1982 ALFA ROMEO GTV6 2.5

This 1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5 is a low-mileage example of a classic Giugiaro-designed fastback. It is equipped with the 156bhp 2.5-litre ‘Busso’ V6 — frequently lauded by motoring writers as one of the greatest engines ever made — and paired with a five-speed manual transaxle. The GTV coupe used a shortened Alfa Romeo Alfetta chassis, optimised with 50:50 weight distribution thanks to the rear axle transmission, and with disc brakes all round.

The ‘Type 116’ chassis was honed for racing and had considerable success. In 1982 — the build year of this GTV6 — Alfa Romeo would secure the first of four back-to-back European Touring Car Championship titles. It would also go on to win the British Touring Car Championship and, in Group A guise, four class titles in the Tour de Corse.

First registered in South Africa in August 1982, the early stamped service history confirms that it covered around 12,000 miles in its first two years on the road. The vendor notes that the history file indicates four previous owners in Johannesburg and Cape Town before it was exported to him in the UK.

The file includes an official South Africa vehicle clearance certificate dated October 2017, and subsequent correspondence from HMRC and DVLA in early 2018 confirming payment of all duty and VAT due, as well as authorisation of the UK registration.

It was acquired by the vendor from South Africa as he had been looking a GTV6 in solid, rust-free condition for some time. The car was inspected by Rusper Alfa Romeo (Faygate Garage) and minor metal work to the underside was attended to immediately.

A further inspection by specialist Day & White’s at Brands Hatch revealed that the speedometer was not working correctly, due to an inoperative sender from the rear transaxle. A replacement has been tracked down in Germany and an estimate for the work can be obtained from Day & White’s. The odometer currently shows 53,259km (33,093 miles), though the accurate total is believed to be a few hundred kilometres higher than this.

The white paintwork is in very good condition, with a bright and solid finish down the flanks and around the wheel arches. The finish on the bonnet, boot and roof panels is also in fine order. Blemishes shown in the media gallery include some bubbling in the paint below the boot lock mechanism, a handful of minor chips on the door edges and boot surround, and a larger chip in the rear offside quarter panel.

The car sits on the correct 6J x 15 alloy wheels manufactured by A Benzoni & Co. in Milan. They have never been refurbished, and still retain the original casting marks. In excellent overall condition, there are just a few paint chips and scuffs visible around the rims.

In the cabin, the original interior remains in superb order. It is trimmed in black leather, which is aged but undamaged. There is only minor wear noticeable on the driver’s seat bolster. The headlining is clean and has no sagging, and the car retains its original steering wheel and wood gear knob. A previous owner built a removable armrest unit, upholstered in matching black leather trim, which remains with the car.

A contemporary Pioneer stereo system is the only upgrade from factory specification. The switchgear and electronics function as they should, although the offside electric window is currently inoperative and requires a new regulator.

All of the door shuts and jambs, as well as the boot surround and bonnet gutters, are in excellent shape. The body seals are also in good order. The underside of the car is in great condition, and there are photos of the sills as well as of the car up on a ramp in the gallery. It appears to be an accident-free, original example in very good structural and cosmetic order.

The boot area is clean and tidy, housing the original jack kit as well as the full-size spare wheel beneath the carpet. The engine bay is in equally good condition.

This is a car in sound mechanical condition, which has been well cared-for by its owners. The engine runs smoothly, and starts first time whether hot or cold.

In 2015, the car had a major service and engine overhaul. This included a replacement timing belt, as well as new piston rings, con-rod bearings, valve guides, cam followers and gaskets. A fresh set of spark plugs was also fitted, along with a replacement water pump, thermostat, oil filter and fuel filter. The owner also had the radiator fans renewed, along with a replacement ignition unit and four CV joint boots.

Two years ago, the car received new front and rear brake pads, as well as replacement front brake hoses, refurbished calipers and fresh brake fluid. The handbrake cable was also renewed, as well as the timing belt and fan belt. The spark plugs were changed out again, and new bolts were fitted on the De Dion suspension.

Within the last year, the offside steering arm and ball joint boot has been replaced, full wheel alignment and tracking has been carried out, and new rear brake pads have been fitted.

The wheels are shod in a fresh set of Continental ContiPremiumContact 2 tyres, in size 195/60 R15 all round. The last MOT was in May 2019, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories.

Accompanied by the original literature, including the owner’s manual, maintenance booklet, service directory and the red pouch, the file also includes all of the relevant export and import paperwork. The Alfa Romeo GTV6 is a superb Italian classic that was even a star of the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy for a high-speed chase scene. The vendor reports that this particular example drives beautifully, and it is ready to delight a new owner with its unmistakable ‘Busso’ V6 engine.