Alfa Romeo 147 3.2 GTA V6 24V 3d 247 BHP

Why do enthusiasts get so excited at the thought of an Alfa? The rich motorsport heritage? The gorgeous Italian styling? Sure, both are useful in the fight against German rivals, but the firm's real selling point is its engines and its V6 range-topper are the world's finest! So when Alfa was working on a GTA version of its 147 hatch, we wondered how it would find an engine with the right credentials. To take on rivals at the time like the Ford's Focus RS, it would need at least 200bhp, none of the firm's four-pots were up to the task. Surely it wouldn't dare to try to cram in the bigger 156 GTA's 250bhp V6? That would just be ridiculous... We are still barely able to believe it as we stare under the bonnet of this greatest - 147. The 3.2-litre 24-valver looks good even when it's not running, with its chrome pipes and red lettering. But the beauty isn't only skin deep - 300Nm of torque from 4,800rpm is a good start, and no other hot hatch at the time could claim such power. Start it up and the playful burble at tickover soon becomes a tuneful symphony. Alfa said the 147 GTA is the fastest car in its class, and with a potential 0-60mph time of 6.1 seconds and top speed of 150mph-plus, who are we to argue. To cope with the power, engineers have reworked the dynamics, with upgraded suspension all round. But even the lowered ride height gives none of the bone-jarring ride quality which af-flicts so many hot hatches. To Alfa buyers, the GTA's looks are just as important as the Adjustable Steering Column/Wheel, Air Bag Driver, Air Bag Passenger, Air Bag Side, Alarm, Alloy Wheels (17in), Anti-Lock Brakes, Body Coloured Bumpers, Central Door Locking, Centre Rear Seat Belt, Climate Control, Computer, Cruise Control, Electric Windows (Front), Front Fog Lights, Head Air Bags, Head Restraints, Immobiliser, In Car Entertainment (Radio/CD), Le Mans Two Tone (Blue/Black), Mirrors External, Power-Assisted Steering, Seat Height Adjustment, Seat Lumbar Support, Spare Wheel, Speakers, Steering Wheel Mounted Controls (Audio), Upholstery Cloth
This 2003 Alfa Romeo 147 3.2 GTA V6 24V 3d 247 BHP Hatchback is currently available for £14,995 in Ipswich Suffolk with Petrol engine and Manual gearbox. For more information or to arrange a viewing, click here to send us an email using form below.