Description
This is lot number 102 in the Bonhams Zoute sale on October 6th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
One of only 500 'Launch Edition' cars built for Europe
Delivered new to the current owner in Belgium
Circa 3, 300 kilometres from new
Full service history
All books and tools
Valid Belgian technical inspection
'As new' condition
Belgian registration document
"The 4C is nothing less than the most important Alfa Romeo for an entire generation," - Top Gear.
Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2013, the production 4C remained remarkably faithful to the 4C concept car that had surfaced at Geneva in 2011. Boasting a lightweight (65kg) carbon-fibre chassis and undeniably pretty coupé bodywork, the 4C was powered by a turbocharged version of Alfa Romeo's familiar 1, 742cc 16-valve inline four petrol engine, albeit equipped with a lightweight aluminium block in place of the regular cast-iron unit. The new engine was tuned to produce a maximum of 237bhp and 258lb/ ft of torque, enough to endow Alfa's 'junior supercar' with a top speed of 256 km/ h with the 0-100km/ h dash accomplished in 4. 5 seconds. "That's serious performance from a sub-2-litre, sub-£50k sports car," declared evo magazine. Power reached the ground via Alfa's six-speed DCT transmission. Equally importantly in these environmentally conscious times, was the commendably economical average fuel consumption.
The 4C's designers' determination to save weight did not stop at the chassis and engine; the interior too reflects this policy, featuring lightweight carbon-shelled seats and a simple single-piece dashboard containing the minimum of instruments. Alfa's use of carbon-fibre to create a chassis of supreme rigidity enabled the suspension to function without its performance being compromised by flex. According to evo: "Consequently the damping has a wonderful feeling of control, pliancy and depth, rounding things off beautifully, but maintaining a feeling of tautness that's essential in a car with such lofty sporting aspirations."
Production commenced in May 2013 with a limited run of 'Launch Edition' cars: 500 for North America; 500 for Europe/ Rest of the World; 88 for Australia; 200 for Japan; and 100 for the Middle East. 'Launch Edition' cars featured additional carbon-fibre trim; Bi-LED headlights; 18" front/ 19" rear alloy wheels; additional front air intakes; recalibrated suspension settings; red brake calipers; and leather/ fabric sports seats among others. Finished in Rosso Alfa, the car offered here is number '429' of the 500 Europe/ ROW cars (see plaque on centre console) and has the special 'frog' front lights.
This 4C was ordered new by the Belgian vendor from Garage Cappon via Alfa Romeo Belgium and registered by him. Kept in a heated garage, the car has been regularly maintained by the same dealer from new, the last service carried out was at 3, 115 kilometres in March 2024. All services can be found in the meticulously stamped service book, and the matching invoices as well as an outprint of these services are available. This 4C 'Launch Edition' has been taken to the technical inspection every year and been kept road registered, covering only circa 3, 300 kilometres from new, and none in the rain. Recently the Alfa was treated to a professional polish to the highest standard and is presented in effectively 'as new' condition.
The car comes with all original books and tools; Certificate of Conformity; the original Belgian registration document; and a valid Belgian technical inspection document (valid until March 2025). Highly desirable, especially in the rare 'Launch Edition' form as seen here, these gorgeous Alfa Romeo 4Cs are becoming increasingly sought-after.
Please kindly note that a vehicle with less than 6, 000 kilometers recorded on the odometer, might be considered by the VAT authorities as New Means of Transport and could incur VAT liability upon road registration if sold to an EU country apart from Belgium.
