1991 ALFA ROMEO SZ - 3,711 KM

This Alfa Romeo SZ is an exceptionally low-mileage example of a striking modern classic, presented in superb condition. Under the bonnet is a 210hp naturally aspirated 3.0-litre V6, driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.

The odometer currently indicates 160 miles, though its speedometer was changed when the original item - which remains with the car - showed 3,454 km (2,146 miles), which means the true mileage is approximately 2,306 miles (3,711 km).

The SZ or ‘Sprint Zagato’ was known internally as the ES-30 or ‘Experimental Sportscar 3.0 litre’. Strictly a two-seater, there was ample room behind the passengers for more luggage, while its dramatically styled body panels were fabricated from moulded composite. The suspension was a revised version of the uniball joint setup found on the Alfa Romeo 75 Group A / IMSA racing cars, complemented by Koni adjustable shock absorbers. Just 1,036 examples were built, and with the exception of one car, all in Rosso Alfa over Tan leather.

Built and first registered in 1991, this SZ was delivered to France, where it remained with its first owner for six years. Based in Romans-sur-Isère, just north of Valence in the South East of France, this gentleman drove the car sparingly, covering just shy of 1,900 km by August 1997. In September 1997, the car appeared in the Brooks Sale of Collectors Motors Cars at Kensington Olympia - and it is assumed that the car may have been driven all the way up to London from the South of France, given that the mileage in the catalogue stood at approximately 3,000 km.

It was purchased from the auction by a private collector in the UK, who re-registered the car with DVLA in March 1999 after the relevant type approval modifications were carried out. In February 2000, a new speedometer was installed by Ramponi Rockell in London. The original speedometer remains with the car, and shows 3,454 km. This SZ remained with the same UK owner for the next 21 years until he passed away. It was acquired by the current owner last year, though has not been registered in their name.

Today, the bodywork remains in excellent condition, and thanks to its composite construction there is of course no panel rust. Its Rosso Alfa paint finish is original, and as such has the common micro-blistering across the panels, and the car will receive a full professional detail before handover to the next owner. It rides on the original 16-inch split-rim alloy wheels, which are in great shape for their age.

As you would hope given the remarkably low mileage; the interior remains in generally pristine order. The buttery tan leather shows only the slightest signs of use, and the matching carpets are in wonderful condition throughout. The black leather for the dashboard, steering wheel rim, and gear shift and handbrake gaiters, also presents very well indeed. There are no known electrical faults, and all of the switchgear works as it should.

In February 2021, the car received a major service at Alfa specialist Italia Speed in Newbury, which comprised renewal of the engine oil and filter, spark plugs, and the timing belt. The brake fluid was also changed, and the car had a general check-over. Prior to this, the car had been put through a recommissioning in 2017 after being in storage for eight years. Nearly £2,000 was spent to replace the cambelt, auxiliary belt, and power steering belt, as well as rebuilding the timing belt tensioner, changing the coolant, gearbox oil and brake fluid, and renewing the under-bonnet sound insulation.

The most recent MOT test was carried out on 8 February 2021, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories. All four 205/55 R16 Pirelli P Zero tyres are date-coded to 2004, and have ample tread, but would benefit from replacement on the basis of age.

Accompanying the car is the original handbook and service directory in the tan leather wallet, plus an extensive history file documenting maintenance and MOT tests since arriving in the UK, as well as some original paperwork from its time in France. A letter in the file dated to August 1997 from the first owner confirms the genuine mileage of 1,860 km at that point.

This Alfa Romeo SZ is a true ‘time warp’ example of the Italian marque’s esoteric 1990s performance car. With incredible styling by Fiat Centro Stile, it is an automotive design icon unlike anything seen before or since, and as such would make a discerning addition to any collection of modern classics or Italian exotica. The phrase ‘buy the best example you can afford’ is common advice in the collector car world, and it simply cannot get much better than this.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.