Alfa Romeo 156 V6 | Spotted

Almost 30 years ago, the 156 transformed the Alfa saloon - now it's a bargain Busso classic

By Matt Bird / Wednesday, 7 January 2026 / Loading comments

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