Ever wondered what classic car to consider? Paul Murrell tests the 1997-2005 Alfa Romeo 156 GTA with pricing, specs, ride and handling, safety, verdict and everything the over-50 classic car buyer needs to know.
Summary: Few cars can offer the absolute enjoyment of the Alfa Romeo 156 GTA, or look as good. Finding one won’t be easy since Alfa only built 1973 saloons and 1678 Sportswagons.
1997-2005 Alfa Romeo 156 GTA
Price range: too few for sale to establish a meaningful price
Safety: ASR (anti-slip regulation), EBD (electronic brake distribution), ABS (anti-lock braking), optional LSD
Engine: 3179cc double overhead cam, 16-valve V6
Power: 186kW
Torque: 300Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual or Selespeed button-shift auto, front-wheel drive
Steering: power assisted rack and pinion
Body: 4430mm (long); 1765mm (wide); 1395mm (high)
Build country: Italy
Interior features: Bose audio system, air conditioning, power windows, heated seats, leather interior, cruise control
Exterior features: alloy wheels, hidden rear door handles
Kerb weight: 1485kg
Wheels: 17-inch alloy
Tyres: 225/45 R17
Brakes: servo-assisted ventilated discs (front and rear)
Fuel tank: 63 litres
Consumption: 9.4-14.0/100km
[review]
The final years of the 20th century were less than thrilling if you were looking for a performance saloon. But the Alfa Romeo 156 GTA put excitement back into a sporting four-door.
The trend to hidden door handles also applied to the GTA, but there was a lot more for enthusiasts to get excited about, with a healthy 186kW and 300Nm in a lithe 1500kg body, lowered suspension, Brembo brakes and a six-speed transmission (or an optional Selespeed semi-auto). Buyers could even choose between a sedan or a wagon.
It does have its quirks, however. The ride is harsh, the turning circle average, the fuel consumption on the high side (especially if you take full advantage of the performance) and the steering over assisted. On the upside, it was well-equipped with a leather interior, heated seats, climate control, cruise control, electric windows and Bose sound system.
What to look out for
All those luxury inclusions can make the 156 expensive to put right if it’s been allowed to deteriorate.
And being an Alfa, you’ll need to check carefully for rust. It’s probably not much worse than its peers from the period, but some parts are impossible to replace and owners will face costly hand-crafted repairs. The usual suspects include wheelarches, floors and sills. Check the spring cups on the rear struts and all of the underside, including the radiator, which can spring a leak. If a new radiator has been fitted, be a little suspicious and check for any signs of overheating or head gasket failure.
The six-speed gearbox should be smooth. If it is heavy, a replacement may be in order. The Selespeed is less desirable because parts can be hard to find.
Make sure there is a history of the cambelt being replaced, ideally every four of five years, regardless of mileage.
Bonnet catches are notoriously famous for sticking, allowing the bonnet to fly up. If this has happened, check carefully that any repairs have been properly completed.
Electronics are less than perfect, so look for failing digital readouts or warning lights for things like the ABS, airbags or engine management coming on when they shouldn’t.
In the suspension department, bushes wear. Some owners upgrade them when they are replaced, but this can make the ride even more unforgiving.
The steering rack is go-kart fast, so check for wear in the rack.