Some cars are polarizing, with designs that divide opinion, and the Alfa Romeo SZ is certainly such a car, even being labelled a monster. But of course, even some monsters are likable. And sometimes what some have called a monster, others have labelled a masterpiece. So the question then becomes, is this a monster or one of the greatest cars with the Zagato badge?

The Alfa Romeo SZ, or Sprint Zagato, is powered by that V6 engine, or otherwise known as the Busso V6, the pride of Alfa Romeo. The SZ is one of those cars that is not only a great ride, but also has a fascinating backstory. Truly, a nostalgic gem of a sports car. Let's take a closer look at why the Alfa Romeo SZ sports car is one awesome ride.

Related: 10 Greatest Italian Cars Ever Made... That Aren't Supercars

8 The Good, The Bad And The Ugly... How Does It Rank?

Automobile Mag

Let's address the look of the Alfa Romeo SZ. Yes, the media dubbed it 'Il Mostro', or 'the monster', at the 1989 Geneva International Motor Show, but is it that bad? From a practical point of view, there are many design elements that make sense in terms of its aerodynamics. But what about aesthetics?

Via @GingerlyCaptured

That phrase 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' certainly applies in this case. Some have suggested that the SZ is one ugly monster. Others have said that this 'monster' is an acquired taste. While others love those angles and the shape. The media may have seen a monster, but there is certainly more to the Alfa Romeo SZ than meets the eye.

7 The Zagato Connection - Or Not?

This bargain supercar is the only choice for the discerning driver
Via RiversCars.Com

It may be tempting to think that because SZ stands for Sprint Zagato, Zagato was directly involved in the design of this car. Well, at first glance that is a fair assumption. However, the real story is different.

Via Bring a Trailer

Robert Opron was a French automotive designer, involved in projects like the Citroën SM, the Citrëon CX, the Renault Fuego, and the Renault 9. Fiat hired Opron for this project. Antonio Castellana was also involved. The assembly of the SZ was where Zagato made a contribution.

6 A Rich Heritage

The front of the Alfa Romeo SZ for RiversCars.com Via @GingerlyCaptured
Via @GingerlyCaptured

It had not been a good time financially for the company in the seventies and the eighties. Even though Zagato was directly responsible for the design of the car, Alfa Romeo was still wanting to recapture some of the glory of the fifties and early sixties.

alfa romeo sz
https://barnfinds.com/

The SZ badge was honoring the Giulietta Sprint Zagato legacy, a sort of flashback to the genius of coachbuilder Elio Zagato. That sporty yet assertive feel of the Alfa Romeo SZ, no doubt finding inspiration from such a heritage.

5 Look Inside - Enjoy the Ride

alfa-romeo-sz-interior
https://www.flickr.com/

The responsibility for styling decisions for the interior of the Alfa Romeo SZ was given to Antonio Castellana. The tan leather interior is certainly a seductive feature of the interior. Those bucket seats are more than welcoming.

alfa-romeo-sz-interior
https://www.youtube.com/

As a two-seater, there is a clean, minimalist styling to the interior with some room at the back for luggage, which has been criticized for its space. The dashboard has that clean, functional design.

4 Check Out The V6

alfa romeo sz engine
https://www.flickr.com/

The Alfa Romeo V6 engine has a story of its own. Giuseppe Busso was its creator. Before working with Alfa Romeo, he worked with Ferrari, involved in developing the 1.5 liter V12 engine for the Ferrari 125 S under the direction of Gioacchino Colombo. Busso's V6 was seen powering the Alfa 6 in the late-seventies.

alfa-romeo-sz
https://www.fmm.co.za/

The eighties saw Busso's engine evolve until we saw that production version of the 3.0 liter V6 in cars like the Alfa 75 in 1987. When we get to '89, the 12v 3-liter V6 of the SZ was even more powerful, able to deliver 210 horsepower.

Related: The Rich History Of The Alfa Romeo Busso V6 Engine

3 Solid Engineering - Awesome Features

alfa-romeo-sz
https://www.oldcaronline.com/

The Alfa 75 group A/IMSA car was from where it took its suspension. Giorgio Pianta was instrumental in its modification. Pianta started out as a racing driver in 1955, even taking on the awesome Ferrari 275 GTB Prototype, then becoming a test car driver and then manager of racing at Fiat.

alfa romeo sz 1990
https://www.veikl.com/

The Alfa Romeo SZ was fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires. Remember that P Zero tires were fitted to awesome supercars like the Pagani Huayra and we first saw the P Zero fitted to the Ferrari F40 back in 1987.

Related: Here's How Pirelli's New Tyres Will Be Environmentally Sustainable

2 How Does It Perform?

alfa-romeo-sz
https://www.bonhams.com/

The Alfa Romeo SZ is a fun ride. It's not only fast, but it has great steering and comfortable to drive. The SZ is for that automotive connoisseur who appreciates the subtleties of its handling, the focus to get the most of this driving experience.

alfa romeo sz
https://www.carrozzieri-italiani.com/

The SZ can certainly move with a top speed of 152 mph, accelerating from 0-62 mph in a mere 7 seconds. And if this is a monster, then it certainly moves with the muscle of its V6, belting out 210 horsepower. But of course, every monster needs a bit of taming. And some monsters are hard to catch!

1 A Collectible Classic

alfa romeo sz
https://www.youtube.com/

In terms of numbers, 1,000 units were expected, but 1,036 cars were eventually produced. 100 of these cars were exported to Japan. On the other hand, the Alfa Romeo SZ Trofeo saw only thirteen produced, making it one rare racing monster.

This bargain supercar is the only choice for the discerning driver
Via RiversCars.Com

The Alfa Romeo SZ may have a polarizing look, but it certainly has the performance and the handling to make it one awesome ride, not to mention some of those features, such as what is under the hood, along with the history that made this car what it became. It is one of those cars that prove Alfa Romeo deserves more respect.