Description
Chassis No. ZARthe details below
RZ No. 061
The Alfa Romeo RZ, or Roadster Zagato, stands as one of the most uncompromising design statements of the modern Alfa era. Developed as an open-air counterpart to the striking SZ coupe, the RZ translated late-1980s avant-garde theory into a low-volume, hand-assembled roadster that rejected elegance in favor of provocation. Its angular composite bodywork, penned under Centro Stile Fiat and built by Zagato, shocked traditionalists while reinforcing Alfa Romeo's willingness to take risks. Beneath the drama was the familiar 3. 0-liter Busso V6, rear transaxle, and Alfa 75-derived chassis, which endowed the RZ with genuine performance to match its radical presence.
As 61st of 284 Roadsters built, this Rosso Alfa example was brought to the Alfa Romeo dealership in Ascoli Piceno after completing production in 1993 where it was placed on display. It remained there, unregistered for three years, until 30 December 1996, when it was first registered to Commerciale Piceno, as its Certificate of Conformity was set to expire. The RZ was then acquired by Riccardo Gandolfi of Ancona in September 1998. Gandolfi retained the car as part of his collection for 11 years, until 2009, when it entered the current owner's collection with just 752 kilometers. A service invoice from 10 August 2009 reveals driving the limited production Zagato proved irresistible, with the odometer reading 1, 330 kilometers just three months later.
In the years following, the RZ has continued to be enjoyed, but on a more limited basis. On 19 February 2020, the mileage was recorded at just 3, 563 kilometers. Today, at the time of cataloging, the odometer reads just a mere 3, 974 kilometers. The combination of low mileage and pleasant Italian weather has made this RZ a true time capsule that still wears its original Pirelli P-Zero tires and features an undrilled front bumper. It is furnished with its original factory test certificate and the proper folio containing the owner's manual, service book, radio manual, service paperwork, and a car cover. As a result of its limited mileage, it is advised that the Alfa would benefit from a service with replacement tires and a new timing belt before returning it to road use. Once considered avant-garde, this spectacularly well-preserved example of the rarely seen Roadster Zagato would be the ideal addition to any collection featuring the best of Zagato and Alfa Romeo.
PREVIEW DETAILS:
This lot will be available for viewing by appointment from Bergamo, Italy.
SALE LOCATION:
Italy
BUYER'S PREMIUM:
10% + VAT on the Hammer Price
TITLE/ REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS:
Italian Libretto
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
New Means of Transport: This Lot was first entered into service no more than 6 months ago or has been driven for no more than 6, 000 kilometers and therefore is considered a New Means of Transport for movements within the European Union (EU). Acquisition VAT is payable by the Buyer upon arrival of the Lot in the EU destination country. Broad Arrow reserves the right to collect a deposit of 22% of the sale price from the Buyer which will be refunded after receiving satisfactory evidence of removal from Italy and registration in another EU country.
POST-AUCTION REMOVAL AND STORAGE:
Following receipt of payment, collection can be arranged by appointment only from Bergamo, Italy with 24 hours' notice.
