210 bhp, 3.0-litre V-6 engine, electronic fuel injection, five-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with coil springs and anti-roll bar, live rear axle with Watt linkage, coil springs, and anti-roll bar, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,510 mm

• A dramatic visual statement by Alfa Romeo and Zagato teamwork

• Limited production; one of about 1,000 SZ/RZ built

• Three owners from new, with service records and more

Internally designated ES-30 for “Experimental Sports, 3.0-litre” but best known as Il Mostro (The Monster), the Alfa Romeo SZ (Sports Zagato) began as a Zagato concept in 1987, followed by the production variant that debuted at Geneva in 1989. With trim proportions, aggressively angular styling and a “triple-headlamp” grille, the SZ was based on the existing Alfa Romeo 75. Available in one “official” colour scheme comprising a red body, dark grey roof and tan upholstery, with one finished in black for Andrea Zagato, the SZ made a dramatic visual statement.

The SZ provided heady performance to match, including cornering abilities reaching 1.01 g on the skidpad. The lusty 210-bhp, 3.0-litre V-6 was equipped with electronic fuel injection and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, delivering acceleration from nought to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds en route to a 153-mph top end. The RZ (Roadster Zagato) followed in 1992, and both the SZ and RZ were produced to 1993, numbering approximately 1,000 in all.

This SZ from 1990 was first registered in 1996. Prior to acquisition by the current owner, it was under the care of a wealthy Middle Eastern owner and kept in Knightsbridge from 1998 to 2007, with maintenance by Ramponi Rockell. The service history dates back to new with only two previous owners, and the current owner has covered about 4,000 miles during his tenure. He commented recently that the SZ is in virtually perfect condition, having been restored to as-new with all mechanical work completed by WAD Wolverhampton. All bills, MoT certificates, original booklets and a certificate are available for viewing in the history file. With only 22,400 miles from new, this is an opportunity unlikely to be repeated.