Description
Beauty and the beast in a single package. The multi award-winning Brera has already secured serious modern-classic status and our top specification example in Alfa Red with Black leather is superb value. With extensive history (AR Main Dealer to 70, 002 miles), this stunning car benefits from the GM-sourced 3195cc V6 producing 256BHP linked to permanent Torsen four-wheel drive. With “Skyview” panoramic roof, it really is a sports car for all seasons, as happy cruising through the Alps as it is the Riviera. Currently my daily driver, I am really enjoying its “go anywhere” nature and it turns heads with less than 180 of this specification still registered on UK roads.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign Giugiaro and launched as a concept car at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, the Brera met with huge acclaim encouraging Alfa Romeo to announce production plans for 2005. Based on the GM/ Fiat Premium Platform (as seen on the 159), this mid-sized sports car was available as either a coupe, the Brera, or full convertible, the Spider, and came with the choice of two petrol engines (2. 2 and 3. 2 litres respectively) and a 2. 4 litre turbodiesel. Up until 2008, all 3. 2 litre V6 versions came with Torsen four-wheel drive as standard and two trim levels, Medium and Skyview, the latter benefitting from a large, fixed panoramic roof. Before even release, the concept car was awarded “Best of Show” by Autoweek and once in production, the accolades poured in with the Brera being voted “Most Beautiful Car in the World” at the 2006 International Automobile Festival, Best Design Award 2006 by Autocar Magazine and European Car of the Year 2007 (Japan). Built by Pininfarina at their San Giorgio Canavese plant near Turin, just 21, 661 Breras of all variants came off the production line over a 5-year run. As such, seeing a Brera today is a rare thing and undoubtedly their status as a collectable classic is guaranteed.
Our Brera was first registered in September 2006 and appears to have been a fully optioned dealer demonstrator at Arnold Clark Automobiles, Alfa Romeo dealers in Edinburgh. The car was ultimately sold in February 2007 via the sister company, Western Alfa Romeo, to a gentleman in Dunfermline. He retained the Alfa for 12 months before it returned to Western to be sold again to a further gentleman from the nearby coastal village of Longniddry. The car remained in and around Edinburgh for the next 14 years in the hands of 3 further keepers before ultimately heading south in October 2022, since when it has been enjoyed by 2 short-term keepers on the Dorset coast. Whilst in Scotland, the Alfa was maintained exclusively by Western Alfa Romeo up to 70, 002 miles (6 stamps) and an independent specialist thereafter (May 2016 at 78, 553 and October 2017 at 84, 723 respectively). Over the next 5 years, the car was seemingly used sparingly covering less than 10, 000 miles with the next documented service appearing at 94, 057 miles in February 2022. The detail suggests that this was more of a recommissioning exercise with a number of electrical niggles noted and resolved. In June 2022, the Alfa benefitted from a filter service whilst in August was serviced again with complete brake overhaul (replacement of front discs and pads, rear callipers, discs and pads) and replacement of all oils, filters and all 6 spark plugs. Shortly after this, with around 95, 000 miles recorded, the Alfa arrived in Dorset. The mileage today is 95300.
Today the Brera presents as seen in the photographs. Bodywork and general paintwork are very good albeit there are a few age-related blemishes to certain panels and some very minor blistering on the leading edge of both outer sills. But the car would seem very original and this was part of it`s appeal with excellent panel fit and mainly factory-applied paint with just one or two areas of light fade. The cabin is similarly very original and in overall super condition with only light wear apparent to the drivers` seat. Carpets, door cards and headlining are all excellent and the black hide to front and rear seating is both snag and scag-free. But turn the key, blip the throttle and this is where the magic starts. It is subtle, but the GM-sourced 3195cc V6 sounds absolutely gorgeous - smooth, purposeful and what you would hope of a GT car. Indeed, this is what the car is all about. It`s character is that of a cross-continental tourer rather than out and out racer with ample luggage capacity, a fabulous full-panoramic glass roof and permanent four-wheel drive. On the road, the Alfa is super-responsive with plenty of power, tall gearing, superb road holding and balance handling. It is a car that you could easily use everyday but it really excels on the longer road trips where the combination of power, traction and gearing come into their own. And it is without doubt one of the prettiest GT cars that you will see on the road. Period.
The car comes with a fully stamped-up Service Book (9 stamps in total), various bills and receipts from 2022-23, old MoT Certificates, a current V5C and 2 sets of keys. The Alfa will come with a fresh 12-month MoT Certificate on sale.
A genuine example of a desirable V6 Alfa Romeo with great history. A good price too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
