GREAT ESTATE AUTOMOBILES
ALFA ROMEO 156 GTA SW - 2003 - DAYTONA BLU
Although Alfa Romeo is mostly praised for its models from the sixties to the eighties, the 156 platform from the late nineties is possibly one of the brand’s more significant achievements. Not only did it look marvellous, thanks to those slender yet sensual lines penned by Walter De Silva, it was technically on point. The petrol engines used cam phasers and twin spark ignition, the five-cylinder diesel pioneered common rail fuel injection and the Selespeed automated manual, though not without flaws, was unheard of on a mid-sized saloon at the time. All it was missing to give it’s german competitors a true challenge was a flagship version: Enter the GTA! Shoehorning the mythical Busso V6 into a front-wheel drive led to some compromises of course, but also resulted in a truly unique and characterful Italian sport saloon. With less than 3700 GTA’s produced, of which only 1174 manual Sportwagons such as this one, it is also undoubtedly a future classic.
Exterior
With a discreet metal flake and deeper undertones, this Daytona blue paint really highlights the cars beautifully simple lines. Paired with the iconic Teledial wheels and factory body kit, it is one of the most outstanding looks on a family car of that era.
Minor defects can be found on this example, but the overall condition is very good for a car of this age and mileage. More importantly, the specific trim is complete and in good condition (needless to say, spares are hard to find and equally expensive).
There is no doubt that this car in this specification is an absolute showstopper at pretty much any event you might chose to take it to.
Interior
Though it was criticized upon launch for using cheaper quality material in places, the 156 GTA’s interior is a thing of beauty. Everything in line of sight looks and feels different and charming. As an experience, it is unlike anything in its category.
The common issue of the sticky soft-touch coating has been seen to as has been the driver’s seat bolster. The factory head unit has been fitted with a Bluetooth receiver that enables high quality music streaming from your phone.
Engine and drivetrain
Highly regarded as one of the most interesting and best sounding V6 engines, the Busso is presented here in its ultimate form making 250 hp (with displacement upped to 3.2 litres).
While it is considered reliable and durable, this engine requires regular and precise maintenance. Thankfully, this example has just been through a cambelt replacement (including all pulleys, water pump and thermostat) and a complete service (using 10W60 grade oil and including new sparkplugs).
The alternator and serpentine belt have also just been replaced, therefore limiting any service requirements in the coming year to oil changes.
In order to make the Busso sound its best, this car has been fitted with a stainless steel Ragazzon catback.
Chassis and suspension
An Alfa 156 can be surprisingly engaging and communicative, but it does require fresh suspension components to perform at its best. As part of this car’s overhaul, both lower and upper front wishbones were replaced and an alignment carried out. It’s now as sharp as it can be.
The front brakes were upgraded to the 330mm setup found on later models for better stopping power and braided lines were fitted all round too.
The car’s underpinnings are tidy and free of any repairs.
Price and inquiries
2003 Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Sportwagon / Daytona blu over black leather
3.2L 24v "Busso" engine with 5-speed manual / 215.000 km
Price : 18.500 €
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