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Alfa Romeo Alfetta: Berlina, GT/GTV, GTV6 and what to check
Alfa Romeo Alfetta — the 1972–1987 sedan (Berlina) and Giugiaro-designed coupe (GT/GTV). We look at the body styles, engines, the V6 variant GTV6 and what to check when buying this classic car.
Alfetta in brief
The Alfetta debuted in 1972 as Alfa Romeo's mid-size sedan. It featured an unconventional layout: the engine up front, with the differential and gearbox at the rear (transaxle), a De Dion rear suspension, and rear-wheel drive. This gave the car excellent weight distribution.
The sedan (Berlina) was introduced first, followed by the Alfetta GT coupe in 1974, designed by Giugiaro. It was later renamed GTV. Today, the Alfetta is valued as a classic, with the coupe being the most sought-after.
Berlina vs GT/GTV — what's the difference
The Alfetta Berlina is a practical 4-door sedan. It's simpler, more affordable, and less collectible, but shares the same interesting technical layout. Production ended around 1984.
The GT/GTV coupe is a 2-door 2+2 model with distinctive Giugiaro styling. It was produced until 1987 and is far more popular with collectors. The top version is the GTV6 with a 2.5-litre V6 engine.
Engines and gearboxes
The Alfetta came with 4-cylinder petrol engines (initially 1.6-litre, later 1.8 and 2.0-litre), as well as a diesel version. The GTV6 has a 2.5-litre V6, producing around 160hp. Check specific figures in the car's documentation.
Gearbox — 5-speed manual, mounted on the rear axle. All cars have rear-wheel drive.
What to check when buying a used Alfetta
Main issue — rust: sills, arches, floors, door bottoms and the front of the body. Alfa Romeo cars from that era are quite susceptible to rust, so choose the best-preserved example you can find.
Check the engine (oil leaks, distribution mechanism, fuel system), gearbox and clutch, transaxle and rear suspension, and electrical equipment. Before buying, consult with an Alfa Romeo specialist.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most commonly found trims in Europe.
Alfetta Berlina
1972–1984 model yearsPractical 4-door saloon with 4-cylinder engines.
- 1.6–2.0-litre petrol engine
- Rear-wheel drive, transaxle
- 5-speed manual gearbox
Alfetta GT / GTV
1974–1987 model yearsGiugiaro-designed coupe with 4-cylinder engines.
- 2+2 coupe
- Rear-wheel drive, transaxle
- Often — 1.8 or 2.0-litre engine
Alfetta GTV6
1980–1987Top-tier version with 2.5-litre V6.
- 2.5-litre V6, around 160 hp
- Rear-wheel drive
- Distinctive V6 sound
Comparison of Alfetta trims
| Berlina | GT / GTV | GTV6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Those after a straightforward classic saloon | Most classic car enthusiasts | Collectors |
| Body style | Saloon | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine | 4-cylinder, 1.6–2.0-litre | 4-cylinder, often 1.8–2.0 L | 2.5 L V6 |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Budget-friendly | Mid-range | High-end |
For most buyers, a well-preserved GT / GTV will do nicely. The GTV6 is already a collector's choice, while the Berlina is simpler and more affordable.
Pros
- Interesting tech with transaxle layout
- Giugiaro-designed coupe styling
- Good weight distribution and handling
- The GTV6 with V6 engine is a collector's car
Cons
- Body rust and hard-to-find parts
- Maintenance can be pricier
- Limited supply in Lithuania
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Alfetta GT?
Alfetta GT coupé penned by Giugiaro.
What is the Alfetta GTV6?
This is the Alfetta GTV coupé with a 2.5-litre V6 engine, producing around 160 hp.
What does transaxle mean?
This layout has the differential and gearbox mounted on the rear axle, rather than the engine.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
