If you have an appetite for an historic or modern Alfa Romeo, here is some more food for thought.
 
The best examples from all the classic eras are on the up, as even the more recent cars – which admittedly have suffered from more than their fair share of troubles – have undergone something of a renaissance. Meanwhile, the rusty chaff is disappearing off the road, leaving only the best examples for the discerning buyer.

Despite this, you will be surprised at just how much Italian style you can get for your money – as our guide to four Alfas to buy from between £5000 and £50,000 explains...

£50,000
Giulia Sprint GTA
The GTA might well look like the more humble Sprint, but thanks to aluminium panels it’s lighter and more nimble – and eminently suitable for racing. It’s been rising in value, yet buying one for this money is simple enough and maintaining it is easy as nearly all parts are available new.



£5000
’Sud Sprint Veloce
Got an eye for style and no kids to ferry around? This sharp-suited Sprint will suit better than the standard ’Sud saloon. The Veloce retains the earlier coupé’s slim bumpers instead of the later cars’ ugly plastic cladding, but benefits from the improved build quality that came with the post-’80 Series 3s.

Its 1.5-litre flat-four engine offers twin Dell’Ortos and 105bhp, and low-profile rubber ensures determined cornering. £5000 will buy you a honey.

£10,000
Spider Duetto
Okay, so it has become synonymous with The Graduate, but the Alfa Spider in Duetto form is an achingly cool roadster that’s as good to drive as it is to look at. The boat-tail styling and faired-in lights give a clean look that the replacement lacked.

It remained in production for only a couple of years, with 6325 built. This means that in all likelihood your £10,000 example bought now will be worth considerably more in years to come.

£20,000
Montreal
Despite not being as good to drive as it is to look at, the Montreal remains seriously desirable. Along with the Citröen SM and Jensen Interceptor, it sums up all that was good – and bad – about 1970s GT cars. Fewer than 4000 were built over its seven-year run, so getting hold of one takes determination.

Your £20,000 car will be a minter, but if you are feeling brave – and are best friends with a suitable specialist – half of that will get you a more challenged version.