MOT exempt but tested to September 2025 with no advisories
The Appeal
Mention Alfa Romeo to anyone, even the most dedicated enthusiast, and they’ll quickly get around to the topic of tin worm. This car proves that connection is false.
The condition of this GTV6 does owe something to Alfa sorting its build quality problems by the time it was built. But it owes quite a lot more to the fastidious, nay meticulous care it has received from its current keeper of 41 years. Alongside very sparing use - it has covered only 49,263 miles from new - it has been carefully garaged and regularly maintained. The result is arguably one of the best and most original Type 116 coupes we have seen in a very, very long time.
All of which is a mere precursor to why you want it. Alfa’s GTV, particularly when equipped with that famous Busso mill, is one of the Milan maker’s and perhaps motoring’s greatest sports cars of the 70s and 80s. Beautifully balanced thanks to its clever transaxle layout, beautifully styled - it is another Giugiaro masterpiece - and drizzled with plenty of Alfa Romeo quirk and character to set it apart from mainstream coupe competitors, the GTV6 is now both rare and understandably sought after. Even a certain Cotswold-based, car-loving, celebrity farmer recently bought one.
To further whet your appetite, this low-mileage car has had just two keepers in its entire life. The sparing use is documented and verified by the MOT and service history. It has covered few miles since a cambelt and water pump change and carries a long, advisory-free MOT, even though this is no longer a legal requirement.
If there is a better GTV6 currently on the market, we haven’t seen it. If you’re in the market for one of these brilliant classic Alfas - and why wouldn’t you be - then we politely suggest this one should be right at the top of your shopping list.
The History and Paperwork
First registered 25th May 1982
Current keeper since 12th July 1983
Purchased in 1983 by the current keeper to replace a 2L GTV Type 116
Purchased from renowned Italian car specialist Walkers Garage
Always garaged during current keeper’s tenure
Full set of factory handbooks and wallet in very good order
Stamped service book and further maintenance invoices as shown
Old MOTs to verify mileage
V5C showing car is registered as a Historic Vehicle so ULEZ, tax and MOT exempt
Some servicing invoices and receipts as shown
Old Alfa Romeo Owners Club magazine and documentation
Cambelt, water pump and other servicing work in February 2016
Car has only covered a couple of hundred miles since this work based on MOT records
MOT to 26th September 2025 with no advisories
49,169 miles showing on MOT test and now on 49,263 miles
The Condition
Highly original and unmodified low mileage GTV6 in very good condition
Black paintwork presents very well and was lightly refreshed in 2017
Bodywork is exceptionally tidy for a 1982 GTV with no obvious corrosion
Sills, arches and underside present well and we could not find any bubbling to panels
Panel edges such as boot lid and door bottoms present well in photos
Buyers should satisfy themselves of the condition by checking the photos
Car sits flat across its axles indicating the suspension is in good order
Factory standard car with 15in alloy wheels which are in very good order
Alloys show some light tarnish but it is not unsightly
Rims shod with quality Avon tyres appearing to be in good order with plenty of tread
Exterior fittings present very well with only light deterioration to bumpers to note
This could probably be easily remedied by refurbishing both bumper units
Lights in good order with clear lenses and would could not identify any cracked items
The front number plate is lightly cracked but appears to be original and remains legal
Beige velour interior with patterned trim in very good, original condition with only light wear
Seats show slight wear to the driver’s bolster piping and some light staining to rear seat base
Tan carpets in good order with light ageing typical of age and mileage of car
Interior is highly original and we understand it to be fully functional
Switchgear presents well with clear white decals on switches and clear Veglia dials
Fitted with early CD radio head unit as shown
Door cards show light but not unsightly ageing including bright trim finish
Specification includes correct wood-rimmed wheel, wooden gear knob and electric windows
There is also a sliding steel sunroof fitted
Supplied with matching alloy full-size spare, tool kit and even bulb kit
No structural advisories on the current MOT
Looking around this GTV6 it feels like it is 1982 all over again, such is the level of preservation. It is a fitting reminder of just how good these cars were, blending chiselled Giugiaro styling with some charismatic Alfa features like that unusually arranged dashboard.
Classically finished in black with a beige velour cabin, this car is very original - save for a light respray in 2017 - and unmodified. Across the interior and exterior, you will have to look closely for signs that it is a 42-year-old car. Those that do appear arguably just add to its character. A fine, honest and unmodified example of these great cars.
It is MOT exempt by age but has been voluntarily tested by the current keeper. That is useful for the buyer because it confirms the structure is in very good condition.
The Mechanics
2,492cc 160bhp fuel injected ‘Busso’ V6
5spd manual gearbox
Described as ‘mechanically perfect’ by seller
Cambelt, water pump and service less than 500 miles ago
Clutch plates, hoses and door seals have also been replaced in recent times
Brake lines also recently replaced
Fitted with a fruity CSC Marmitte exhaust
Long MOT with no mechanical or running gear advisories
As anyone who has driven a Busso-engined Type 116 will tell you, doubtless with a slightly manic look on their face, you come to the GTV6 for that peach of a motor. You stay for the delectable driving dynamics. This is one heck of a motoring package.
This car’s exceptionally low documented mileage means the buyer can experience exactly what Alfa’s engineers intended for these cars. It has been carefully maintained by Alfa Romeo specialists throughout its life and only used for dry days. The cam belt and water pump were replaced only a few hundred miles ago - it was serviced at the same time - and other work has included clutch plates, hoses and brake lines.
The car is a reluctant sale and is described in justifiably glowing terms by the seller. You can read his words below. He tells us the car has ‘mechanically perfect’ and since it arrives on the market with a fresh MOT containing no mechanical or running gear advisories, we’d have to agree. A true gem for the buyer.
The vendor tells us:
“The car is still a joy to drive and feels really tight. The engine roar is still as impressive as it always was! The fact that it is totally original is also a big plus.”
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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