Alfa Romeo RZ Rosso Alfa

Less metal, more exclusivity: this absolutely unique (!) Alfa Romeo RZ surpasses the rare SZ in terms of scarcity. And that’s saying something, considering the SZ is already a highly special sight. But rarity isn’t the only thing that makes our Rosso Alfa example a true enthusiast’s car. Number 243 of an extremely limited production run of just 278 units stands out even more thanks to its ultra-low mileage and the fact that in over 30 years, only two owners have had the privilege of calling this roofless exotic their own. Powered by the iconic 3.0 V6 "Busso" engine, its performance perfectly matches the exciting design of the Alfa Roadster Zagato. Who can truly appreciate the pure beauty of Il Mostro?

History
A car nicknamed ‘the monster’ is bound to leave a lasting impression. And that’s exactly what Alfa Romeo intended when the Italians introduced the Sport Zagato – or SZ – to the world in 1989. The legendary sports car brand wanted to give its image a serious boost. Initially, under the name ES-30, the public was cautiously introduced to an experimental prototype. However, the controversial design made an instant impact. A limited production run was quickly put into motion. With just over 1,000 units produced, the SZ was already a rare machine. But in 1992, the Roadster version took exclusivity to the next level: only 278 units of the RZ were built!

Number 243 was delivered new to Japan in 1994 and remained with its original owner for an incredible 25 years. In 2019, this unique collector’s item was added to a Dutch collection, where it has remained ever since, bringing the total number of owners to just two. Included in the sale is the Certificato di Collaudo as proof of originality. An interesting fact: this is a VAT-qualifying car, making it an attractive purchase for business buyers.

### Exterior
Naming a paint color after an automaker is as bold as it is powerful. And let’s be honest: no shade suits the revolutionary design of the Alfa Romeo RZ better than Rosso Alfa. What an exotic! Its compact profile, extremely high waistline, sharp angles, and distinctive details make both the Sprint and Roadster Zagato look almost surreal. Designers Robert Opron and Antonio Castellana (in collaboration with Walter de’Silva and Alberto Bertelli) clearly had a strong artistic vision. The Alfa Zagatos look like nothing else in the automotive world – and in this case, that’s a very good thing.

With such a uniquely low mileage, you’d expect an immaculate body, and rightly so. The stunning overall condition of our Alfa RZ proves this point. But can the aggressive front, with its rectangular headlights split into three separate sections on each side, live up to the extravagance of the model in technical terms?

Interior
To answer that burning question, one must first open the door of this fiery red Italian and take a seat in the Nero leather sports seats. Deep side bolsters provide excellent lateral support, instantly signaling the car’s sporty nature. The Sparco steering wheel, featuring Rosso leather on the top and bottom, complements the rest of the RZ’s aesthetic. A striking array of analog gauges with white backgrounds welcomes you into the ‘90s era.

Another signature feature of the Alfa Romeo Roadster Zagato is the continuation of the body color onto parts of the doors, the center tunnel, and the rear deck. Between the two seats, the Quadrifoglio Verde emblem shines proudly—a definitive confirmation that this classic sports car is infused with pure racing DNA.

Technology & Performance
The fact that the SZ Trofeo track monsters retained a virtually untouched 12-valve 3.0-liter Busso V6 speaks volumes about the potential of this wonderful six-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual gearbox sends a total of 210 eager horsepower to the rear wheels. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7 seconds, Il Mostro makes one thing clear from the very first moment: it has lost none of its magic over the years.

Whether the claimed top speed of 250 km/h was measured with the roof open or closed is unknown, but one thing is certain: in either case, the driving experience is just as unique as the car itself.

Best regards
team Prins