Background
They say that you are not a true petrolhead unless you have owned an Alfa Romeo. Italian styling is just the start, as the fun really starts when you get behind the wheel.
For those wondering about taking the plunge, the 156 is an excellent place to begin. Launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997, the car went on to win the coveted European Car of the Year title in 1998, no mean feat.
The 156 could be had a svelte saloon or estate ‘Sportwagon’ body style with seven engine configurations and it went through two facelifts, the first in 2002 and a second in 2003 The saloon was to disappear in Europe late in 2005, though a rare Crosswagon soldiered on until 2007. The 156 was replaced with the 159, which also spawned the Brera, the two-door coupe that replaced the GTV.
Not all 156s are created equal and if it’s performance you want, then it’s the GTA that should be on your shopping list. The keen eye will spot the external changes which include snazzy alloy wheels (which conceal multi-piston Brembo hardware), a front airdam and lower front spoiler.
There are vented side skirts along each sill while the lower portion of the tail section features twin tailpipes and an ‘extractor’ fin which helps draw air from the front to the rear and away.
The interior boasts some sport enhancements too which include alloy pedals, a bespoke steering wheel and figure-hugging sports front seats.
What you really want to know though, is what’s under the bonnet to thrill and excite. And excite it will, not only in the sound it makes but the in the way it delivers its seamless power. It’s a 3.2-litre V6 unit which pumps out 250bhp at a heady 6,200rpm and also boasts 221lb ft of torque.
Performance figures from the day suggest a 0-62mph sprint time of just 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 155mph.
Top Gear magazine were suitably enthusiastic and if we may quote:
“The GTA is quick and feels it. Prod the drive-by-wire throttle, the V6 sings and you go forward – fast. Power delivery is broad, seamless and ample. To quote from Alfa Romeo’s own literature, ‘The GTA can also travel in sixth gear at less than 2,000rpm and unleash speed spurts without changing gear. Extremely satisfying behaviour, therefore, even during daily use’. Lovely!”
Under the skin Alfa engineers carefully refined many aspects of the 156’s suspension, steering and brakes for GTA duty. If you will forgive us quoting from the good folk at Top Gear once more:
“The GTA can be positioned accurately and instinctively at speed, it won’t tie your arms in a knot on a hairpin and nor will it scare you witless should you encounter a surprise bump.”
Like what you hear? Well then read on to find out more about the lovely GTA that we are pleased to be offering for sale.
