SUPERCAR NOSTALGIA IS A BLOG EXPLORING SOME OF THE GREAT OUT-OF-PRODUCTION AUTOMOBILES

One to Buy: 1 owner 257km 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ

One to Buy: 1 owner 257km 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ

Although Alfa Romeo’s model line-up from the mid 1970s to the late 1980s had garnered critical acclaim on account of its styling and engineering, there had been little to excite the kind of buyer that would normally opt for something like a Porsche or Ferrari.

However, that all changed when the show-stopping SZ was unveiled at the Geneva Salon in March 1989.

Somewhat inevitably, the SZ’s avant garde styling stole all the headlines, but under the skin was one of the best handling cars of its era. As for the power unit, Alfa opted for to go with the three-litre 210bhp normally aspirated V6 used in the handsome 75 saloon.

Because the SZ was launched in the midst of a red hot collector car market driven by an influx of speculators, a sizeable portion of the 1036 examples built between 1989 and 1991 were purchased to be flipped for a fast profit. However, a good number were also acquired by collectors who appreciated just what a special machine the SZ was.

Set to go under the hammer at Bonhams’ February 6th auction in Paris is an example that definitely falls into the latter category: chassis ‘739’.

Purchased by a lifelong Alfa Romeo enthusiast from the Netherlands who has retained it ever since, chassis ‘739’ was delivered in 1991 and preserved in as-new condition alongside a 1954 1900C Super Sprint Coupe, a 1961 Giulietta Spider and 1962 Giulietta Sprint Speciale. During this time, the SZ was never registered. It is being offered with just 257km on the odometer and comes complete with Dutch type approval, the original book pack and original indoor car cover.

Reprinted below is Bonhams’ description:

  • Chassis no. ZAR162000 03000739

  • One owner and 257km from new

  • Never registered

  • Offered from a private collection of Alfa Romeos in the Netherlands

  • All original books included

  • Offered with Dutch Type Approval; without any registration document

This stunning Alfa Romeo SZ Coupé is finished in red with beige leather interior, the only colour combination available (reportedly one example was finished in black with a red interior for Andrea Zagato himself).

Delivered new in the Netherlands to its first and only owner - a life-long Alfa Romeo enthusiast - it joined his stable of Alfa Romeos including three others offered here from his collection.

As the owner never intended to use the car, it remains unregistered but comes with the important Dutch Type Approval. With a mere 257 kilometres recorded, this must be one of the least used examples of this wonderful model anywhere, just waiting to be registered for the first time.

It is offered with the aforementioned Dutch Type Approval; the original Alfa Romeo leather pouch containing the service book and manuals; a workshop manual and spare parts catalogue; and an indoor car cover and leather bag.

A must for the Alfa Romeo collector.

For more information visit the Bonhams website at: https://www.bonhams.com/department/CAT-MOT/motoring/

Video: The Italian Job - that intro

Video: The Italian Job - that intro

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