Richard Banks Alfa Romeo fettler and Alfaholics founder
WHEN CHILDREN ARRIVE ON THE SCENE, many of us are forced to swap our toys for the practical implements of family life. Out with the indulgent two-seater coupe, in with the sensible estate. Richard Banks, now co-owner of Alfaholics, the Alfa Romeo restorer and tuner, did things differently. With the pitter-patter of tiny feet imminent, he bought a sports car and then kept buying more.
‘Having for years existed hand-to-mouth on motorsport sponsorship, in 1977 I moved from London to the Cambridgeshire fens to start a family,’ Banks explains. ‘Whilst considering what to do for work, I came across a very nice, low-mileage Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV which had been stolen and recovered and had ended up in a nearby scrapyard. It required minor mechanical work and repainting, and when it was completed I drove it down to Exmoor with my heavily pregnant wife to show her my old haunts on Exmoor.
‘I just loved the way that car drove with its superb handling, not too much grip on those 165 HR 14 tyres, but pin-sharp steering and wonderful high-speed stability. Such fun.
‘Of course, I was in no position to keep the car – I needed the money.
