1982 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV6

Overall condition: Project
Number of owners: 9 (Was used as the Chaparral show car)
History: Part/Chaparral invoices are all included
MOT: The car has been in storage for over 22 years

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT is one of history’s most revered driver’s cars, featuring a blend of aggressive yet delicate ‘70s Italian style, true motorsport pedigree, and thoroughbred engineering. From its launch in 1974 to its discontinuation in 1987, it was the connoisseur’s choice of sports coupé, with double wishbone and torsion bar front suspension, a De Dion tube at the back, inboard disc brakes, and a transaxle for perfect weight distribution and the ultimate in on-road performance. This example is a 1982 GTV6, meaning it’s home to a fuel injected Busso V6 – widely regarded as one of the most sonorous and finest engines ever built. Despite its roots as Alfa Romeo’s Alfetta saloon, the GTV6 proved its worth by tussling with the turbocharged monsters of Group B, and with victory in the British and European Touring Car Championships. Yet the GT combined its new-found respect and prowess with a practical hatchback and 2+2 layout, making it potentially the perfect multi-use sports car and a design for the ages, with even respected journalists including Jeremy Clarkson regarding it among their favourite cars of all time.

This example lived a normal life until 1991, at which time it was subject to a conversion by Chaparral Motorsport of Wiltshire – an exotic car specialist that offered a package for the GTV6, this car believed to be one of only fifteen to have been built. At a cost of £19,862 (£42,618, adjusted for inflation), Chaparral stripped and fully restored the car as well as modifying several components and fundamentally modernising its style. On the surface, the lithe wedge-shaped GTV6 was fitted with a Zender body kit and Compomotive alloy wheels, which widen and lower the car’s stance, emphasising its sporting nature. Under the skin, the Chaparral conversion is believed to have included a rebuilt engine below the bonnet’s pronounced power bulge, featuring uprated pistons, a stronger, rebalanced crankshaft, a ported and polished cylinder head, and an Amsa exhaust system. At the time of its conversion, this car was also fortunate enough to receive a 3-litre V6, as opposed to the standard 2.5-litre unit, which promises even more power. Additionally, the conversion is believed to have complement the engine with adjustable dampers, allowing fine tuning of the GTV6’s already phenomenal on-road manners, and included is a receipt for a handling kit by the acclaimed Harvey Bailey Engineering. Atop the chassis, the original interior was totally replaced by only the finest materials – cream and green Connolly leather seats and green Wilton carpets, with drilled pedals and a premium stereo system completing the cabin. Finally, the package is wrapped in a suitably Alfa Romeo shade of green, completing a truly unique GTV6. As is fitting for such a rare vehicle, its history, including Chaparral invoices are all included, proving the money-no-object approach to the work, with the current owner having bought the car in 1996, its second owner since the restoration and conversion.