1997 Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf Series 1

When everyone else was flocking towards a Golf GTi or perhaps a Peugeot 205 GTi, the alternative thinkers were possibly drawn to the 145 Cloverleaf. Probably the prettiest of that trio and hailing from a time when 150PS went a long way. Certainly, the rarest of the group, both originally and today. A well known DVLA informed website would have us believe that less than 60 145 Cloverleafs remain in use in the UK today.

This example offers a very solid provenance, too. With just four keepers spanning the Alfa’s first 26 years, current owner William acquired the 145 in July 2023 to become its fifth keeper. William is a self-confessed enthusiast and experienced 145 Cloverleaf owner. The Cloverleaf had covered around 80,500 miles at that time with William adding a little less than 3,000 miles to the total since then. This 145 Cloverleaf was supplied new by Follet of Mayfair and came specified with some costly and desirable extras. These included climate control, an electric sunroof and a sublime Momo leather interior. £17,200 changed hands to acquire this Alfa Romeo in 1997.

During William’s ownership much has been spent bring this 145 Cloverleaf up to the fine condition you see today. A quick tot up of the accompanying invoices reveals a spend of a shade under £6,500 on William’s watch with this 145 now in great shape for its next lucky owner.

Compared to its clunky Alfa Romeo 33 predecessor, the 145’s styling was something that everyone seemed to approve of immediately. The designer? None other than uber-car sketcher on the 1990’s Chris Bangle. Bangle started designing a model for Lancia but, on seeing the prototype, everyone seemed to conclude it should be an Alfa such was its dainty charm.

When you see this Cloverleaf in the metal you can see why it was so admired. It still looks impressively contemporary over 25 years later. There’s plenty of glass on show together with some interesting strakes, shapes and signatures. Those quite subtle green cloverleaf emblems really seem to draw the eye, too.

Our car’s Alfa Romeo Red livery certainly sets the design language off beautifully. On close inspection there are a few imperfections noted, of course. A little paint fading in noted in places as well as the to be expected minor scratches, paint chips and areas of paint bubbling. Our extensive photographic package aims to capture these for your review.

In terms of period charm and distinctiveness the 15-inch “Teledial” alloys do their fair share of the heavy lifting. They look great and the condition seems admirable. A matching set of quality Avon tyres in a 195/55 configuration are fitted and date stamped from 2024.

The Cloverleaf’s cabin is a sea of supple Momo leather finished in black. The seats are double needle stitched into vertical box pleats and are generously and thoughtfully bolstered. Alfa Romeo roundels are embossed into the seat backs. The condition overall is very good indeed with just the right amount of “enjoyment patina” exhibited. The rear seats are identically trimmed, surprisingly commodious and equally well presented. Discreet Momo logos can be found in places around the cabin.

The black carpets look to be in fine order and in the back the consignors’ favourite of “mats on mats” are noted. The black dashboard features a hooded binnacle which houses the white on black gauge set with the speedometer being Alfa Romeo branded. The stitched leather three spoke steering wheel contains a large airbag equipped boss with another Alfa roundel at its centre.

Other features of note include that expensive climate control, electric sunroof and original Philips radio cassette head unit which has recently been repaired at some expense. The well-shaped and commodious boot is home to a CD changer unit, original parcel shelf and fitted carpet mat.

That Fiat engine, then, was ultimately the making of the 145 and it remains revered today as free revving, tractable and offering a strangely Alfa Romeo-esque soundtrack. Testers at the time found it hard to believe it was not an Alfa Romeo deigned unit all along. Like all good engines, it looks pretty good, too, from the days before the advent of intrusive engine covers. The embossed wording “Alfa-Romeo” and “Twin Spark” face you as soon as you lift the bonnet. The condition here is highly original with all inner panels looking straight, clean and tidy.

What can be seen of the underside looks to be in good order and William has had work recently undertaken to ensure this aspect of the car is the equal of the rest of it. A new cat-back stainless steel exhaust system has also been fitted here as have a new set of pro-specification springs.

The current V5 Registration Document is present in the name of the owner as is the current MoT in hard copy. This is an advisory free test and is valid until December 2025. Numerous earlier MoTs in hard copy are also present. The original book pack is on hand as are the head unit manuals as well as a period booklet folder.

The majority of the remainder of the archive consists of a good number of instructive invoices. As previously mentioned, these document a spend of close to £6,500 since 2023. The key items covered are the work to the underside of the Alfa, the original head unit repair, new exhaust, springs and other key recommissioning work which is all set out in detail. Well worth a read.

The Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf perhaps wasn’t a mainstream hot hatch choice back in 1997 and therein lies its appeal and charm. Today it makes for a tangibly rarer and more interesting alternative to the usual 90’s hot hatch heroes. What’s more, it is a true driver’s car with a surprisingly contemporary level of capability…..and even practicality.

It seems obvious that owner William knows his Cloverleafs. This example presents in a very well sorted condition that smacks of informed ownership. It really has everything going for it. Rarity, beauty, that sublime Momo leather interior and a comprehensive maintenance and repair history. With so few of these acclaimed cars remaining, this should be one to get the Alfisti hot under the collar.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £6,000 - £8,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.