Alfa Romeo SZ Rosso Alfa

There are rare collector’s items, unique exotics, and then there’s this: an Alfa Romeo SZ, purchased new in Italy, from its **original owner**! The now 87-year-old enthusiast, a Dutchman, added the **Sprint Zagato (SZ)** to his impressive Alfa collection in 1991, which he managed together with his brother. The SZ was regularly taken out for a drive, ensuring it never sat idle for long periods. The fully documented service history confirms that **No. 282** of just **1,036 produced units** has been meticulously maintained by an Alfa Romeo specialist. And it shows—not only does this classic look stunning, but it also drives sublimely! After 33 years of ownership, the gentleman decided it was time for something with a more comfortable, high seating position for everyday use. He found the perfect SZ alternative in the Prins showroom: an Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Once an Alfista, always an Alfista.

History
The Alfa Romeo Sprint Zagato—commonly known as the SZ—is one of the most extraordinary cars in Alfa’s storied history. That alone says a lot! Between 1989 and 1991, only **1,036 examples** of “Il Mostro” were built—a nickname the Italian classic earned thanks to its strikingly compact proportions and shockingly bold design. Initially, the SZ was conceived as an experiment born from Alfa Romeo’s collaboration with the legendary design house Zagato. Fate had other plans, and production exceeded the original goal of 1,000 units.
This particular SZ is **No. 282** of the eventual 1,036 production models crafted by Zagato—a staggeringly low number even for a true sports car. Its original owner, a Dutchman, purchased the car directly in Italy. The original receipt is still present, showing a purchase price of **1,095,000 Italian Lire**—a great investment in hindsight! Accompanying the SZ are the original SZ book (!), a matching bag, all service records, and maintenance invoices. Over the past 33 years, the SZ resided in the company of a dream Alfa collection. Although the SZ has left, it was replaced by a Stelvio—a fitting choice for someone who appreciates a high-entry vehicle at the distinguished age of 87.

Exterior
Technically, “Il Mostro” is based on the **Alfa Romeo 75**, but there’s no hint of that from its exterior. The compact wheelbase gives the SZ an extraordinarily short, almost solid appearance. Alfa’s design studio, **Centro Stile**, made the most of every centimeter of this unique body. Designers went all out, creating a masterpiece with distinct details:
– The striking front features **triple headlamp clusters** on each side, accompanied by turn signals.
– The windshield has a rounded shape.
– The roof, in a contrasting color, enhances the coupe’s distinctive profile, which ends with a prominent rear spoiler mounted on the C-pillar.

The SZ’s wedge shape, with a sharply rising waistline and high rear end, is unmistakable. Signature **rotary dial wheels** perfectly capture Alfa’s design language of the era. The **dark taillights**, seamlessly integrated into a single strip, contrast beautifully with the bold **Rosso Alfa paint**. Similarly, the contrasting roof and spoiler add visual drama, while the wide side sills are painted body-color. If you aren’t smitten by now…

Interior
As its compact body suggests, the SZ is a strict **two-seater**, but Alfa left plenty of room for exquisite interior design. This example features a **Nero leather dashboard and steering wheel**, paired with **Beige leather sport seats, door panels, and headliner**, as well as light brown carpeting on the floor and rear deck. Elements of the Rosso Alfa exterior are echoed in the door panels, adding a touch of flair. Special seatbelt buckles and an original **Alfa speaker set** in the rear further enhance the cabin’s bespoke feel. Naturally, every component is fully intact and functions perfectly. In a word: **bellissima**!

Performance & Mechanics
Under the hood of the Alfa Romeo SZ lies a **3.0-liter Busso V6**, delivering **210 horsepower** to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox. The **Sprint Zagato** accelerates from **0 to 100 km/h in 7 seconds** and achieves a top speed of **245 km/h**. The iconic **Busso engine** is as eager and responsive as ever, providing a truly thrilling driving experience.

That said, we understand if you consider treating this SZ as a museum piece—it’s a historical work of art on wheels. Yet, we hope you’ll use it as intended: to drive. After all, **Il Mostro** is a master on the road, as your predecessor can attest after decades of unforgettable journeys.

Kind regards,
team Prins