Affordable Italian Exotica

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The Italian beauty that could’ve been so much more but still delivers a knockout blow in the looks department. The Alfa Romeo Brera may have been watered down from its original concept but it still retains it’s drop-dead gorgeousness. And instead of being a very limited slice of exotica afforded only by the most wealthy (which is what it could’ve been) it’s accessible and affordable to many.

 The Brera concept was unveiled at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show where it was a smash hit winning the “best in show” award. It was designed by one of the all-time great designers, Giorgetto Giugiario and in concept form it was rear-wheel drive and powered by a 400hp Maserati V8. Sadly, and possibly quite sensibly, the concept was put into production but based on the front wheel drive 159 platform with less than fire-breathing power-plants.

But while the Brera missed out on becoming an exclusive supercar it did retain much of the concept car’s good looks and in 2006 was named ‘most beautiful car of the year’ at the International Automobile Festival. 15 years on from its commercial release it still looks quite special and you have to think time will continue to be kind on it’s bold styling. A true classic in waiting.

 This 2008 example has the 4 cylinder 2.2 engine that produces 182hp driven through a 6 speed manual transmission. It has travelled just 102,000kms and was sold new in NZ. Whilst it doesn’t have the power it’s sporting looks suggest, it’s the looks that make the Brera such an interesting car. And it’s the looks that make the Brera such a tempting car to buy, especially given its auction estimate of $7000-$9000.

 Exclusive Italian exotica doesn’t come any more affordable than the Brera and you really don’t have to be all that brave to buy one. So rather than stumping up the cash for an instantly forgettable A to B car that you’ll lose in the car park every time you go shopping, buy one of the best looking cars of the 21^st century.

More details here