The Alfa Romeo GTV6 racer stands as one of the most distinctive and beloved touring
cars of the 1980s. Engineered on Alfa Romeo’s advanced Type 116 platform, the GTV6 combined a
rear-mounted transaxle with a De Dion rear axle — a layout that gave the car a balance and stability
unmatched by most of its rivals. In an era dominated by brute-force sedans and high-horsepower
machines, the Alfa Romeo GTV6 distinguished itself through finesse, agility and a level of mechanical
purity that continues to define its legend.
At the centre of the Alfa Romeo GTV6 lies one of the most admired engines in automotive
history: the 2.5-litre Busso V6. Designed by Giuseppe Busso, this all-aluminium V6 is renowned for
its free-revving nature, crisp throttle response and unmistakable metallic howl. In race trim, the
engine breathes through upgraded inlets or mechanical injection systems, allowing it to produce
between 200 and 260 horsepower depending on the series and level of preparation.
Teams such as Autodelta pushed the V6 far beyond its road-going specification, yet the engine
remained astonishingly durable. Its sound became a staple of European circuits — sharp, metallic
and unmistakably Alfa Romeo.
While the engine gave the Alfa Romeo GTV6 its voice, the chassis gave it its soul. The
transaxle layout — gearbox and clutch located at the rear — achieved near-perfect weight
distribution. This allowed the GTV6 to brake later than many of its competitors, rotate cleanly
into corners and carry remarkable mid-corner speed.
Unlike many heavier touring cars of its day, the Alfa Romeo GTV6 encouraged precise, committed
driving. The steering offered unfiltered feedback, the gearbox rewarded rhythm, and the chassis
came alive at the limit. Drivers frequently described the car as honest — a machine that never hid
its intentions and rewarded those who understood its balance.
The racing achievements of the Alfa Romeo GTV6 are significant. It became a formidable
competitor in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC), securing victories against more powerful
rivals through technical superiority and chassis finesse. The GTV6 also claimed national success,
including a British Touring Car Championship title, cementing its status as a true underdog hero.
Drivers loved the car for its transparency and consistency. Whether navigating fast European
circuits or tight city layouts, the Alfa Romeo GTV6 delivered a driving experience that was both
demanding and deeply rewarding. Its ability to maintain high corner speeds and remain predictable
in changing conditions made it a favourite among privateers and factory-backed teams alike.
Beyond its racing pedigree, the Alfa Romeo GTV6 also holds an important place in Alfa Romeo’s
history. Introduced as a development of the Alfetta GT, it represented a fusion of design,
engineering and motorsport ambition at a time when Alfa Romeo sought to reaffirm its identity on
the world stage. The GTV6 became a symbol of Italian ingenuity — blending performance, style and
technical innovation in a way few contemporaries could match.
Today, the Alfa Romeo GTV6 is celebrated both as a competitive classic racer and as a design icon.
Its Busso V6 remains one of the most admired powerplants ever built, and its unique transaxle layout
continues to fascinate engineers and enthusiasts. More than four decades after its debut, the GTV6
stands as proof that balance, character and intelligent engineering can triumph over brute force.
