Highlights

One of only 110 examples of the 2600 SZ manufactured by Zagato
The only known 2600 SZ with engine preparation by Conrero, supported by period invoices and a dyno test report
Matching serial numbers
Aluminium opening panels including doors, bonnet, and boot
Accompanied by engine preparation invoice and original French registration documents

The Appeal

The crème de la crème for most Alfista, the 2600 SZ is as rare as platinum and, for many, twice as pleasing to the eye. Penned by the legendary Ercole Spada - who was simultaneously working on the Giulia TZ - the 2600 SZ clothed Alfa Romeo's range-topping straight-six grand tourer in a striking steel body with aluminium opening panels. Priced at three times the cost of the standard 2600 Sprint when new, it attracted very few buyers, and only 110 examples left the Zagato works. Today, the model commands serious attention from collectors worldwide.

It's easy to see why. The aggressive, almost retro-futurist lines feel sporty and sleek, with a long-nosed profile, raked-back glasswork and a sweeping fastback leading into an attractive Kamm tail. It's a truly remarkable piece of kit that looked fast, drove fast and carried more than a gentle dose of rebellion. A true deco masterpiece, and for many, one that remains unparalleled.

This 1966 left-hand-drive example, chassis number 856013, is a particularly notable proposition. Its engine was prepared in '66 by the renowned Conrero tuning house, and the car is accompanied by the original engine preparation invoice to substantiate this. It retains matching serial numbers and is registered in France on a collector's registration.

It's a truly, vanishingly rare classic - and a remarkably handsome one. We've no doubt it'll garner plenty of attention at auction.

History and Paperwork

Delivered new in France at the end of 1965 via the importer SOFAR in Paris; first registered in 1966
Originally finished in white with a black interior; now finished in red
Four registered keepers from new
- First owner: R. Sauveterre, Montpellier
- Second owner from 1983: J. Esquirol, Paris area
- Third owner from 2007 in Belgium
- In current ownership since 2019
Chassis number AR 856013; engine number AR00601 10034
Matching serial numbers confirmed
Registered on a French Carte Grise de Collection
Copies of Conrero engine preparation invoices in the history file
Conrero dyno test report showing 221.8bhp at 6,500rpm
Original French registration documents accompany the car

The Condition

Bodywork is clean and well-presented
Paintwork retains its patina
Front headlights modified from original specification
Sold with original bumpers, a spare air intake, and headlamp surrounds
Driver's seat foam is slightly crumbling
Original wooden trims

Beautifully presented in red and polished up nicely, this is a fine looker from end-to-end. The bumpers have been removed, but are included in the sale, and the distinctive nose - boasting that signature Scudetto grille paired with cowled, recessed headlamps - is every bit as evocative as it was when new. Gentle age-commensurate wear can be spotted here and there, but it's nothing overly intrusive.

Internally, the handsome oh-so-Italian cabin is very original and well-presented, with wooden trims boasting a fabulous grain and the instruments all clean and legible. The vendor notes that the driver's seat is carrying some age-commensurate wear and that the foam is crumbling - but we expect this'll be a small job should the buyer wish to bring it up to snuff.

The Mechanics

2,600cc straight-six engine
Manual transmission with 5 gears
Engine prepared by Conrero, described by the vendor as quite peaky and high-performance
Conrero dyno test report showing 221.8bhp at 6,500rpm - a significant improvement on the original 165bhp claimed by Alfa Romeo
New brake servo fitted
Carburettors overhauled
The vendor reports that the car is driving well

Popping open the bonnet provides a look at the legendary Alfa Romeo straight-six - but this one is a little different from its contemporaries. Conrero immediately took delivery of the car from new and prepared it, offering nearly an extra 60bhp from the original Alfa Romeo spec.

The car has more recently seen a new brake servo and a carb overhaul - and is reportedly driving very well.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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