RM Monaco 2016 – 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato

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1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato 11

The Roadster Zagato is perhaps even more unique and special than its SZ (Sprint Zagato) hardtop sibling!  The styling is truly otherworldly for a production model.  Performance was pretty brisk, too.  A 210HP V6 drove the back wheels via a five-speed transaxle, ensuring good traction and weight distribution.

1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato

RM Sotheby’s

Monaco

14 May 2016

1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato

Without Reserve

  • Chassis no. ZAR16200003002164
  • Serial no. 145
  • Engine no. AK5150100138

Photo Credit: Tim Scott ©2016 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Type ES-30. 210 bhp, 2,959 cc DOHC V-6 engine with electronic fuel injection, five-speed manual transaxle, independent front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, de Dion rear axle with Watt’s linkage, coil springs, and anti-roll bar, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,510 mm

  • Daring styling; extremely rare, one of just 284 built
  • As-new condition; just 12,000 kilometres from new
  • Always dry stored and never driven in the wet
  • Alfa Romeo Certificate of Authenticity

Alfa Romeo and Carrozzeria Zagato revived the SZ, or Sprint Zagato, name at the 1989 Geneva Salon. First in coupé form and later as a roadster, the Type ES-30 SZ/RZ was also a joint project of Alfa Romeo and Fiat. Both models were based on the floorpan and drivetrain of the Alfa 75. With the exception of its aluminium alloy roof panel, the coupé’s bodywork was thermo-plastic, injection-moulded composite. After 1,036 SZ coupés were delivered, an open version, called the RZ (for Roadster Zagato), followed.

Both were powered by the Alfa 75’s fuel-injected V-6 four-cam engine, which developed a potent 210 horsepower, sent through a rear-mounted five-speed transaxle. The rally tuned suspension was fully independent in front with a de Dion rear axle with Watt’s linkage in the rear, lending excellent handling qualities. The Zagato’s four-wheel disc brakes could easily haul the car down from its estimated 243 km/h top speed. While the styling of the SZ and RZ stirred some controversy when the car was introduced, today it is considered very modernistic, and these luxuriously trimmed high-performance sports cars are much sought after.

This fine example, number 145 in the series, was purchased from the factory by Italian Alfa dealer Var Auto and was displayed at the firm’s showroom in Beinette in the Province of Cuneo, Italy. In 2002, it was sold with just 120 kilometres to a German specialist on behalf of a British client and was shipped to the United Kingdom. That gentleman, Andrew Ramsey, retained the car until it was acquired by the consignor. It now shows a mere 12,000 kilometres from new with the presentation and documentation to support its limited use.

Finished in Giallo Fly with a black interior, this rare and exciting Alfa RZ is supplied with extensive documentation, including workshop manuals, MOT registrations, wallet with all handbooks (including the original Alfa Romeo pen!), and its leather-bound factory Certificato di Collaudo, or Certificate of Authenticity. It is a desirable addition to any Zagato or Alfa Romeo collection.