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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Alfa Romeo RZ

1992Coachwork by Zagato

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1992
Body style
Roadster
Engine
V6
Type
Limited
Production
278

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato, introduced in 1991, was a rare and striking roadster variant of the Alfa Romeo SZ (Sprint Zagato) coupe. Both models were based on the platform of the Alfa Romeo 75, specifically utilizing its 3.0-liter V6 engine. Initially launched in 1989, the SZ was Alfa Romeo’s flagship 2-door GT, designed by Zagato. While it was not an immediate success, it gained a following for its remarkable handling, neutral driving dynamics, spacious cockpit, and well-appointed interior. The RZ, short for “Roadster Zagato,” was even rarer than its coupe counterpart, with only 278 units produced. Production of the RZ began in 1992, during a time when the market for limited-series sports cars was in decline. As a result, despite its unique design and exclusive nature, the RZ struggled commercially. Additionally, by the early ’90s, the 3.0-liter V6 engine, which had once been considered powerful, was seen as underwhelming for a high-performance sports car. Despite these challenges, the Alfa Romeo RZ retained the qualities that made the SZ appealing—its sharp handling and neutral behavior, thanks to its well-engineered chassis and suspension system. The car featured a luxurious interior and a distinctive, angular design typical of Zagato’s bold styling language. Each of the 278 cars was uniquely numbered, with a special plaque placed on the central tunnel near the gear lever, adding to its exclusivity. Although the Alfa Romeo RZ did not achieve commercial success, it remains a sought-after collector’s item today. Its rarity, along with the distinctive Zagato styling and Alfa Romeo heritage, makes it a fascinating piece of automotive history from a transitional period for sports car manufacturing.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
278
Production type
Limited

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
V6

Dimensions & accommodation

Length
4,059 mm
Width
1,730 mm
Height
1,311 mm

Design & manufacture

Manufacturer · Documented
Alfa Romeo
Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Zagato
Designer · Candidate
Robert Opron

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
Zagato archive — Alfa Romeo R.Z. Stradale/Corsa www.zagato.it Coachbuilder first party archive

THE CONVERSATION

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