Alfa Romeo Alfetta Price Guide

The Alfetta introduced one of the most sophisticated chassis layouts of any production saloon: a rear-mounted transaxle gearbox combined with De Dion rear suspension for near-perfect weight distribution. It was brilliant engineering wrapped in a body that even Alfa Romeo’s own designers considered unremarkable.

The Range

Produced from 1972 to 1984, the Alfetta saloon used 1.6 and 1.8-litre twin-cam fours, later joined by a 2.0-litre. The transaxle layout — gearbox and differential combined in a single unit at the rear axle, connected to the engine by a rigid torque tube — delivered handling balance that felt decades ahead of its time. The related GTV coupe used a shortened version of the same platform and is the more celebrated car, but the saloon deserves recognition for the engineering innovations it introduced.

Buying

Alfettas are scarce in the UK. Rust attacks the body comprehensively — sills, floors, inner wings, wheelarches, suspension mounting points. Unlike the 105-series, repair panels are not easily sourced. South African-market cars, built in larger numbers with better corrosion protection, are sometimes a sounder starting point. The gearbox shift quality was never the Alfetta’s strongest point even when new; worn linkages and tired synchromesh can make it unpleasant on a neglected car.