1981 Alfa Romeo GTV6       Registration Number: RPE 334X Ch...

Hammer

£11,000

1981 Alfa Romeo GTV6      

Registration Number: RPE 334X
Chassis Number: ZAR116C0003001314
Recorded Mileage: 93,360 miles

- In current ownership for 31 years

Alfa introduced the first 116 GTV in 1973, a year after the boxy Alfetta saloon it used as a base. With a shortened wheelbase and styling by ItalDesign, it instantly gave Alfa a credible coupé for the 1970s to take on the likes of the Ford Capri. It started life with a 1.8-litre engine, followed by 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinders that offered the usual Italian zing and excellent handling. But the best was still to come, at the start of the 80s the GTV’s performance was beginning to look a little limp next to competition like the Porsche 924, or the brawny 2.8-litre Capri. Alfa solved this when it dropped the 2.5-litre Busso V6 engine from the 6 saloon in its handsome coupé to create the GTV6.

The fantastic alloy V6 delivered 160bhp at 5600rpm, enough for 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds, as well as a rear‑mounted transaxle that materially improved front‑to‑rear weight distribution. The result was a compact coupé with taut, communicative handling, precise steering and a six‑cylinder soundtrack to die for.

This 1981 right-hand-drive Alfa Romeo GTV6, presented in early specification, maintains its period authenticity with features such as the original dash, correct wood-rimmed steering wheel, gearknob, original Campagnolo magnesium alloy wheels, and factory tan velour interior. With an odometer reading of 93,360 miles, this car has been lovingly looked after by just one enthusiast owner since 1994, with well-documented maintenance history. In 2022 the body underwent a glass-out repaint in its original Grigio Nube Metallic (AR759), applied to a sound structure, ensuring a uniform and lustrous exterior, while the underside is remarkably solid for its age.

Last maintained in January 2025, this included a full service, installation of a new radiator and battery, new rear tyres and new driveshaft ‘donuts’. Enhancements to electrical reliability were made with a headlamp relay upgrade and an LED conversion to the rear lights, though the original lighting units are preserved and supplied with the vehicle. The timing belt was replaced in 2020, with the original tensioner retained and refurbished, a stainless steel exhaust back box was installed in 2024.

Whilst now tax and MoT exempt, this Alfa Romeo comes with a valid MoT certificate extending until January 2026, with service invoices and records provided to substantiate the recent maintenance performed.

In terms of minor improvements; panel fit around the driver's door is slightly uneven, the speedometer operates sporadically, dashboard plastic around the throttle/choke adjuster appears untidy, the headlining has sagged at the tailgate-end after exposure to heat at a recent show, and the aerial plastic cowl is missing.

This GTV6 is a cherished and well-preserved example, ready to be enjoyed and further enhanced.