2003 Alfa Romeo GTA Sportwagon

Highlights

• Very rare GTA Sportwagon
• Busso 3.2-litre 24-valve V6
• Q2 limited slip differential
• Manual gearbox
• Lots of history

Overview

The Alfa Romeo 156 made an unforgettable entrance into the automotive world, clinching the prestigious European Car of the Year award in 1998—a well-deserved accolade. Its striking, attractive styling was complemented by clever design elements like the hidden rear door handles, which lent the saloon, at least, the appearance of a sleek two-door coupé. The sportwagon, despite famously having less luggage space than the saloon, redeemed itself by being arguably more stylish than the four-door on which it was based.

In 2001, the 156 received a range-topper with the introduction of the 156 GTA, developed alongside its sibling, the 147 GTA. This special variant was powered by the phenomenal 3.2-litre Busso V6 engine, celebrated for its unmatched sound and exhilarating performance. Enhancements included lowered suspension for sharper handling, powerful Brembo brakes, and a more aggressive body kit featuring streamlined bumpers, side skirts, and broader arches. These improvements were also offered on the sportwagon, although they didn’t prove that popular in the UK, with just 110 sold here in period. This, then, is a very rare car.

Accompanied by a comprehensive history file, this example reflects the meticulous care it has received throughout its life. It's also enhanced by the addition of a Q2 limited slip differential. With only three owners to date, it stands as a rare opportunity to own one of Alfa Romeo's most desirable estate cars—a model that perfectly balances practicality with exhilarating performance.

Adding to its appeal, this 156 GTA recently underwent a significant service less than 500 miles ago. The maintenance included critical components such as the timing belt, water pump, and spark plugs, ensuring the car is in prime mechanical condition. This recent work offers some peace of mind and, while naturally there will no doubt be some ongoing attention required to keep it in fine fettle, the allure of a Busso-powered estate is plain to see.

History and Documentation

• UK Registered: 10th January 2003

• V5C is present and in the owner's name

• Just two previous keepers

• Coming from a 9-year ownership

• Current MOT valid until 29th November 2025

• Two keys included

• Extensive history file showing invoices for parts and services

• Previous service history dates are as follows: Oct 2003 @ 11,536 miles, Jan 2006 @ 31,142 miles, Jan 2008 @ 60,000 miles, Mar 2012 @ 62,248 miles, May 2014 @ 69,392 miles, May 2015 @ 75,775 miles, Oct 2015 @ 85,925 miles, May 2016 @ 82,787 miles, Nov 2017 @ 92,496 miles, Nov 2018 @ 97,614 miles, Sep 2019 (service and timing belt), May 2021 @ 108,890 miles, Nov 2022 (rear discs and pads), Feb 2024 @ 117,156 miles (included timing belt, water pump, and spark plugs)

• HPI clear

Interior

• Black leather seats and door cards
• The seats are in good condition with just a small amount of creasing on the bolsters of the front seats, as you would expect with this style of seat
• Rear seats are in good condition
• The dashboard is in good order with no damage
• The instruments are working correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of 117,602 miles
• The original leather steering wheel is in good order, with just a tiny amount of age-related wear to the buttons
• Dashboard switches look in good condition and are reported to work correctly
• The vendor reports the nearside window needs easing, and the offside is thought to require a new switch (included)
• The heater control panel has recently been replaced
• Factory alarm is present but not working
• Carpets are in good condition throughout the cabin
• A set of fitted mats is in place
• An optional extra Clarion six-disc CD multi-changer is fitted in the boot
• Spare wheel and original tools are present

Exterior

• Finished in Grigio Metallic, the GTA Sportwagon looks attractive and purposeful to our eyes
• The paintwork presents well, with a few minor age-related scratches accumulated over time
• Panel gaps all appear to match
• Some blistering is present on the lower sections of the rear wheel arches and a tiny amount on the front wings
• Windows are in good order, with no excessive scratches other than a couple on the rear door windows
• Xenon headlights are free from splits or cracks, though the lenses would benefit from a polish using a headlight restoration kit
• The rear lights are also in good order
• Factory 17-inch alloy wheels are in good condition, with no significant signs of corrosion on the faces
• Alfa Romeo centre caps have faded slightly but are easy to replace
• Continental tyres on each corner, all with a good amount of tread remaining

Mechanical

• 3,179 cc V6 24-valve Busso engine, a legend in its own right
• Produces approximately 250 bhp and 221 lb-ft of torque
• Polished inlet manifold enhances the look of the Busso V6
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Q2 LSD fitted in 2010
• New clutch fitted in 2008
• New alternator and belt fitted in December 2023
• Battery fitted in July 2023
• Recent ECU fitted
• Front arch liners have been removed due to catching on full lock
• The car starts as expected and runs with no issues reported
• Vendor reports no untoward noises from the transmission or suspension
• Handles as it should, and the car stops in a straight line

Summary

The Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Sportwagon is the modern classic demonstration of Alfa Romeo's ability to fuse style, performance, and practicality into one remarkable package. The Sportwagon retains the saloon's sporty and elegant aesthetics while offering the added utility of an estate body. And the GTA edition is a firm favourite among petrolhead enthusiasts, balancing everyday usability with thrilling driving dynamics.

This example has clearly been cherished and will no doubt provide its next keeper with an involving and rewarding ownership experience.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Littlehampton, West Sussex.