Highlights

Ultra-rare UK-supplied right-hand drive example; one of only five currently licensed according to How Many Left
In current ownership for eleven years
Bodywork restoration and full bare metal respray in 2014
Voluntarily MOT tested: advisory-free MOT valid until 1st October 2025
Very low documented mileage of under 33,000

The Appeal

You could never accuse Alfa Romeo of being unambitious. Throughout the 1970s and ‘80s, the Milanese firm boasted an expansive and varied range of cars, unmatched by manufacturers twice its size.

Buoyed by the success of the 105 Series coupés saloons and convertibles, Alfa went after the Germans; beginning work on an executive saloon to rival the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. A bold move, and while not an entirely successful one, you can’t deny that the Tipo 116 ‘Alfetta’ platform it came up with was mightily impressive. Rear-mounted transaxles and De Dion rear suspension were no strangers to Arese, with Alfa having achieved great notoriety with its Tipo 159 ‘Alfetta' Formula One car during the early 1950s hence recycling the Alfetta moniker.

We know what you’re thinking… “When did I last see one of these in the UK?” Well, there weren’t many sold at the time. Highly specced Alfetta SLs like this 1983 example (with sunroof, electric windows and door mirror) cost more than a BMW 5 Series at the time! It’s also no secret that corrosion claimed a great many, so it’s believed today that this is one of just five Alfetta SLs currently licensed in the UK according to How Many Left.

The vendor informs us:

“The car has been under my stewardship and cherished for eleven years, during which time it has benefited from re-panelling and a bare metal full re-spray in 2014. This was carried out to a very high standard, as evidenced by the valuation report and photographs. Indeed, the car still shines and is beautiful. The interior is also very stylish and in really lovely condition. The dashboard trim and door handle inserts are picked out in Alfa Red complementing the magnificently re-upholstered and trimmed seats.”

A very smart example indeed. And with an exceptionally low documented mileage of under 33,000 miles according to the seller. We needn’t reiterate just how rare these are. Let alone such a storied example in such fine restored condition. Alfisti, don’t let this excellent opportunity pass you by.

The History and Paperwork

UK market RHD example
Just three former keepers
31,771 miles indicated
SORN and stored in an air-conditioned garage during the winter months
Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
In current ownership for eleven years
Accompanied by a collection of photographs documenting the 2014 restoration process and showing the car prior to the work
Valuation certificate from the Alfa Romeo Owners Club
The car was valued at £10,000 back in 2014
Present agreed value insurance documents value the car at £9,950
Original handbook and numerous invoices and old MOT certificates available

The Condition

Bodywork benefited from re-panelling and a bare metal full respray in 2014
Paintwork still shines and the bodywork presents very well
The panel gaps all look good and the doors appear to fit well
Re-upholstered seats with red piping to complement the exterior
Dashboard trim and door handle inserts are also highlighted in Alfa Red during the restoration
Aftermarket MOMO sports steering wheel fitted
Tyres all around are reportedly in good condition
Cavity wax injected and sacrificial zinc tags fitted

The vendor comments:

“The build quality of the SL is superb, which is evident when closing a car door for example, a real solid clunk is evident and no comparison therefore to the build quality of Alfasuds and Sprints for example. The car is fitted with a sunroof, electric windows and an electric door mirror which are also indicators of quality for the period.”

The Mechanics

2.0-litre (1,962cc) all-alloy Nord twin-cam
Five-speed manual gearbox (transaxle)
De Dion Tube rear suspesion
Brakes overhauled with copper pipes and new rear inboard callipers
Showing good oil pressure and engine temperature
All presents very well under the bonnet

When asked how the Alfa drives, the vendor told us:

“The Alfetta is great fun to drive with almost perfect balance due to the Di-Dion suspension system, which places the gearbox over the rear axle. The Engine and gearbox are superb and the notes from the engine and exhaust send the body tingling. It really is an exciting and totally different experience from driving a modern motor car, even when just motoring at modest speeds. Oil Pressure and temperature are spot on, and the gears change smoothly and into 2nd if some care to balance revs and the clutch is taken.”

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..