It is said that Alfa Romeos stir the soul. And that to be a true gearhead, you must have owned one. An Alfa Romeo is full of Italian flair and spirit. They can make cars like the highly anticipated 2023 Honda Civic Type-R appear far too clinical.
Some naysayers believe that Alfa Romeo lost its magic when Fiat finally took over. That the more recent cars lack a certain sparkle. But those who insist that the Alfa Romeo 33 was the last true Alfa are short-sighted. The DNA remains unchanged.
Alfa Romeos are unique. From the racetrack to the road, they are cars that captivate drivers. Whether it be a poverty specification run around, or dedicated performance offerings. Every Alfa Romeo vehicle feels special. They connect with a gearhead in a way that other cars can't match. And for those that want the ultimate Alfa experience, these are our 8 favorite Alfa Romeo sports cars of all time.
8 Montreal
Achingly gorgeous to look at, the Montreal is Alfa Romeo at its best. Bursting with design features it is captivating. From its grilled headlamps to the fake bonnet duct, the eye is drawn in. Beautifully crafted inside and out, the Montreal is a stunning classic Alfa.
Under the bulging hood lies a 2.6-liter quad-cam V8. Providing 197hp it can hit 60mph in circa 7.1 seconds. It sounds incredible on the move. With less than 4,000 made, the Montreal is a rare car. Ideally suited to touring the Italian coast, the Montreal still turns heads today.
7 2600 Spider
The Alfa Romeo 2600 was a sales disaster. Far too expensive it was also not very good to drive. Despite this, the 2600 Spider remains a gearhead's favorite. On looks alone, the car makes this list. So good-looking, that its failings are easily forgiven. Especially on a sunny day.
The 2.6-liter straight-six engines made a modest 145hp. This allowed for a top speed of 122mph, and a 0-60mph time of 9 seconds. Ideal for soaking up the sun, the 2600 Spider is chic on wheels. Guaranteed to cause a stir wherever it goes. Drivers always arrive in style.
6 Alfetta GTV6
It may underline Alfa Romeo's reputation for unreliability, but it's worth it. The Alfa GTV6 has caused many a driver a headache. Poor electrical being the main culprit. But as soon as the engine fires up all is forgiven. This is what true classic motoring is all about.
Lurking beneath the hood is a Busso. One of the finest V6 engines ever created. A 12-valve 2.5-liter unit delivering 160hp. It allowed the Alfetta GTV6 to scamper to 60mph in 7.8 seconds. It sounds glorious in its delivery. Still setting a style bar today, the GTV6 is timeless.
5 8C Competizione
The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is just jaw-dropping. From nose to tail, and from every angle. It's a carbon-fiber-shelled mobile sculpture. One that has a 4.7-liter V8 heart, and 450hp on tap. An engine that started life at Ferrari, before being Alfa enhanced.
Able to rocket to 60mph in 4 seconds, the 8C will continue to hit 181mph. Every second spent inside the cockpit set a driver's senses on fire. Whether on a sedate cruise or on foot to the floor, the 8C Competizione excites. A masterpiece, the 8C is the pinnacle of ingenuity.
4 The Sprint Zagato (SZ)
The design is nothing less than curious. Its proportions are odd. But the Alfa Romeo SZ is somewhat alluring. It's a break from the norm where motoring is concerned. An exercise in straight lines, and being unique. It defines what the company is all about. It's almost art.
Sticking with a tried-and-tested 3.0-liter V6, the SZ makes 207hp. It will hit 60mph in 7 seconds, and top out at 154mph. Originally shunned for its looks the SZ is now highly collectible. Only 1036 were ever made. It is rare, fantastic to look at, and sounds great.
3 1965 Giulia GTA
Clad in lightweight aluminum body panels and enhanced with magnesium wheels. The side windows were plastic. Gearing was shortened to increase acceleration. The 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA was always destined for fast road use. And it was an absolute gem.
It made 113hp from a twin-cam 1.6-liter engine. A well-maintained example could hit 60mpn in 7.9 seconds. Light, nimble and so rewarding to drive. The Giulia delivers a driving experience that just elevates the soul. It's raw, yet so crisp. A peach of a classic performance car.
2 Alfa Romeo 4C
On paper, the Alfa Romeo 4C doesn't work. It's a Lotus Elise wannabe. A car that makes no sense. In real life, it is phenomenal. A rear-wheel drive, mid-engined wonder. A lightweight Alfa Romeo that just delivers pure thrills. It's a baby supercar, from Alfa Romeo.
Having just a 1.7-liter turbocharged engine may sound weak. As does just 237hp. But the 4C can hit 60 in 4.4 seconds. On the move, it is electrifying. Straights and corners merge into one. Its handling is razor sharp, and communicative. The 4C is a car that loves speed.
1 2001 GTV V6 Cup
The Cup is a special edition version of GTV. Elevated over standard models, due to a sporty body kit. The larger rear wing, wheel arch cut-outs, and skirts extenuate the wedge design. Often called the baby Ferrari, a GTV Cup is a purposeful-looking sports coupe.
Once again a sonorous V6 provides the firepower. Its 3.0-liter displacement mustering 218hp. This equates to a 6.3-second 0-60mph run. With the loud pedal depressed the GTV Cup piles on speed relentlessly. It's a keen-handling car. A rather affordable Italian beauty.