We all know by now that old engines appeal more than ever. These days interesting engines are notable by their scarcity; while forced induction and hybridisation is getting better seemingly by the month, it’s hard to properly replicate the joy of natural aspiration. And in 2025 there really aren’t many of those left at less than six figures, if at all.
Which means those of us without big budgets can look on a bit despairingly. Because as well as expensive new engines, the classics are being priced out of reach because of their old school appeal. That joy of a fizzing four, soulful six or thunderous eight is becoming harder and harder to get hold of. The simple pleasures afforded by a great engine - the cold start grumble, the growl under load, the rush to the redline - feel difficult to come by when everything more than 20 years old with more than 2.0-litres seems to be at least £10k.
But there is some hope, in the very handsome form of the Alfa GT. It hails from that amazing time of two decades ago when Alfa Romeo could sell a pair of two-door coupes at the same time (this and the Brera) while offering a pair of a different 3.2 V6s - the GT had the Busso, the Brera the later JTS. Sometimes the mid 2000s doesn’t feel so much a different time as a different planet altogether. And while neither were the best sports cars in the world, they looked great and, in the case of the GT, came with the iconic Busso V6 engine. Which is sort of worth the price of admission alone, especially when that price is just four thousand pounds.
Perhaps because the GT never received Alfa’s GTA badge, and maybe since we’re more fond of hot hatches and sports saloons than front-drive coupes, this car with this engine hasn’t appreciated like the 147 and 156 with the same powertrain. The very best GTAs can now nudge £20k, while even the best GTs only tend to muster five figures. Then there’s this one, in seemingly decent condition, for £3,995.
It’s not perfect at this money, of course. While the last two MOTs aren’t too scary, the GT has endured a fair few advisories over the years, which is never the best sign. The paint looks a little tired, though likely nothing a weekend with a machine polisher couldn’t sort. The interior, for 21 years and 120k, seems really good indeed.
It’ll always be wise to approach an interesting old car with a contingency fund, because stuff inevitably just wears out and makes important bits feel sloppy. There's the reality of running costs to consider as well - this Alfa is rated at almost 300g/km and little more than 20mpg. Which is sort of why we can’t have incredible motors in affordable new cars any more. But here’s the proof that they’re alive and well in attainable modern classics. The mileage of this GT means it’ll probably never be worth a great deal; all the more reason, then, to forget about that aspect of old car ownership and enjoy the best bit: an engine to die for.
SPECIFICATION | ALFA ROMEO GT V6
Engine: 3,179cc, V6
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 243@6,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 221@4,800rpm
MPG: 23
CO2: 295g/km
First registered: 2004
Recorded mileage: 120,000
Price new: £27,300
Price now: £3,995
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