Alfa Romeo 156 V6 | Spotted
Almost 30 years ago, the 156 transformed the Alfa saloon - now it's a bargain Busso classic
Having now been on sale for a decade, there can’t be very long left for the current Alfa Romeo Giulia. Towards the end of last year, it was suggested that it might continue till 2027, as Alfa’s EV strategy was reassessed - which doesn’t seem like a terrible idea in the current climate - but time waits for no car. While the Giulia was undoubtedly the right car at the right time in 2015, being stylish, great to drive and far more interesting than the norm, it has been left behind in key areas. All that being said, replacing it will be no easy task; there aren’t many cars that have moved Alfa Romeo on so significantly, both in outright ability and subjective appeal.
The 156 was another one that achieved much the same thing. As the Giulia was required to replace an ordinary 159, so the 155 of the early '90s hadn’t hit the spot - purists whinged about the Fiat influence and front-wheel drive, while the design didn’t chime with others. It was fortunate then that the 156, launched 29 years ago at the 1997 Frankfurt show, righted nearly all the wrongs of its predecessor. The Walter de Silva design was one of the four-door greats, the interior was equally debonair (and a world away from the 155) and it handled smartly despite still employing front-wheel drive.
Twin Spark four-cylinders and the Busso V6 provided zesty power, the Sportwagon showed how suave an estate could really be, and the five-cylinder diesel was nothing if not charismatic. The 156 could do no wrong in the eyes of many, and it didn’t matter which 3 Series, A4, C-Class or Rover 75 it was pitched against, the Alfa gave a good account of itself.
But more than 20 years since the last one was sold, it’s only really the 156 GTA that now gets much love. Which is understandable, given it was the most powerful and best-looking of all, but as an important part of Alfa’s modern history it’s a shame that more haven’t been kept on the road. Probably, as with so much else just a few years back, the cost of upkeep simply outweighed the car’s value.
Behold, then, a 156 survivor. It’s a 2.5 V6 with just 60,000 miles, and a dreamy spec: the teledials, the wood wheel and the cowled black-on-white dials are enough to spew the Italian car cliches already. The rear spoiler is a bit divisive, but it is at least an original Alfa item. The interior is original down to the tape player. A day of polishing, some new badges and plates and it’ll be good as new…
Well, in theory at least. While there was nothing scary on the last MOT, that did expire in 2024. So this 156 may require a little bit of TLC to get it back in a truly roadworthy state (but the clutch and cambelt are said to be recent, which would be handy). Still, any car now a quarter of a century old is going to need attention of some kind, and not many of those will be Busso V6-powered. This one is for sale at just £4,490, too, or significantly less than any of those six-cylinder E36s that the Alfa once made look a bit old-fashioned. If there’s any classic four-door saloon worthy of some time, attention and money in 2026, surely this must be it.
SPECIFICATION | ALFA ROMEO 156 2.5 V6
Engine: 2,492cc, V6
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 192@6,300rpm
Torque (lb ft): 161@5,000rpm
MPG: 24.8
CO2: 271g/km
Recorded mileage: 60,000
Year registered: 2000
Price new: £22,258
Yours for: £4,490
They have aged well too, judging by the way this one still looks great.
They were reputed to be quite high maintenance even when new, but you don't get all that Alfa charm for nothing after all. No MOT for a year would be a worry, but you could have four of these for the price of one ropey RS2000. I know where my money (and time!l would go.
Who cares if the 'design didn't chime with others'
IMHO they looked, and still look absolutely fantastic (albeit this was a few years ago this pic of one of mine)
Would have one of these again over any 156 bar the GTA
Who cares if the 'design didn't chime with others'
IMHO they looked, and still look absolutely fantastic (albeit this was a few years ago this pic of one of mine)
Would have one of these again over any 156 bar the GTA
t what is that on the boot? Quite a colourful MOT history, lots of advisories, barely a clean MOT amongst them all, but they do all seem to be consumables and nothing major, no rust issues which is impressive for a car of this age.
I also quite like the colour, if presented better with a new clean MOT I think it would be worth the money.
Quite a colourful MOT history, lots of advisories, barely a clean MOT amongst them all, but they do all seem to be consumables and nothing major, no rust issues which is impressive for a car of this age.
I also quite like the colour, if presented better with a new clean MOT I think it would be worth the money.
. Got fed up with the electrical and suspension gremlins so shifted it after a couple of years.Who cares if the 'design didn't chime with others'
IMHO they looked, and still look absolutely fantastic (albeit this was a few years ago this pic of one of mine)
Would have one of these again over any 156 bar the GTA
‘We like to leave the car in its genuine condition’ was one comment. Another was ‘we don’t have the margin in it, to dull a full valet and dress’ - needless to say both were a very quick exit. ‘We can’t wash it after every test drive’ was also dropped in.
Utter bobbins and just lazy and reflective of a lot of dealers arrogant attitudes at the moment.
Without wishing to insult anyone's intelligence it takes considerable time and effort to get them gleaming again, to get it like the 3.2 above also costs a bit getting things rechromed, painted etc. Factor in a new header tank (not sure if being remade for 156) and I wouldn't personally be damning the dealer for presenting it like that.
I'd be more concerned on finding out when the cam belt was last changed, usual rust issues and mechanicals over aesthetics that you could easily sort yourself if inclined.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff