Let's deal with the hurdles the 156 GTA must overcome first, because they will inevitably come up. Yes, it's front-wheel drive. Yes, you can buy a decent E46 M3 for this money. And yes, it will likely be quite expensive to run.
Right, good. Now they're dealt with we can move to all the reasons why you may well want a 156 GTA, specifically
this 156 GTA
. It's a car much discussed on PH over the years, because it's not often a car has so failed to meet the expectations placed on it new. However, with some aftermarket fettling, the sports saloon hiding in the GTA has been lured out and interest is rising once more. Could the
Giulia
perhaps be spurring this on also?
Anyway, back to this particular GTA. It is, for want of a better word, exquisite. The colour is Cosmo Blu, a rare hue that just looks superb. The black leather is holding up very well, the engine shot will make you squeal and before you've even read the ad the pics make you want this GTA. A lot.
Then you will read the ad. Or start to read the ad, then realise you will need a drink to get through all of it. Beautifully written and meticulously detailed, it shows exactly the kind of dedicated ownership that we all look for. It shows exactly how to write car ads really.
Crucially though, all the modifications that have been
so widely discussed
are fitted here: the Q2 diff, the Koni FSD dampers, Eibach Pro springs and some polyurethane bushes. This car also has a bigger brake upgrade, new wishbones, anti-roll bars, top mounts and so much more besides. We won't reveal it all here for fear of spoiling the advert. It's been looked after, put it that way.
Ah, you may be thinking, that's all very well, but surely that stuff was done ages ago and will need replacing again soon? Don't be so hasty. Yes, the dampers, brakes and Michelin rubber were fitted by the previous owner, but then it has only covered 5,000 miles since December 2013 with its current custodian. In that time he has spent another £6,800. Wow. You would hope of course this is through hugely committed and diligent ownership rather than having to fix a pup; indeed, given it was only 10 years and 33,000 miles old at purchase, this GTA must have been one of the better ones even then.
But more than the upgrades and pictures, it's the detail and enthusiasm of this advert that really sells the GTA. Sentences like "It's significantly improved over a standard car, and in my view, far more nuanced, tactile and involving than the later 159 3.2 Q4 - or Giulietta QV" show this is clearly a man who knows his Alfas. He knows how to write about vehicle dynamics too, so maybe we shouldn't give him much more exposure before he has a job off us!
Of course we have to discuss the price. While you can never expect to reclaim the cost of modifications when it comes to selling again, the work done on this GTA will have made it significantly more desirable than it was even two years ago. It was purchased at the end of 2013 from a dealer at £10,950; given the increased demand for GTAs recently, plus all the work completed, to see it now for sale at £13,495 seems very fair indeed. Particularly so when this car, admittedly at a dealer, is £10K with nearly twice the miles and none of the upgrades.
We could go on, but you get the picture. It appears a stunning example of a car that so many love, now with the dynamics to match the wonderful engine and beautiful styling. Let's hope it goes to an owner as doting as this one. And let's also hope Alfa gets its next sports saloon right straight out of the box!
Alfa Romeo 156 GTA
Engine: 3,179cc, V6
Transmission: 6-speed manula, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 250hp@6,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 221 lb ft@4,800rpm
MPG: 23.3
CO2: 287g/km
First registered: 2003
Recorded mileage: 39,000
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £13,495