Highlights
- Iconic all aluminium Alfa V6 Busso engine
- Bilstein B6 and B8 shocks & Eibach anti roll bar kit
- Q2 trim spec, including rear spoiler
The Appeal
Since its release in 2001 the 156 GTA has proved its worthiness to possess the GTA badge. GTA stands for Gran Turismo Alleggerita, in other words a lightened GT. The 156 GTA, along with the 147 GTA were hand assembled on a dedicated production line, separate to the standard models.
The 156 GTA offers some impressive performance figures such as 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 155mph, numbers that even by today's standards are very impressive, especially for a saloon.
Braking and handling are also improved over the standard 156, with larger brake discs, 4 pot Brembo callipers all around and a suspension combination of high double wishbones at the front with a MacPherson strut arrangement at the rear. Alfa clearly understood the importance of well rounded performance!
The 156 GTA offers some impressive performance figures such as 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 155mph, numbers that even by today's standards are very impressive, especially for a saloon.
Braking and handling are also improved over the standard 156, with larger brake discs, 4 pot Brembo callipers all around and a suspension combination of high double wishbones at the front with a MacPherson strut arrangement at the rear. Alfa clearly understood the importance of well rounded performance!
The History and Paperwork
- MOT until 23/08/2023
- First registered 27/06/2003
- Full service history, main dealer and specialist
- Original owner’s manuals, service book and brochures included
- Current owner is selling as they have purchased another
- Original engine replaced with current engine having approx 43,000 miles
- Original UK sale with only 5 owners
- Original interior
- Current owner has upgraded shocks to Bilstein B6 and B8
- Excellent condition for the age and mileage
- Recently remapped to ensure 250BHP and removal of top speed limiter
The Interior
- Original grey and black leather interior in excellent condition
- All features such as aircon etc in working order
- Blaupunkt CD changer located in boot
- Original stereo with Bose speakers
This 156 GTA has a thoughtfully configured interior, discreet yet classy. The two-tone grey and black leather seats have remained in excellent condition with the only signs of wear being on the driver’s seat bolster and rear nearside seat possessing a very small scratch. Furthermore, the steering wheel has recently been refurbished resulting in a very good finish. The current owner has had the interior fully detailed leaving it in excellent condition overall.
All switches and features such as air condition are all in working order. The head lining is also in excellent condition, absent of any marks or stains. This GTA also benefits from a Bose sound system, to complement the Blaupunkt CD changer located in the boot, which is also in excellent condition.
All switches and features such as air condition are all in working order. The head lining is also in excellent condition, absent of any marks or stains. This GTA also benefits from a Bose sound system, to complement the Blaupunkt CD changer located in the boot, which is also in excellent condition.
The Exterior
- Sterling Silver paintwork in excellent condition
- Eibach 45-50mm lowering kit giving for a lower ride height
- Matching original alloys
- Minimal chips and blemishes
The sterling silver paintwork on this example really helps accentuate the styling, especially as it is a Q2 trim model, boasting the subtle rear spoiler. The bodywork has clearly been very well looked after, possessing only the smallest of paint chips and scuffs around the usual areas. The brightwork is all in very good condition with some of the black plastics looking slightly aged but only noticeable when inspecting closely.
This example has benefitted from a Scorpion stainless steel exhaust, the tips of which give a lovely aesthetic to the rear of the car. The current owner has also had the car lowered by 45-50mm using an Eibach kit, coupled with upgraded Bilstein shocks, this not only gives for a beautiful sporty stance but also improved handling to match.
Overall, the exterior of this 156 GTA is beautifully understated, with a considerate colourway and ride hight modifications nodding to the improved stance and handling.
This example has benefitted from a Scorpion stainless steel exhaust, the tips of which give a lovely aesthetic to the rear of the car. The current owner has also had the car lowered by 45-50mm using an Eibach kit, coupled with upgraded Bilstein shocks, this not only gives for a beautiful sporty stance but also improved handling to match.
Overall, the exterior of this 156 GTA is beautifully understated, with a considerate colourway and ride hight modifications nodding to the improved stance and handling.
The Mechanics
- Replacement 3.2L V6 Busso engine has only covered approx 43,000 miles
- 4 matching Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres with good tread
- Recently replaced PAS pump, front brake callipers and vented discs
- Upgraded Bilstein B6 and B8 shocks
It is a well-known fact that the 3.2L Busso engine equipped on the 156 GTA is one of Alfa's best. This example has benefitted from a replacement engine after the original experienced bottom end troubles. The replacement engine has the paperwork to support its provenance and as a benefit, has only covered around half of the mileage of the rest of the vehicle. The original service book is present with multiple stamps relating to the original engine. Any maintenance not carried out by the main dealer has been done so at specialists with thorough documentation to support this.
The current owner has also had the ECU remapped considerately to account for any possible power loss with age, the result being the 250BHP you would expect when buying one new. The suspension has received an upgrade on all four corners with the brakes also receiving due care, new Brembo pads all around with the front callipers and discs being replaced.
The current owner of this Alfa really understands the tender love and care required to keep this vehicle it in optimal condition. Finally, the Scorpion stainless steel exhaust not only gives for a lovely aesthetic but also a beautiful deep tone.
The current owner has also had the ECU remapped considerately to account for any possible power loss with age, the result being the 250BHP you would expect when buying one new. The suspension has received an upgrade on all four corners with the brakes also receiving due care, new Brembo pads all around with the front callipers and discs being replaced.
The current owner of this Alfa really understands the tender love and care required to keep this vehicle it in optimal condition. Finally, the Scorpion stainless steel exhaust not only gives for a lovely aesthetic but also a beautiful deep tone.
Summary
If you are a fan of the Alfa Romeo 156 GTA then this Q2 trim example is one to behold. It is in excellent condition all around with substantial work carried out to ensure it retains its sporty pedigree and stunning looks. The current owner has not spared any expense and this can be seen in the thorough supporting paperwork and service history. Any modifications have been done thoughtfully and using only the best materials and equipment, balancing originality with performance improvement.
This 156 GTA is certainly equal measures of "show" and "go" and thus deserves to be experienced. It is indeed a stunning example that would provide a truly joyful experience to not only own but more importantly, drive!
This 156 GTA is certainly equal measures of "show" and "go" and thus deserves to be experienced. It is indeed a stunning example that would provide a truly joyful experience to not only own but more importantly, drive!
