Highlights
- Desirable and very well kept pre-facelift car with Sport Pack 3
- 153bhp 2L engine with Selespeed box
- Four keepers with original keeper to 2020
- Recommissioned by Alfa Workshop in 2021 including cambelt
- Recent service in 2025 with few miles since
- Used regularly for UK and European touring
- Recent rear brake discs and pads and alternator
- Current MOT valid to April 2027
The Appeal
Alfa’s 156 was a resounding return to form, a pretty 3-Series rival that had one foot in the firm’s illustrious past, specifically that offset number plate, yet was thoroughly modern and entirely capable. While the Busso V6 has strong appeal, for press-on drivers it’s the lighter, more balanced 2L Twin Spark that hits the spot.
Thanks to some typically Alfa build quality when new, good, unmolested survivors of these great cars are few and far between. This 2001 TSpark Selespeed has to be amongst the best available, not least because it is still on under 40,000 miles from new. It also has the desirable ‘Sport Pack 3’ kit, which adds alloys, lower suspension, side skirts, black gauges and carbon-effect trim. It also has the clever ‘Selespeed’ automatic gearbox, which allows full automatic or semi-automatic modes.
The vendor says the first keeper kept the car until 2020, when he was 90 and gave up driving. Alfa Workshop then recommissioned it, including the cambelt, before the current keeper acquired it in 2022. He tells us he has used it daily and for trips across the UK and Europe, and it has performed without issue. Recent maintenance includes new rear discs and pads, and an alternator. The car was serviced in April 2025 and carries an MOT to April 2027 with advisories to note.
The 156 is quickly gaining traction amongst enthusiasts as a highly collectable saloon. This car has the provenance and condition to work as a daily or sparingly for shows.
The vendor says:
“It features a full spec of Sports Pack Three, side skirts, full Momo leather trim, Clarion radio CD, and you can't miss the sports rear spoiler. Set up from factory with a lower ride height than standard 156, the Sports Suspension is still on full OEM style suspension and bushes; it rides very well with enough compliance to cope with the UK roads. The gear change is either done with the lever up and down or buttons on the steering wheel, or you can opt for the City (full Auto mode), which is great in town or stuck in traffic. The gearbox works well; the only issues I have had were from low voltage from the failing alternator and old oil in the hydraulic system getting hot when left in direct sun after a drive. It's not a modern double-clutch unit; these gearboxes were new technology in their time. At low speed when cold, the clutch can be grabby, but if you are happy to start the car and let it warm up, it's a dream.
“The car is in very good condition for its age and has an honest, low-mileage life. So a good car at a high level of spec, low mileage and tight to drive on the road. The lowered sports suspension is a notable improvement to the standard 156 or 156 SportWagon spring set-up. The gearbox is fun, with a slight delay in shifting, but not like similar semi-auto paddle shifts of the time, mostly due to the balance of power from the 2ltr engine. The 2-litre twin-spark is the development engine for the chassis and suspension design engineers, and it shows in its handling and road manners; yes, the bigger Bosso V6 sounds better, but it comes with weight and steering compromises.
“The engine note isn't dull; it still has a fruity Italian burble and a lovely noise if you downshift without a lift, as it rev-matches the change. Very rewarding drive. On the road, this car is a joy to drive. The 156 with the 2lts Tiwinspark was the development test bed for the suspension and chassis team, meaning the balance is perfect; a very agile and nimble car, the 2ltr has plenty of power and produces a pleasing sound as it goes up and down through the gears. The Selespeed gearbox is great fun when you find the perfect B road, and even if a tractor is there to slow you down, it lets you enjoy the downshifts and then push on past.”
Key Information
- Mileage: 39,505 miles indicated (odometer reading believed to be correct)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 12th April 2027 with advisories to note
- Technical specs: 153bhp 1,970cc 4cyl Twin Spark, 5spd semi-automatic (Selespeed)
- Paperwork: History file of all work from 2021 onwards, with additional history available from 2001–2018
The vendor says:
“Full history file of all work from 2021 and a large amount from 2001 - 2018. Bought new in 2001 by a gentleman when he retired at 70 from his local dealer; he then kept it until COVID time when he gave up driving at 90. After seeing little use during COVID, a keen Alfa Romeo Club member based in East Anglia bought the car and took it on as a recommissioning project car, putting it through the Alfa Workshop and Jamie's team there. I then purchased it from him in April 2022 with just over 27,000 miles on the clock. During my ownership, I kept a detailed file of all maintenance work, used it as a turnkey daily driver for a year, then for special occasions and long weekends, took it on long trips to Scotland, Wales, Switzerland, Belgium, and Germany, and along to many AROC events. Now shows just under 40,000 miles.”
The Detail
- Cam belt replaced in November 2021 by the Alfa Workshop
- Selespeed system recalibrated and pressure tested
- Rear brake discs and pads replaced in April 2023
- Fuel pump replaced in April 2023
- Hydraulic oil changed; regular oil services documented during current ownership
- Failing alternator and faulty OEM part replaced under the supplier's warranty
- Underside treated with Lanoguard twice, most recently in winter 2024–2025
- Paint reported to be largely original, with a few stone chips on the front end
- Rear bumper resprayed at some point, suspected car park ding from early in the car's life
- Side skirts resealed approximately two years ago following hem seal failure
- One jacking cover missing; small badge missing from the base of the steering wheel
- Wheels have minimal curbing but would benefit from a cosmetic refresh
- Fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres with plenty of life remaining
- Some minor damage to the jacking points
- Full Momo leather interior (Sport Pack 3 specification)
- Some sun bleaching to the rear parcel shelf and pillar plastics
- Minor wear to the edge of the driver's seat; one small scratch on the rear seat
- Some wear to the OEM driver's footwell mat; all other mats reported in like-new condition
- The vendor reports the engine bay is very clean, retaining original stickers
- Spare wheel and tool kit appear never to have been used
- Alloy GTA engine cover fitted in 2022
- Injection-moulded boot liner added by the current owner
- Advisories to note on MOT
The vendor says:
“At some point the rear bumper has been resprayed, suspect and a car park ding in its early life. Paint is original; otherwise, a few stone chips on the front end. Side skirts need resealing, as the hem seal gave up two years back; one jacking cover is missing, and I keep meaning to hunt down a replacement or get one 3D printed. Wheels are looking ready for a refresh: minimal curbing damage, but the paint is blowing around the valve stems from moisture or a reaction to the sealer. On good Pilot Sport 3 tyres with plenty of life left. Underside is very clean, been treated with Lanoguard twice, last in winter of 2024 - 2025; very little use since then. Some minor damage to jacking points. Alloy GTA engine cover fitted in 2022.
“All factory fitted Mono Leather interior, highest spec that could be ordered on the phase one. The interior is in great condition, with some sun bleaching to the rear parcel shelf and pillar plastic, as I suspect the first owner kept it in a garage with a large rear window. The rear seats have one small scratch; otherwise, there is some minor wear to the edge of the driver's seat. Sticky plastic on the centre console has been cleaned; small badge missing from base of steering wheel. Some wear to the OEM mat in the driver footwell; all other mats are like new. Injection-moulded boot liner added by me on purchase. Spare wheel and tool kit look like they've never been used.
“Factory standard throughout. Engine bay very clean, retaining original stickers and service records. Cam belt done on recommissioning in November 2021, 1 month before my purchase, by Alfa Workshop; regular oil service has been carried out during my ownership and documented. Selspeed recalibration and pressure testing completed by Alfa Shop, following issues with power and a failing alternator and a faulty OEM part, then replaced under warranty of the supplier. Only issue I have had with Selspeed has been related to this power drain; the system requires good battery health and full voltage. Hydraulic oil has been changed; I recommend refreshing it regularly, or the viscosity will change in higher heat. Rear brake discs and pads April 2023. Fuel pump replaced April 2023. Every mechanic that has test driven this car following work has commented on the car driving like a new car.”
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Comments
pagetuc••••
Can the back spoiler be removed as it totally spoils the originality?
6fpqzw7••••
It can be removed, but it is OEM fitted from the factory and rear. So it depends on your view of originality. Would need to blank off the mounting wholes. Any with out would not have had the higher level of suspension tuning in a phase one, sports pack 3. Phase 2 cars had it as option and a lower wing, which you then see on GTA’s . It’s of its time and not modification.