A piece of Italian motoring history arrives in Milan

Not every classic car tells a story. Some preserve an authentic chapter of international motorsport, shaped by great drivers, legendary engineers and sporting ambition.

Such is the case of the extraordinary Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV 2.5 V6, which will be on display from 19 to 22 November 2026 at the OldCar24 stand at Milano Autoclassica, one of the leading events for fans and collectors of historic cars.

According to the documentation accompanying the car, it is one of four examples prepared by Autodelta as part of the programme for the 1983 Safari Rally, when Alfa Romeo decided to take on one of the toughest events on the world rallying calendar.

A car bearing names that have become legends: Carlo Chiti, Autodelta and Sandro Munari.

1983: Alfa Romeo and Autodelta’s African dream

In the early 1980s, Alfa Romeo entrusted engineer Carlo Chiti and his Autodelta team with an ambitious challenge: to develop a version of the Alfetta GTV capable of tackling the extreme conditions of the Safari Rally in Kenya.

The project called for the preparation of four examples, designed to withstand rough tracks, dust, high temperatures and exceptional mechanical stress.

The historical documentation provided with the car states that one of the vehicles was entrusted to Sandro Munari, the legendary Italian champion nicknamed The Dragon, who played a leading role in some of the most important chapters in rallying history.

The cars were specially prepared for competition. According to the surviving account, although the stated displacement was 2,500 cc, the racing configuration used V6 engines of around 3,000 cc.

The African adventure, however, did not have the hoped-for outcome. A fault with the distributor condenser is said to have compromised Munari’s car, preventing it from finishing the rally.

An apparently minor incident, yet emblematic of an era when even the most ambitious projects could be halted by a small mechanical component.

From Autodelta to the Vallelunga Federal Rally School

The story of the car coming to Milan continued long after its African adventure.

According to the account provided by the previous owner, the car was later purchased directly from Autodelta for use at the CSAI Federal Rally School at Vallelunga, where it was used to train student drivers.

A historically significant chapter: from a car developed for one of the world’s toughest competitions to a teaching tool for training new generations of rally drivers.

The account also states that the car had around 260 hp, a considerable figure for the time, and was used as part of the school’s activities.

When the fleet was subsequently renewed, the Alfetta was sold to an enthusiast, beginning a new chapter in its life.

A second life in competition

The story takes on further significance through its subsequent owner, Irene Tavernese Chiappa, a driver with competitive experience who, according to the documentation presented, won the 1985 Italian Rally Championship in the 1600 cc Touring class.

In 2000, the car returned to competition, this time in hill climbs.

To prepare for this discipline, the Alfetta underwent mechanical work, including an engine overhaul and transmission modifications intended to improve its acceleration.

According to the previous owner’s account, the car reached speeds of around 175 km/h over relatively short distances, once again demonstrating the potential of its technical design.

An unusually varied career: born in the world of major international competitions, then used at a federal driving school, before returning to the spotlight in hill-climb races.

The value of a story worth preserving

In the world of car collecting, rarity is measured by more than the number of examples produced.

What matters most is the story.

And this Alfetta GTV V6 has a particularly fascinating one.

Its stated connection with Autodelta, the 1983 Safari Rally programme, the name of Sandro Munari, its use at the Federal Rally School and its subsequent racing career all make it especially interesting to researchers and Alfa Romeo enthusiasts.

The historical documents and available accounts provide an important starting point for reconstructing the car’s story and distinguishing its individual history from that of the other examples built for the African project.

The chance to see a car with such a past in person is a special opportunity for anyone who loves competition Alfa Romeos.

OldCar24 brings an extraordinary feature car to Milano Autoclassica

The presence of this Alfetta GTV V6 at the OldCar24 stand reflects the international platform’s commitment to showcasing not only collector cars, but also the stories that make each example unique.

Milano Autoclassica will be an opportunity to get close to a car that bears witness to an unrepeatable period in Italian motoring, when engineering, driver courage and the passion of racing teams gave rise to achievements that would live on in memory.

Because some cars were made to travel the roads. Others, like this Alfa Romeo, were made to become part of history.

Milano Autoclassica 2026

19–22 November 2026 · Fiera Milano Rho · Hall 12 · OldCar24 stand

OldCar24 — Where Classic Cars Become Legends.