1983 Alfa Romeo Alfetta SL
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 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
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1983
- Make Alfa Romeo
- Model Alfetta
- Colour Red
- Odometer 31,771 Miles
- Engine size 1962
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Glasgow
- Location Scotland
- Country United Kingdom
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