Alfa Romeo SZ Sprint Zagato
The Sprint Zagato represented one of the most controversial yet purposeful Alfa Romeos ever built. Designed by Robert Opron and Antonio Castellana at Centro Stile Zagato, the SZ featured radical wedge styling with thermoplastic composite body panels bonded to a steel spaceframe. Underneath the aggressive exterior sat the mechanicals from the Alfa 75, including the rear-mounted transaxle for 50/50 weight distribution and De Dion rear suspension. The 3.0-liter Busso V6 produced 210 horsepower, while Recaro seats and a stripped interior emphasized the driver-focused mission. Only 1,036 were built, making it extremely collectible today.
Verify chassis number and production records - only 1,036 built. Mechanicals shared with Alfa 75 making servicing straightforward. The Busso V6 is robust but requires proper maintenance. De Dion rear suspension unique and requires specialist knowledge. Composite body panels durable but difficult to repair or repaint. Original specification important to value. Most examples preserved by enthusiasts with low miles. Rising values reflect growing appreciation for controversial design.
Total of 1,036 SZ coupes built from 1989-1991 at Zagato's Milan facility using composite bodies on Alfa 75 mechanicals. Each car hand-assembled with thermoplastic injection-molded body panels. Production intentionally limited. Followed by RZ roadster variant in 1992-1994 with only 278 built. All examples built in left-hand drive only.