COTD - 20/01/24

Yes, I know. An Alfa. Not a brand that is widely recognised anymore, but nonetheless a brand that produced a huge number of iconic cars. So, in today’s COTD, you’ll learn about:

The Alfa Romeo 156 GTA, one of the most passionate and thrilling sports saloons to ever come out of Italy. Launched in 2002, the GTA was Alfa’s answer to rivals like the BMW E46 330i and Audi S4. But true to Alfa’s style, it brought a unique blend of performance, soul, and quirks that made it unforgettable.

Under the bonnet lies the glorious 3.2L Busso V6 engine, a naturally aspirated masterpiece producing 250hp and 300Nm of torque. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 156 GTA could sprint from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 mph. But numbers only tell half the story—the Busso V6 delivered its power with a smooth, operatic howl that’s as much a part of its legacy as its performance.

The 156 GTA was built for spirited driving. With suspension tuned for speed, it handled corners with a surprising sharpness, though its front-wheel-drive setup meant it could struggle with torque steer under hard acceleration. Critics at the time noted its slightly underwhelming brakes, but its playful nature and addictive engine made up for these (and any other) shortcomings.

With only around 4,000 units produced worldwide, the 156 GTA is a rare gem.

Back in the day, the nutters that wanted one of these would have paid somewhere in the region of £28,000.

Today, it’s a sought-after modern classic, especially well-kept examples with full service histories. Prices in the UK range from £15,000 to £30,000, depending on condition and mileage.

The Alfa Romeo 156 GTA is a car that reminds us why we love driving. It wasn’t perfect, but that’s what made it so special—it was raw, emotional, and undeniably Italian. Would you have one in your dream garage? Let me know!

The 156 GTA is definitely on my ‘MUST drive’ list - I’m a sucker for a great noise.

Imagine seeing all of the previous car’s we’ve looked at and being able to guess this as the next one! Well done if you did, but I must admit, I wasn’t even expecting this! Three Gold Stars for you! ⭐️⭐️⭐️😂

See you tomorrow, 6am sharp!

Love,

Angus