Alfa Romeo SZ (1990). A restored pre-series coupé

This pre-series Alfa Romeo SZ has just been restored.

Alfa Romeo has just completed the restoration of a pre-production example of the famous 1990 SZ coupé. Still as original in its style, the SZ notably served as inspiration for the design of the Tonale.

Beneath its style study trappings, the 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ, like its RZ roadster version, left a lasting legacy to the manufacturer in Biscione. It allowed the brand to reaffirm its sporting orientation after its takeover by Fiat in 1986., and his atypical style has made history twice. On the one hand, because it split from the presentation of the car and continues to do so. On the other hand, because the RZ inaugurated perennial style elements, to the point that three decades later Alfa Romeo drew inspiration from them to design the “look” of the new Tonale. So to accompany the launch of the SUV, Alfa Romeo lifts the veil on a somewhat special SZ that has just been restored.

TO READ. Beauty and originality, the best of Zagato

Alfa Romeo SZ red — The bold styling of the SZ is the joint work of Alfa Romeo and Zagato.

Alfa Romeo SZ rear lights — The rear part still stands out today.

Like in the magazines

The Alfa Romeo SZ discussed here, you may have already seen it. It is in fact aa pre-series copy that was used for various photos presentation in 1990. Before that, the car had been tested on the Balocco test circuit as part of the development of the model. Its red composite bodywork has been restored to its original shine, like the beige leather upholstery of its passenger compartment and the wooden rim of its steering wheel. The 210 hp 3.0 V6 has also undergone a thorough overhaul.

Alfa Romeo SZ steering wheel — The passenger compartment has been restored with a focus on preserving the original elements.

TO HAVE. Beauty and originality, the best of Zagato

A designer piece

Alfa Romeo SZ engine — The SZ is powered by a 210 hp V6.

The name of the Alfa Romeo SZ stands for “Sprint Zagato” and indicates that it is the result of a collaboration between the manufacturer and the famous coachbuilderechoing the 1959 Giulietta Sprint Zagato. And it was Zagato who ensured the production of this series initially limited to 1,000 copies in Milan.

The team responsible for its design, on the Alfa Romeo side, included Robert Opron, “father” of the Citroën SM and Renault Fuego among others. With this restoration, Alfa Romeo preserves an important piece of its heritage while promoting the restoration services offered to customers by its Heritage department.