Surely the highlight of this year's Geneva motor show (that wasn't actually a show held in Geneva) was the Alfa Giulia GTA. By combing a hallowed nameplate, the best Alfa Romeo in generations and a mouth-watering array of modifications, the new car had anticipation running at fever pitch.
Now we know the price that the 500 customers will pay: €176,500 for the GTA, or €181,500 for the GTAm. That's for UK customers as well, Alfa simply noting that a GBP price will be converted "at contract finalisation stage." At the moment those euro figures convert to £153,400 and £157,750, so right about what a Jaguar XE SV Project 8 cost (with the two-seat Track Pack as a £10k option).
As this is the most expensive Alfa Romeo since the 8C, GTA customers will be treated to a different experience to those who go in for a Stelvio diesel. The car has been designed, Alfa says, with "a unique and exclusive level of customisation" as part of the plan, so each of the 500 buyers will have historic liveries to choose from and a "dedicated customer experience" - up to and including collection from Balocco if they choose.
While Alfa Romeo is "able to meet... every aesthetic need", its Centro Stile has also reimagined classic GTA liveries that can be selected. So, the ochre is from Toine Hezemans' 1970 ETCC-winning 1750 GTAM, the yellow nose is from the 1971 car in the same championship and so on. Plumping for a classic livery also gets that buyer a matching car cover and choice of number on the side.
Fear not, however, if the limited availability of classic liveries isn't for you. Alfa is also offering the GTA and GTAm in Trophy White, Montreal Green and GTA red - a nod to the Italian Tricolore. The colour of the brake calipers, roll bar, seat belts and stitching can also be chosen. Finally, it's worth noting that all customers, regardless of spec, get a liveried Bell helmet, a driving course at the Alfa Romeo Driving Academy and a full race suit - be in no doubt, GTA customers are going to be treated like royalty.
Sadly, of course, very few will get to experience the privilege. For those of us who are merely a EuroMillions jackpot away from a GTA, though, there is hope: the configurator has just gone live. We'll take the Montreal Green GTAm, please, no livery - see you at Balocco in 2021...
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