This Insanely Rare Alfa Romeo SZ is Utterly Bonkers, and Brilliant

The name Zagato may be most associated with Aston Martins, but 30 years ago they collaborated with Alfa Romeo to produce one of the most striking and divisive cars in the brand's history. With only around 1,000 made, the SZ is a rare sight indeed - but today I get to drive one and see what it's all about.
#AlfaRomeo #SZ #V6
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[@rizzrazz]

THAT EXHAUST NOISE AT THE START !!!! ❤ OH MY

[@logicn.reasoning9744]

So the engine's power is "fruity" and the exhaust sounds "delicious", this car is downright SWEET!

[@lukebyrne7440]

You missed tasty engineering

[@CYB3R2K]

Either that or gay.

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

Ugly? Yer generic car styled on a bar of soap is ugly for me. This is spectacular.

[@robertrishel3685]

Bravo 👏 sir! Bravo!

[@markwalton8644]

The Lancia Intergrale was never pretty but boy it looks fantastic, same for the alfa, its like naughty but nice

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

@@markwalton8644 Indeed … Brutishly Effective … Quattro Sport also a favourite of mine.

[@markwalton8644]

Subaru p1, 22b, wrc Metro 6r4 BMW M3 Wide arches, big chins and big bulging wings. Just can't beat motorsport brutal looks!!

[@cytrynowy_melon6604]

Everything depends on the taste. I like Alfas and Italian design, but this one looks to me like too much edgy and pretensional details shouting I AM SPORTY, styled on what reminds me of typical early 90s cardboard box. With no class that Ferrari, Astons, Porsche or Alfa Giulia present. You probably fall into nostalgia, because cars like this were a symbols of good handling and power in the 90s. It looks like it was designed by teenage boy.

[@ilmostro749]

I had just passed my test when the SZ came out, and I said to myself one day I'll have one of those! Fortunately 9 years later the dream came true. I still have the car today, plus a loft full of spare parts. I do wish I could have gotten a set of shocks though, as to be honest you really need the lift system to make the car useable in some situations.

[@ilmostro749]

www.flickr.com/photos/14271971@N02/15680268314/in/album-72157649637830612/ - Picture of my car on a stop off during an 150 mile B-Road trip. SZ's are quite tricky in the wet, the back will break loose quite easily, especially if the loaded tyre hits a manhole cover or other less grippy surface. Good fun though, if you have a private car park on a rainy day! Car is on its lifted ride height, which you can activate on the fly and use at all speeds.

[@buzzedo1]

@@ilmostro749 care to part with any spares? I bought one recently and am on the hunt for a few things

[@ilmostro749]

buzzedo1 congrats! I don’t have anything that could sell, at least for now. You probably know already, but Ed van der Beek home.kpn.nl/evdbeek/monster.html is a good person to help with SZ knowledge and parts.

[@studiocalder818]

Me, too 😊

[@hamad7033]

I always thought it’s ugly, but I love its ugliness. There’s something odd about this car makes appreciate it. I accidentally found your channel, and it has some amazing content. Keep the good work going.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Welcome to the channel, hope you enjoy looking through the back catalogue

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

It goes full circle. It's so ugly it becomes beautiful ☺

[@eziux]

Maybe not the best looking to some, but definitely looks mean.

[@e36328isport]

I couldn’t agree more, it’s ugly yet..... The RS200 and 6R4 are similarly attractive. The SZ sounds glorious 👌🏻

[@julianevans9548]

So ugly it's beautiful. And the sound...

[@leem322]

Loved the styling on the SZ looks a mad as it did 30 years ago. Heard the the HP was a little more than the 210hp, as around 4 of them were dynoed and lowest still came in at 230hp highest at 245hp all stock.

[@lacossanostra]

correct !

[@paultyler7535]

Yes! Yes! & Yes! This car is almost mythical, you never see them and has always intrigued me. Loved the review

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks Paul, I get very lucky with my reviews sometimes

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

Another car whose styling has grown on me as the rest of the world introduced the spaceship-crashed-into-an-angry-marshmallow-look.

[@althejazzman]

Talking about modern SUV's ?

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

@@althejazzman I loathe those. But even normal cars have the look of vengeance on them.

[@althejazzman]

@@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X I totally agree. All modern cars look the same and all fill me with boredom.

[@oldcrook510]

@@althejazzman It's only going to get worse. Everyone's starting to drive around the exact same cell phones on wheels with fake manufactured sounds to replaced engine noise.

[@jackconvex9524]

I always loved the looks of these I can see how people disagree though

[@Madness1299]

Yeah it feels like many are so accustomed to typical European coupe styles like Ferrari 250GT, DB9, etc. (which are nice of course) being the definition of 'beauty', that even if you make a car thats actually breathtaking, if its unique design "oh it's not beautiful, because it doesn't have beautiful curves and sleek lines like a woman".

[@RapideWombaticus]

Agreed

[@diesalweasel]

I love cars what are unusual looking . It different and it unique and rare . I used to own a seat Toledo mk 1 that was a rare car too

[@riocc]

it's design is like a 2055 cyberpunk retro-modern object and ever since I first saw this car in 1994 I was in love with it! I need it, just for the looks alone

[@swansong007]

It’s a beautiful car. Full of personality that stands out from the crowd. Love the rear end. The wheels. The interior is fantastic. And the front is totally unique.

[@front1001]

A neighbour of mine had one of these and daily drove it all the way through the nineties, I was a kid back then and always loved the damned thing. 30 years later and he still owns and takes really good care of it. And keep up the good work, nice channel u got here, subbed it.

[@studiocalder818]

Please ask him if his SZ is already registered in the International SZ Register of Eduard vad be Beek, which for 20 years has been trying to register all the SZs existing in the world. home.wxs.nl/~evdbeek/monster.html If it isn't, please suggest him to visit the interesting site and register it. Grreeeat unique car!

[@Rutlefan]

I've seen a couple of these in person and I have to say that they look better -- much better really -- in person than in pictures. First thing that sticks out is that it is smaller than it appears in pictures, and the "brutalist" styling works well on the small package. The second is that in person, the SZ is so striking, more than I would have ever expected! The first one I saw was at an Italian auto show full of Ferraris from all eras and the SZ got more attention than any of them. My retirement gift will be one of these if not a 105 Giulia (2 or 4 door).

[@studiocalder818]

Bravo, how to disagree?

[@paulm114]

Mega rare car with a price tag to match. Never seen one in the flesh and a great collectors piece for those able to afford.

[@harveymorgan1749]

What does it trade for?

[@paulm114]

There are 3 on PistonHeads right now ranging from 40 to 70,000 pounds.

[@chappy2121]

Stunning cars these, they're aged so well

[@ShortCycle.]

V6 intro sounded magnificent! Had one of these as a model and was always amazed at how such a bonkers looking thing was made. I love the menacing from end and the front 3/4 view but I find the rear challenging! Great review of a rare car that I bet many never knew existed.

[@tiedupsmurf]

Alfa were the first to use colour inside with red carpets and trims and speckles with patterns, then they started with quirky headlights and tail lights, now every car makers is doing it Alfa came up with many styles which are now used by everyone

[@studiocalder818]

That's right. For example the truncated tail or the wedge line

[@jamiemorris5177]

One of my all time favourite cars

[@Insectoid_]

Good taste

[@NorHeadHunter]

One of the best looking cars ever made.

[@TheVeljam]

This to me is an iconic car. When you let the stylists just do their thing and the beancounters don't get in the way. If only we had some more of that today (except you, Civic Type R - I said 'stylists', not children with crayons).

[@js00065]

I agree. I'm not a fan of the looks (except maybe the grille/headlights) but I'm glad they got to make it

[@studiocalder818]

I don't know if you know the history of the model development. Alfa Romeo put two teams in competition to define the design. The team of Robert Opron (Citroen SM) and Roberto Castellana won

[@jvvoid]

@@studiocalder818 Delibery isn't a word.

[@R-Tap]

I always loved the brutalist styling of "ILL Mostro" The beautiful monster.

[@nessuno5403]

Il mostro (the monster)

[@boots_n_coots]

Proper, proper sports/GT car. So full of CHARACTER. I’d love to have a go in one of these. But I can’t recall ever having seen one here, in California. Ever. Thanks for bringing this one to your channel, James; that was fun.

[@1970boggy]

Fantastic! Car I’ve always loved the look of James Great review buddy👍 Sounds absolutely awesome 😎

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Cheers

[@Lucan-ve6zc]

Fell in love with the SZ in the nineties. Nothing changes much. Utterly gorgeous.

[@Cunn21]

I've watched this video many times now, love it every single time and here is a fun fact for you.. The weight of the SZ was an accident, where the body was actually made they used different measurements.. so when someone at Alfa told them a set thickness they did it too thick.. so the same car made from sheet steal would be lighter.. only Alfa Romeo can make that sort of balls up.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I am not sure about the looks, but this is an absolutely amazing car! Always wanted to see a review of these, thank you for this video, James, you did a superb job.

[@VernonKingsville]

Beautiful from the first time I saw it in late 80’s (I believe) and still fantastic looking today. A true classic.

[@themanipulator1]

I'm so so so jealous, absolutely stunning

[@MrRoyck10]

I have watched all your videos, excellent content but I had to bow down to the superiority of your channel for merely featuring this nostalgic beauty. I smashed that sub bottom with so much enthusiasm... Thanks to the Zagoto!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stronti7135]

Love the looks. Used to admire one back in the day at an Alfa dealership in Romford.

[@geofffisher3902]

The same for me ,kinghams dealership, croydon

[@jamescraig4479]

Lovely scenery and driving shots Jay! Love the review and your passion for cars!

[@Tmorgan2976]

As an american, i can say for all of us. The first time seeing this car i didnt think it was actually real.

[@details78]

I guess I can see how this would have been seen as cutting edge for 1990. (another American)

[@DoctorDARKSIDE]

Man, you're gonna get "the views" with a machine like that! 👍

[@rosstee]

Love the look of these. Knew they were rare but didn’t realise so few were ever made. Saw one in Worcester only a month ago and took a photo as I’d never seen one in person before.

[@JamesDuft]

I owned one for 26 yrs drove it on many race tracks including Monza having owned many Alfas this model was something else I am lucky that I can work on them and did many improvements to it and experience that was magic

[@kevincross9206]

Just wow! There have been so many good looking Alfas over the years, but I’d argue this is the most striking. Wasn’t called the Monster for no reason!!

[@studiocalder818]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@uffukgan2720]

This vlog is a WOW, thank you to the owner and the Great content maker 👍

[@nu_foz]

Another "out-done yourself" video! As always, thanks James.

[@robertrishel3685]

Alfa’s just always sound so good, invariably! It’s not pretty, but it’s the kind of car that would grow on you. I’d love to have one.

[@livingthroughtv]

Had wanted to see one of these in the flesh since being a kid. Finally did earlier this year. Couldn't quite believe how amusingly shoddy the bodywork was. Still, incredible looking. Pure presence.

[@Althemusicman1]

I think it's absolutely beautiful but beauty is in the eye of the beholder! I had an 89 alfa 75 in gleaming red many years ago and this reminds me a little of it, miss you F549FGN!! 😪 Of course this is much more special...👍

[@studiocalder818]

I can understand you , sir, I had a 75 1.8 ie first, then a 2.0 TS, then a 3.0 QV, and any time I looked at them they were calling me to have a ride together. That model always seemed ready to shoot, even when it was in the garage. And its perfect but comfortable roadholding was incredible. I miss them. Well, then I decided to change my last 3.0 as I felt it was the moment to have a SZ, that I still have

[@Althemusicman1]

@@studiocalder818 My 75 was the 2.0 Twin spark, I absolutely adored it. (always wanted the 3.0v6) I had to let it go because kids came along and I needed something bigger and cheaper to run. You are right about the handling on these cars, I believe it was due to the rear mounted gearbox giving it balanced weight distribution. You are a lucky man owning a SZ...👍

[@studiocalder818]

@@Althemusicman1 An outstanding car. Who didn't drive it once at least can't understand it.. Yes, perfectly balanced, comfortable suspensions but the same well planted car, always vertical wheels, not suspended masses reduced. A sort of Ducati on 4 wheels. You can understand what I mean by enjoying the oo7-on-GTV scene in Octopussy, same mechanics on another unique car. Greetings

[@studiocalder818]

@@Althemusicman1 Where are you from?

[@Althemusicman1]

@@studiocalder818 yes it was comfortable but also had great handling, a different era... I don't ride motorcycles so cannot comment on how Ducati bikes ride, my brother rides bikes and ironically never understood my love for the 75! We were much younger then though...😂 I'm from the UK. Regards.

[@RevMonkey]

The year was 2000. I was at Zagato in Portman Square, the old Lamborghini showroom. In there was a red SZ and a yellow RZ AND a yellow integrale. I was there for the integrale but my head did turn at the two Alfas. All three were about £18k. I bought the integrale - Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evolution 2 in Giallo in MINT new condition with only several K on the clock. WHAT A CAR!!!! had it for 2 years. Wish I;d kept it now!! :) Now looking at one of these!

[@simondean8710]

Brutal styling, love it! My dream car is a yellow RZ!

[@sydbarrett7579]

Sounds sooo good! Looks extraordinary 👌

[@BATF4P]

Great cars recently , top stuff keep it up !

[@benzinapaul7416]

Great video. One of my all time favourite cars. Remember when they were around £15k..hindsight is a wonderful thing....

[@moose8337]

It is by far my favorite Alfa after some of the classics. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it.

[@tjpj1919]

That steering wheel is beautiful

[@sportzntouring]

Always dreamed of having one of these! Great review!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thankyou!

[@contentcuttercom]

gorgeous little car & so powerful, I simply love it!

[@martinlagrange8821]

I fell in love with it in 1990 - all my concept drawing Alfa Romeo's since have got SZ grilles. Its actually amazing looking - dramatically uncompromising in all things.

[@gillesdarcy3695]

Superb car. 30 years old and still scaring non-car people and even a few lost petrol-heads. Got to love it!

[@VoloKinProject]

I really love the looks. My jaw dropped when I saw a yellow one parked up at Gatwick multistorey.

[@markirvine2968]

Great to see some of my favourite spirited driving roads around the campsies! Superb sounding car

[@markgurney4659]

Always loved these, a very cool car indeed.

[@nishchaiydakhane9846]

What a classic. I do like the looks, concept👍🏻

[@henryviii6341]

different strokes different folks. Love the looks of this Alpha. Absolutely love it.Kicking myself. Was for sale for yrs in the showroom in South Croydon. Always looked through the window like AutoPorn in the 90s. Even thought about it for £22k. but LHD put me off at the time.

[@user-bu5fg6rz9x]

Is amazing how beautiful a car could be with this shape and edges....

[@tobiasburen8340]

Great car! I love this form for being radical straight. Never see one live. Thanks for that! 👍❤️

[@ConquerDriving]

I can't decide if I like the looks.. But the sound! Wow.

[@poovaneswaransupramaniam19]

Nice review jay

[@sammygirlie345]

Great car and review loved these and the tresser audis

[@catchlite5196]

It looks and sounds superb. Amazing car.

[@global_nomad.]

been dreaming about one of these for a long time....find it intriguing..love it, want it.

[@Nihil1st1347]

From when I saw it 1st time beck then I found it a radical courageous beauty. Which is why I watch your video.

[@dernawey]

Certainly the SZ was one of my favorite motors. I find it well designed and she has unique design lines. She stands out from the crowds.

[@paulgeraghty6041]

Its most stunning design so 90's, awesome sound. i went to a local petrol station many many years ago and one was there filling up my jaw was on the floor and the sound brilliant, showing my age but it was probably fairly new when i saw it. It was built when form was more than function.

[@lr3.3]

It looks and sounds freeken awesome. I think it looks contemporary. Gorgeous car !

[@Kodreanu23]

Fantastic! Thanks :)

[@marcnobel3938]

One of my dream cars as a Teenager. Nobody was knowing what it was when you talked with others. Explained the Specs roughly 100 times back then. Let`s say I was very enthusiastic ...

[@zippy963]

Love the car and the way it looks. So much character. 🚗

[@ArtHotelRiposo]

OK now stoP! seriously .....all the cars I want..... you are killing meee

[@jamie49868]

Love. I am a fan of cars you never see, and I have never seen or heard of one before.

[@jarrydevans5324]

Always loved the look of these.

[@Bugumir]

Good review. Amazing car. Styling wise I find it brutishly handsome. Fitting nickname the Italians had for it.

[@ps36081]

Beautiful!! No unnecessary pops and bangs from the exhaust Just a sweet revvy Italian engine!!

[@GTFour]

Looks SO good pressing on!

[@ItsDanLatham]

Quite the soundtrack on this one, I agree re the styling but, its certainly distinctive which is what you want from a car like this!

[@cloidh]

Alfa Romeos design is extraordinary for this period. A few other cars such as the Sierra rs500 we're experimenting with bi plane high mounted wings, which gives a very futuristic look especially for the time. Wonderful car.

[@gflo2781]

Love it, though i really do appreciate weirder looking older cars, so a bit biased when it comes to the exterior appearance! That exhaust note, though a little 'ricey' complements it very well. Very interesting car, good choice!

[@thehumanoid6543]

man that v6 sounds better than most v12's in existence

[@GedWalt76]

I've always loved the look of this car

[@Dan_7200]

Passed one today so I had to rewatch this one

[@zakelwe]

Fabulous car, what character that design has without being pretty. The engine noise is great also. That colour of interior is proper Italian too. These cars are far more interesting to watch than all those new hypercars that keep being shown on countless youtube channels where if you do not have the newest one out, then it is yesterdays news.

[@studiocalder818]

Totally agree... The new hypercars seems to me complex toys designed for adult children. And they are big, big, unnecessarily big. Why?

[@rosstee]

@@studiocalder818 Yep, they're all about the gadgets and big numbers. I expect many of those 'adult children' think those things are what you need in a car, and have never driven a light, responsive car on a good road. To be fair, there aren't many light, fun new cars available these days.

[@studiocalder818]

@@rosstee that's true. And what about the tons of absurd heavy-light (sometime sport!) trucks so called suvs: unbeatable to carry just a person, take the child to school and break some pavement...

[@Tom_Hadler]

studio calderini They need to tax cars on weight and width

[@MrPagnu]

Busso’s engine and Alfa 75 IMSA drivetrain, fine tuned by Mr Pianta, a Lancia Rally team ex pilot and manager. More importantly, it featured a Thermoplastic body, fully assembled at Zagato. Alfa was a successful racing team during the 80s and 90s, this car wasn’t intended to compete with Aston or whatever sport cars manufacturer, this car was intended to show the world Fiat Group car body technology and manufacturing capabilities.

[@woodrowclose]

saw one of these in Tokyo in 2010 in a garage. Always loved this car.

[@Fee.1]

I swear you’re the only “one-take” style video creator that doesn’t make me vomit, much less that I properly love

[@UpTheAnte1987]

When I was about 12 or 13, sometime in the early-mid 90s, we went on a family holiday to the west coast of Scotland. I'd bought a car magazine to read on the trip. I can't remember if it was Car or Autocar but it had a bit on the Alfa SZ. I remember thinking how cool it would be to see one in real life. Later that day we were stopped at a beach car park when an SZ drove passed on the main road. As clear as day it was an SZ. I couldn't believe it. It wasn't a dream. It was weird. I've never seen another one since.

[@justine1816]

That exhaust sounds amazing.

[@RunDub]

What a glorious sound!

[@WarriorRazor]

Beautiful car in my book, it just looks cool!!

[@matirs342]

What a great car. It may not be the best at anything, but I just think it has tons of personality...plus, it's a Zagato! Also, 90's and 00's Alfas get absolutely disqualfied just because they're FWD. Honestly, drive a GTV 916, 145 Cloverleaf, 147 GTA. They aren't bad at all for the period and are even on par or better than their competition at the time.

[@stewarthughes551]

I have been in one of these absolutely sensational car!!!! Love it!!!

[@tazlanomada6663]

its been a brutally gorgeous beast from the first moment i laid eyes on it

[@tipring6956]

The final evolution of Alfa's transaxle cars from the 70's and 80's. Many of the upgraded suspension and brake improvements on the SZ made their way in to the aftermarket for the rest of us to improve our Alfettas, GTV6's and Milanos/75's...

[@jamestorres5582]

That is Sick .. I love it

[@C64SX]

I fell in love with the design the very moment I saw it in the car magazines, although I can't remember what auto show they did the premiere at. Still love the design today. No compromises. An the Busso V6 sings like no other road car engine does. There's almost a musical note to it at certain revs, something you otherwise mostly find in a properly set up V12. Only wish I could afford one :)

[@Countrysideboy247]

It looks really exotic ! I wish the era comes back when most performance oriented cars seemed exotic ,even if they weren't !

[@rev8427]

Love it! Beautiful! I’m sure I read back in the 90’s that it was styled on a Hyena’s head.

[@future62]

This thing looks and sounds amazing. Oddly the rear end reminds me of a C6 Corvette

[@thekurgan3688]

Stunning.