Alfa Romeo SZ ES-30

For a long time I have thought this car to be very cool. Now I'm thinking about getting one. Are there any owners here that can share their experience?

 

Soon, they'll be legal to import into the US, expect prices to rise once they do.

 

FastFreddie - I'm not an owner, but a long time enthusiast of the SZ. They should be no less reliable than the Alfa 75/Milano, from which the engine & drivetrain were lifted with some modifications. I would ask the question on AlfaBB.com.

I hated the way they looked new, but they've quickly grown on me and now I'd love to get one.

They were legal to import into the US this year… were first sold in 1988 as 1989 models and they seem to run about $45-55,000 US.

You Can Finally Get This Awesome Alfa Romeo Into the U.S. | WIRED


Cheers,
- Art

 

Not sure what makes you think they are, or will be, legal to import into the US. Certainly not into CA. Perhaps some other states, although not sure...

 

Mine's been very reliable. Never need more than fluids and belts.

Excuse the phone picture quality.
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I looked ata few in Europe. Build quality vaired. Cars sememed to cost about $65-75K so figure not less than 80K landed in the Us.

Loved the shapoe, and it is short geared so much quicker than you think when running through the gears. But it just was not fun to dirve, in particualr the power steering may have been great in the late 80's but it laks precsion in terms of what we expect today.

 

Yes, build quality is not the best. Can't agree on the not fun to drive part, but each to their own.

 

It just lacked a precision and buttoned down feeling, a bit soft at the edges, maybe too modern took away from the fun factor. I always read they were "the" handling car, so maybe was expecting miata or gt3 type steering.

But then I should not criticise driving a boxer which is not the last word in handling virtue.

Great car though, undoubted future classic.

And it felt fast. really fast. Gearing was for a fast responsive road car, so few have that these days.

 

This answer is US-centric, so doesn't help the OP.. but….

If you are not sure, what makes you think they are not?

For any car older than 25 years of age, compliance with US federal vehicular regulations is not required.

That's all. Every year new cars are eligible. Every year a new set of cars can start getting imported. It's been going on for a decade or more. No mystery.

I can't speak for CA. I hear your state makes classic car owners suffer from an added regimen of regulations. I've heard some CA owners find it easier to import into a "friendly state" to title, register and pass inspections. Then bring into CA and transfer title.

I looked a Alfa SZ prices and they're already on the upswing. Now there are a few at 45000EUR and go up 70,000EUR. Depending on condition, mileage, etc.

Best,
- Art

 

Same long wheelbase chassis as the 3.0 75 with some mods. You should see more Lancia's (Delta's)showing up in the USA soon also.

 

That does not make it legal. You cannot register an SZ legally in CA. There may be other states that are similar, and it shows that your quoted 25-year rule isn't as simple as you make it out to be.

To OP, I have owned a number of 3.0 V6 Milano/75 and 164S, the latter having a similar Motronic as the SZ. They are generally reliable and easy to work on. I have always wanted an SZ, but unfortunately it is impossible where I live. If I could legally register an SZ, I would not hesitate to buy one.

 

Having 13 Alfa Romeo's I'm sure you have a good network for parts. The SZ/RZ is just newer with a smaller production figure, so prices will be higher, parts a little scarcer and waiting times a little longer.. ..but that's familiar to anyone owning an exotic.

1.) A Google search for "Alfa SZ Parts" came up with at least 3 solid suppliers of SZ/RZ lights, front grilles, air dams, rims, etc. they are in the UK, Italy, Germany and The Netherlands.

2.) Check your magazines. The magazine "Auto Italia" from the UK lists some Alfa Specialists who advertise services for the SZ/RZ. Even though it isn't a pleasant thought, I assume some wrecks or derelict shells must exist for used parts.

Prices have been going up... no reason to wait to purchase one.

Best wishes and God Jul!
- Art

 

Yes, it's prudent to check with US Customs or a local State DMV office. For instance, the NY DMV website says "The DMV can require your vehicle to comply with the minimum NYS safety and emissions standards even if your vehicle meets or is exempt from federal safety and emissions standards."

CA retained it's State Right to supersede US Federal Vehicle Regs, which is why I can't speak for CA.

The overarching basis for the "25 year old" exemption is the last sentence of this US regulation, which sustains a healthy business of importing classic cars into the US.

From the NHTSA:
"Under 49 U.S.C. § 30112(a), a person may not permanently import into the United States a motor vehicle manufactured after the date that an applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) takes effect unless the vehicle complies with the standard and is so certified by its original manufacturer. This prohibition applies to both new and used motor vehicles, but does not apply to motor vehicles that are at least 25 years old (based on the month and year of manufacture)."

Federal Vehicle Emissions Regulations follow the same "25 years of age" exemption.
Federal DOT and EPA also have 25 and 21 year-of-age exemptions, respectively.

An online search for "Importing Classic or Antique Car to US" yields a lot of resources for US importation of cars older than 25 years.

Cheers,
- Art

 

I've always wanted one.

I doubt I'll ever get one, though. It's amazing how far technology has moved in 25 years.

I'll probably keep driving my Porsche 993 C4S instead. Parts and community support are so much better.

But I love the SZ.

Matt

 

I found this discussion about SZ values and condition from an Alfa forum.

It's a couple of years old, but the comments about difficult parts supply and maintenance costs are useful to read.

SZ on sale at just over £20k - Alfa Romeo Forum

I just passed on a Lancia to import and am tempted to fill that void with an RZ.. time to shop around.

Best,
- Art

 

Drove around in a SZ in Cali about 15 years ago. I've been in Cali registered R32 gtr's recently that were registered too. Hell the steering isn't even on the correct sides for our roads and they had plates.

Might not be easy but it has been done. Someone get the SZ on the dot exempt list please?

 

You won't need the SZ on the DOT exempt list once they are all 25 years old. I think that point has been made here a few times already.

 

I missed an SZ by a day in November

 

Thanks for confirming. It's still not easy to wrap one's head around it all….
- Art

 

fyi, the upcoming Feb issue of Thoroughbred & Classic Cars magazine will have a feature on the SZ.

 

Trim parts are the worst. Many are near impossible to find and when you do, they cost an arm and a leg.

 

Finally after some difficult negotiations with non English speaking italians, the car is now mine! It is a one owner 6000km example which is supposed to be like new. If that is truly the case I will know in a few weeks time when the car arrives. I Believe this is a good buy for the future. Give me one reason why these cars should not be quite expensive in the next 5-10 years. Great name, Alfa Zagato. Very limited production numbers, 998 cars excluding prototypes. Outrageous design! Can't wait to get it!

 

Congratulations Freddie. They are great cars.

Production figures were a little over the planned 1000 cars, around 1036 I believe.

I'm sure you know of Ed's site
Alfa Romeo SZ ( ES-30 )

Post pics when it arrives.

 

Hi Simon!
From different sources I have fount that your figure is correct. But also mine as they state that 38 pre-production and prototypes were made. So if that is correct there should be 998 production cars.
I see that you have a 328 GTB as well. I had one that I sold 1,5 years ago. Beautiful car. Are there any similarities between the two? I would guess not.