Alfa Romeo ES30 SZ / RZ – The Radical Side of Passion
With the Alfa Romeo SZ and its open-top sibling RZ, Alfa Romeo created two of the most unconventional sports cars in its history during the early 1990s – angular, uncompromising, and full of character. Internally developed as the ES30 (Experimental Sportscar 3.0), these were joint creations by Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Zagato – designed by computer, built in limited numbers, and celebrated by individualists.
The SZ (Sprint Zagato) was launched in 1989 – a coupé from another universe. Wedge-shaped, brutally sculpted, with vertically stacked polycarbonate headlights and flared fenders. Its body consisted of plastic panels on a steel chassis derived from the Alfa 75. There was no colour choice: Rosso Alfa with a grey roof – that was it.
Under the hood: the legendary 3.0-litre “Busso” V6 with 210 hp. Paired with transaxle layout, De Dion rear suspension, and Koni dampers with adjustable ride height, the SZ was a no-compromise driver’s machine – loud, direct, and precise. It was made for curves, not for promenades. Only 1,036 units were built.
In 1992 came the RZ (Roadster Zagato) – open, even more expressive, but with the same technical core. A roll bar, stepped tail, and extravagant design made it an exotic even among exotics. It came in red, yellow, and black, each with a beige interior. Only 278 examples were produced.
The SZ and RZ are not “beautiful” in the classic sense – but they embody something deeper: courage, individuality, and technical substance. Today, they are coveted collector’s items – unconventional, rare, and with a true Alfa heart.
Those who drive an SZ or RZ don’t follow – they lead. With conviction. With style. With purpose.