2004 Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0 V6

Most GTVs have long since reconstituted themselves into the base minerals and elements from which they were originally formed.

They will have done so with all the entirely predictable but nonetheless unwelcome alacrity common to Italian cars of the era.

So, our splendid low-mileage example is both a true survivor and, in this excellent and original condition, a real and appreciating rarity.

This car is in very good overall nick.

We have driven it and can attest that it goes about its business with zest and purpose, happily pressing on a bit when asked, and nipping in and out of bends with all the balance, grip and accuracy of a Go-Kart.

Finished in blue with tan leather upholstery (which we happen to think is a particularly appealing combination) this GTV presents extremely well, appears to be pretty much devoid of any significant aesthetic, mechanical or structural issues, and comes with an impressively full service history.

The car has clearly been looked after properly throughout its life, as evidenced by a comprehensive history file and a wad of bills - for all the right things - adding up to over £12,000 (and that doesn’t include the s/s exhaust).

No, it’s not perfect. Nothing is. But we think it’s a good, solid, honest example of an iconic car. And its superior condition, history and provenance combine to make it a very attractive proposition.

Overall, the blue paintwork is in pretty good condition and the finish has an impressive shine and lustre to it.

Undoubtedly masters of creating pedigree sporting thoroughbreds for proper drivers, Alfa were also known, rightly or wrongly (but mainly rightly), for lagging behind their Teutonic counterparts in terms of build quality and attention to detail.

Well, we can only assume that Giuseppe and Luigi were on particularly good form when they made this one.

The angled, swooping flanks are formed from straight panels with good shut-lines and door gaps.

Yes, there are some minor stone chips, dinks, scratches, paint swirls and scuffs here and there.

But they’re few and far between and mostly inconspicuous. So, much so, in fact, that our photographer has had to (quite literally) point them out for your attention in the photography section.

All the trim and badging is as it should be. The ‘Teledial’ alloy wheels are in great shape and have clearly rarely met a kerb in anger. The front tyres are new and the matching rears aren’t far behind.

The paint on the edge of the panel above the windscreen has cracked and peeled, allowed some superficial corrosion to creep in.

The good news continues on the inside, where you’ll find everything is functional, clean, generally unworn and in very good overall condition.

The tan leather and thick, butter-coloured carpets create a very pleasant, luxurious ambience.

The leather seats are as comfortable on the eye as they are on other parts of the body. They are supportive and firm - but in a good way. There is only the lightest creasing visible anywhere.

The rear seats, unsurprisingly, look pretty much like new.

The door cards, roof lining, dashboard and centre console are all in fine condition, although there are a couple of marks on the latter.

The carpets and mats are all good.

The boot is clean and tidy. Lifting the carpets here or anywhere else on this car reveals…no rust that we can see.

As far as we can tell, every knob, toggle, lever, flap, button and switch does what it’s meant to do.

The undersides of this vehicle give no cause for alarm or inducement to raise an eyebrow.

Everything appears to be as solid and sound as it should be.

There are plenty of shiny, newer components in evidence.

Again, there is no proper rust to speak of anywhere, just the standard superficial bloom of rust dust here and there.

The engine bay is similarly devoid of anything to worry about. The centerpiece is, of course, that glorious V6, with its alluringly shiny manifold pipes.

It’s evident from looking at and driving this car that it’s been well looked after and maintained by people who appreciated its Alfa pedigree, driver appeal and increasing rarity.

The car’s comprehensive service history backs up this impression.

• 15.5.05 and 4,440 miles – Desira Hayes

• 22.6.06 and 10,746 miles – Desira Southgate

• 20.12.06 and 16,233 miles – PDS Autocare

• 12.12.07 and 23,042 miles – Alfarama Stanmore

• 10.2.09 and 27,833 miles – Alfarama Stanmore

• 15.8.12 and 42,242 miles – ProAlfa Watford (new timing/aux belts and water pump)

• 23.11.16 and 52,393 miles – ‘A for Alfa’

• 13.04.17 and 52,992 miles – ‘A for Alfa’ (new timing/aux belts, tensioners, water pump)

• 14.01.20 and 56,422 miles – ‘A for Alfa’ (carbon clean and new coil packs)

New front tyres, new rear coil springs and new front shock dust covers were fitted in 2021.

In 2016 a GTV V6 handling kit, including Koni street shocks and front springs, was fitted by Jamie Porter’s Alfa Workshop, who also stripped and treated the car’s floor pans at the same time.

The car comes with two sets of keys, including the master key, various manuals and handbooks, and a decent sheaf of bills, invoices, receipts and old MoT certificates.

It currently has an MoT certificate, with no advisories, valid until 21.10.22.

We noticed, with some amusement, that the MoT testing station goes by the name of FAT BUSTARDS GARAGE UK LTD.

If you’d like to inspect the car prior to placing a bid then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.

This car is in very good condition for its age and even for its low mileage (it’s only covered just over 6,000 miles in the last 7 years).

It drives well, it has repelled the gruesome advances of oxidation far better than most of its Italian contemporaries, and it is delightfully authentic and genuine in virtually every respect.

We are more than happy to offer this excellent car for auction with an estimate of £8,000 - £12,000.

This car is being sold from a retailer of modern classic cars and viewing is always encouraged.  This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.