Before the Z4 I had a whole string of Alfa’s over a period of 7 years. I was particularly taken by the 159…

First was a 1.9 diesel as I did around 1200km per week. Comfortable cruiser which never let me down, contrary to the reputation many Alfa’s still endure…

Second was another 159, this time with the 1750 Turbo engine. Quick, comfortable, and not quite right for me somehow. So on to something different…

The MiTo QV 101 edition. Specifically, number 100/101 made. 1050kg, carbon sabelt bucket seats, tuned to 205bhp, active dampers; now this was special. Very quick, extremely agile and a hoot around the brandnew Zandvoort circuit 8)
Still, after a year I came to the conclusion I was in need of more space and comfort, so I started looking for one last hurrah of the 159, an ultimate version…
Rosso competizione. An option at the time selected by very few owners. It involved removing the partially built car from the line at Alfa Romeo, shipping it to Maserati for paintwork, and then moving it back to Alfa. It comprises of a metallic silver covered by a blend of clearcoat and metallic red paint. The depth of colour is insane and, as a detailer, one of my all time favourites.
The interior matched the exterior: leather-alcantara sports seats, carbon trim, Bose soundsystem. It really was a fantastic cruiser. So why get rid? Well, it did like its premium unleaded in large quantities. Shortly after getting it, my GF found a new job that involved a weekly total 800km commute. So she got a 118D, and I got carte blanche to get something a little different. And the rest, as they say, is history!