Alfa Romeo ES 30 Classic Cars for Sale

History of the Alfa Romeo ES 30

The Alfa Romeo ES 30 project began in the mid-1980s, during Fiat’s ownership of Alfa Romeo. The goal was to create an exclusive, high-performance two-seater, leveraging Alfa’s technological strengths. Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Carrozzeria Zagato, and notable designers like Robert Opron, Antonio Castellana, and Walter de’Silva contributed to the distinctive design, resulting in the instantly recognisable wedge shape and triple headlights. Presented at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show, the SZ coupé’s production began shortly after, followed by the RZ roadster in autumn 1992. Zagato handled final assembly in Terrazzano di Rho, near Milan. Production remained extremely limited, reflecting the ES 30's status as a special, hand-built machine in automotive history.

Model Development

The ES 30 series includes the coupé Alfa Romeo SZ (Sprint Zagato) and its rarer open-top counterpart, the Alfa Romeo RZ (Roadster Zagato). Both are based on the shortened and technically advanced platform of the Alfa Romeo 75 3.0, drawing on the motorsport experience of the 75 IMSA Group A cars, especially in chassis dynamics and suspension design. Production numbers are low: around 1,000–1,063 SZ coupés were made between 1989 and 1991, and just 278 RZ roadsters from 1992 to 1993. The ES 30 was not directly replaced, but advanced the tradition of rear-wheel-drive Alfa sports cars which was only revived in the 2000s with models like the 8C Competizione.

Highlights and Market Data of the Alfa Romeo ES 30

Distinctive for its radical and polarising design, nicknamed 'il mostro', the ES 30 utilises a thermoplastic, glass-fibre reinforced exterior attached to a steel skeleton, ensuring lightweight rigidity. Only offered in the classic 'Rosso Alfa' paint with dark grey roofs for SZ models, interiors featured high-quality leather in black or beige. Its signature technical features include the hydraulically height-adjustable Koni suspension for everyday usability, De-Dion rear axle, and a pure rear-wheel-drive layout with transaxle for a front-rear weight distribution of 54:46. Instrumentation by Veglia Borletti, sports seats, and all-round ventilated disc brakes complete the package.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The SZ coupé was produced in a single specification, all finished in red ('Rosso Alfa') except for one black example made for Andrea Zagato. The RZ roadster was even rarer, with 278 units offering an open-top experience. Buyers could specify leather upholstery in black or beige, and some cars came with original fitted luggage as a rare accessory. Each car was painstakingly hand-assembled at Zagato, contributing to its uniqueness and collectability.

Engine, Transmission, and Driving Experience

The ES 30’s 'Busso' V6 engine delivers acclaimed mid-range torque, a unique intake sound, and ample power for spirited driving. Paired with a rear-mounted gearbox and limited-slip differential for optimal weight distribution, the handling is precise and balanced. The advanced Koni dampers, adjustable for ride height, offer adaptability for both everyday use and more dynamic settings—a feature developed using Alfa's IMSA racing knowledge. Chassis response is direct, and all models use powerful, ventilated discs front and rear for consistent braking. - Alfa Romeo SZ (Coupé): 2,959 cm³, V6, 210 PS, Rosso Alfa paint, hydraulic adjustable suspension.

• Alfa Romeo RZ (Roadster): Same mechanicals as SZ with bespoke open-top body, produced in smaller quantities.

Design, Interior and Features

Styled initially by Robert Opron with additional input by Walter de’Silva, Alberto Bertelli, and Antonio Castellana, the ES 30’s exterior surface is uncompromising in its wedge shape and triple 'three-eyed' headlights. The body, built from Modar-reinforced thermoplastic panels, gives the car its unconventional form and nickname 'il mostro'. All SZ models came in distinct red paintwork with a contrasting dark grey roof for the coupé, while RZ versions had a folding fabric roof. The cockpit features a driver-focused, pared-back dashboard with white-faced Veglia Borletti instruments and leather-trimmed sports seats—usually in black or beige. Optional original accessories such as SZ-branded luggage and bespoke service manuals could accompany some cars.

Other Features

Some ES 30 vehicles were delivered with unique extras, including a dedicated service booklet and, in rare cases, an original fitted luggage set. The car’s aerodynamics, featuring a ground-effect floor, reflect racecar thinking applied for road use.

Summary

The Alfa Romeo ES 30—whether as the SZ coupé or the rarer RZ roadster—remains one of the most unconventional, technically interesting, and sharply-defined classic cars of its era. Combining motorsport-derived hardware, a powerful V6 engine, Zagato hand-crafted quality, and a design that continues to polarise opinions, this model represents one of Alfa Romeo’s boldest statements from the late 20th century.