Description
FOR SALE – 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 GTA (AX02 LCF) – 3. 2 V6 “Busso” – Sterling Silver – Full History – Rare & Collectable
If you’ve been waiting for a proper modern classic that still feels mechanical, special and genuinely exciting every time you turn the key, the Alfa Romeo 156 GTA remains one of the great performance saloons of its era. Fast, charismatic and blessed with the legendary 3. 2-litre “Busso” V6, the GTA is a car that rewards the enthusiast driver and continues to rise in appreciation as good examples become increasingly hard to find.
This particular car is a 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 GTA finished in Sterling Silver metallic (as per the vehicle data sheet), with a recorded mileage of 81, 848 and a clear vehicle history for added peace of mind. It presents with strong provenance and a superb file, making it an ideal purchase for somebody who wants a usable performance Alfa with proper documentation, or a long-term keeper as values of clean, original cars continue to strengthen.
The GTA story – why it matters
The 156 GTA is far more than a sporty trim level. It was Alfa Romeo’s answer to the performance saloons of the early 2000s, and it arrived with the sort of engine that simply doesn’t exist anymore in mainstream production: a naturally aspirated, characterful V6 with a soundtrack and throttle response that modern turbocharged cars struggle to replicate. That unique personality is exactly why the GTA has become so desirable. Where many fast saloons of the era feel clinical today, the 156 GTA still feels alive.
The numbers back it up too. The GTA is widely quoted at 0–60 mph in around 6. 3 seconds, giving it genuine pace even by today’s standards, but the real appeal is the way it delivers that performance—strong mid-range pull, instant response, and a proper mechanical howl as the revs rise. It’s a car that feels special at 30 mph and at 70 mph, not just when you’re driving flat out.
Specification and equipment
This example is well specified, offering a strong blend of comfort and usability alongside its performance credentials. From the feature sheets, key highlights include:
• Climate Control
• Cruise Control
• Electric Windows (Front/ Rear)
• In-car Entertainment (Radio/ CD)
• Leather Upholstery
• Heated Front Seats (Driver/ Passenger)
• 17” Alloy Wheels
• Alarm / Immobiliser
• Front Fog Lights
• Multiple airbags and safety equipment
• On-board computer
• Power-assisted steering
• External mirrors
• Spare wheel
It’s an excellent “do-everything” package: comfortable enough for a long trip, practical enough for regular use, and exciting enough to justify itself every single time you take the long way home.
Condition, originality and tasteful upgrades
The car is presented in original colour, interior and specification, with a few carefully chosen improvements and maintenance items that enhance the driving experience while respecting the GTA’s character.
According to the vehicle data sheet, notable additions include:
• Harvey Bailey upgraded handling kit fitted October 2007 (4 shocks plus front & rear anti-roll bars)
• BMC airbox / carbon intake pipe fitted August 2011
• Ragazzon sports exhaust (mid-section and rear silencer) fitted August 2016
• Full bonnet respray (March 2024) due to stone chips
• Vehicle undersealed (Dinitrol) (June 2024)
These are all sensible, enthusiast-approved upgrades and preventative measures. The handling kit helps the car feel tight and confidence-inspiring, the intake improves the character and response, and the exhaust brings out the V6’s voice without turning the car into something tiring or antisocial. The cosmetic and underside work shows proper care too—stone chips dealt with correctly and underside protected for longer-term ownership.
Service history & provenance
A big part of buying a GTA properly is buying the history, and this car comes with an excellent record. The service history sheet shows a long run of maintenance with Alfa specialists and recognised garages, including:
• Pre-delivery service – Sterling Motor Group, Ipswich (25 July 2002)
• Desira Alfa Romeo, Ipswich – servicing in 2003 / 2004 / 2005
• Avanti Autos, Ipswich – servicing from 2006 onwards, with regular entries through the years and recorded mileages
• Later entries include Italia Autosport, Huddersfield and Beverley Auto Services, again with recorded mileages.
The mileage trail is exactly what you want to see: consistent care, a pattern of regular servicing rather than long periods of neglect, and specialists who understand these cars.
MOT and road readiness
The vehicle data sheet shows MOT expiry: 14 June 2026 and Road tax expiry: 28 February 2026. It’s a car that’s clearly been used and maintained as a proper vehicle, not left to sit.
Transparency – minor points to note
As with any modern classic, especially a performance Alfa, transparency matters. The faults/ disclosures sheet notes a handful of minor items which are typical of the age and type of car, including:
• Key fob intermittent (not the batteries) – occasional internal contact adjustment may be required
• Oil and filter service expected at next MOT/ service interval(included in the price)
• Brake discs can initially sound “scratchy” after standing, then clear after use (noted as normal)
• Occasional suspension creak over short periods; again may improve with use
• Lower grille / mesh can sometimes come loose
• Interior plastic trim may feel a little “tacky” in places due to age (not unusual on these)
None of the above is unusual for a 20+ year old Italian performance saloon, and the fact it’s documented shows the level of honesty and detail in the file.
Driving experience – what it feels like
A good 156 GTA doesn’t just go quickly; it feels like an occasion. The driving position is spot on, the steering gives proper feedback, and that V6 is the headline act. With the intake and exhaust enhancements listed, you get an extra layer of theatre—more induction note, more presence, and a soundtrack that modern cars simply cannot imitate. It’s the type of car you buy because it makes you feel something, every time you drive it.
It’s also a very usable classic. The 156 platform gives it practicality and comfort, while still keeping it relatively compact and agile compared with larger performance saloons. The GTA is the sweet spot: performance when you want it, and genuine enjoyment even at normal road speeds.
Why this GTA makes sense
If you’re in the market for a 156 GTA, you’ll already know the key is buying the right one. This example stands out because it offers:
• Desirable colour combination (Sterling Silver)
• Strong and traceable history
• Enthusiast upgrades done at sensible times
• Recent underside protection
• MOT in place until June 2026(12month mot included in the purchase price)
• Clear vehicle history check
As values continue to firm for properly documented GTAs, this is a smart buy that can be enjoyed now while remaining a credible long-term investment for the right owner.
Vehicle summary (from the data sheet)
• Registration: AX02 LCF
• Model: Alfa Romeo 156 GTA
• Engine: 3. 2-litre petrol V6
• Mileage: 81, 848
• Colour: Sterling Silver (metallic)
• MOT: Expires 14 June 2026
• Tax: Expires 28 February 2026
• Keys: Two original keys
• V5C: Present
• Notable upgrades: Harvey Bailey handling kit (2007), BMC intake (2011), Ragazzon exhaust (2016)
• Recent work: Bonnet respray (March 2024), underseal/ Dinitrol (June 2024)
Price and viewings
The vehicle data sheet notes a guide price to advertise at £13, 500 ! Viewings are welcomed by appointment, and sensible conversations are welcomed with serious buyers.
If you’re looking for a properly documented, characterful modern classic with one of the great engines of the last few decades, this 156 GTA deserves your attention.
For full details, viewing arrangements, or to discuss the car, please contact Simon directly on the details below.
