate any input with ideas/resources for this project. I expect it to be a fun one!

Happy New Year!
Doug

[renmure]

Welcome Doug,

I think you're in wine making country up there aren't you?

I'm sure you'll pick up lots of ideas reading the various build threads. All I can say is that the Alfa engine on full blast gives out a glorious noise.

Jim

[Longtimefan]

Doug, welcome as a full member, you have done the right thing in taking full membership which will give you access to all the build threads etc. and Jim is correct you will find lots of helpful information in then.

I can also say that you will not be disappointed with your car when it arrives, the wait will be worth it, and as Jim also points out, the scream of the Alfa engine is glorious.

Don’t be afraid to ask any questions, even if you consider it to be a little trivial, somebody will have encountered it and have an answer.

Happy New Year to you, a great New Year’s resolution.

Robin.

[fastwheels]

Welcome Doug,

I think you're in wine making country up there aren't you?

I'm sure you'll pick up lots of ideas reading the various build threads. All I can say is that the Alfa engine on full blast gives out a glorious noise.

Jim

Jim, you are correct - 40+ wineries within about 20 miles of me. Lots of micro-breweries and distilleries as well. I spent some time in Scotland in the late '70s while in the Navy. We refitted in Holy Loch (near Dunoon). Beautiful country and wonderful people as I recall. A weekend trip to Edinburgh will be something I never forget!

The videos I have watched suggest quite an excellent sonic output from an Alfa engine, but I've yet to hear it in person. Hopefully I can experience it after the snow melts in the Spring... :-)

FWIW, I have always admired the GTV 2000 and would seriously consider buying one if it dropped into my lap. There is a local collector that has a '72/'73 that has been in a slow restoration for the past several years that I saw at his garage open house a couple of summers back. No idea when that may grace the local roads again.

[sean999r]

Hello Fastwheels, from a US citizen who return back to the UK. Lots of resource & build threads here. LB STR has incredible build quality which ever way you go the finished product will be great. if you go Alfa go and find yourself 93 > 164 3.0 24v while they are still around. My old Italian friend Enrico Tenne is specialist engine builder in CA. All the best

https://valtellina-automobili.com/