RZ/SZ

Alfa Romeo SZ and RZ Spare Parts (ES 30 Project)

The Alfa Romeo SZ Sprint Zagato and its open sister Alfa Romeo RZ Roadster Zagato rank among the most unusual and exclusive models in the entire history of the brand. Developed under the internal project name ES 30 for Experimental Sportscar 3.0 Litre, both cars were intended to demonstrate the technical strength and exclusive identity of Alfa Romeo after the takeover by Fiat in 1986. Due to the polarising appearance the car quickly earned the nickname Il Mostro, the monster. A total of 1,036 SZ coupés and around 278 RZ roadsters were built at Carrozzeria Zagato in Terrazzano di Rho near Milan. Our range covers original spare parts and carefully selected reproductions for both models.

The History of the ES 30 Project

The project was initiated by Vittorio Ghidella, at the time president of Fiat. Three design teams worked in parallel on the body. The Alfa Romeo design department under Walter de Silva, the Fiat Centro Stile under project leader Robert Opron, formerly designer of the Citroën SM and CX, and the Carrozzeria Zagato itself. Antonio Castellana finally drew up the final details and the interior. After just 19 months of development the SZ made its world debut in March 1989 at the Geneva Motor Show. The open RZ version followed in autumn 1992 at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile.

Body and Technology

The body of SZ and RZ is made of Modar, a glass fibre reinforced methacrylate resin composite. Distinctive features are the three rectangular headlights per side, the pronounced wedge shape and the high waistline. Beneath the skin lies the technology of the Alfa Romeo 75 with its classic transaxle drivetrain. Engine at the front, five speed gearbox and differential at the rear axle, plus De Dion rear axle with inboard brake discs. The powerplant is the Busso V6 with 2959 cc displacement taken from the Alfa Romeo 75 America, uprated from 188 hp to 210 hp at 154 kW thanks to sharper camshafts and reprogrammed Bosch Motronic management. Both cars therefore reached 245 km/h top speed and sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h in around 7 seconds.

Alfa Romeo SZ Sprint Zagato (1989 to 1991)

The closed coupé was finished exclusively in Alfa Rosso. With a kerb weight of around 1,260 kilograms and the precise tuning of the chassis, the SZ was considered one of the most engaging sports cars of its time. Between 1989 and 1993 Alfa Romeo sold exactly 1,036 SZ examples.

Alfa Romeo RZ Roadster Zagato (1992 to 1994)

The open RZ was based on the SZ but received significant body reinforcements, a considerably flatter and longer windscreen and a kerb weight 120 kilograms higher. Available colours were red, yellow, black and in only three examples silver metallic. After 241 units sold Alfa Romeo officially ended sales. A further 37 roadsters were subsequently built by Zagato on its own. To this day the exact total production figure is disputed and is usually given as 278 to 287.

Our Spare Parts Range

For SZ and RZ our range covers Alfa Romeo ES 30 spare parts in the following categories. Since the drivetrain is largely identical to that of the Alfa Romeo 75, many drivetrain and suspension components are taken directly from the 75 V6:

• Body specific parts in Modar for SZ and RZ including front and rear sections, sills, bonnets and trim panels
• V6 engine parts for the 2959 cc Busso V6, from gasket sets through fuel injection components and Bosch Motronic management to camshafts and ancillaries
• Transaxle parts, propshaft, five speed gearbox, clutch and rear axle differential, largely shared with the Alfa 75
• Complete brake system with inboard rear brake discs, brake pads and master and wheel cylinders
• Suspension with shock absorbers, springs, De Dion axle components, Uniball bearings, tie rods and stabilisers
• Interior including leather upholstery, carpets, door panels and SZ specific dashboard accessories
• Seals and rubber profiles for windows, doors and bodywork, on the RZ also soft top seals
• Electrical parts including starters, alternators, ignition and lighting components
• Exhaust systems from manifold to rear silencer

Your Specialist for Alfa Romeo SZ and RZ Parts

Alfa-Service Hurtienne has been specialising in classic Alfa Romeo models for decades. Original spare parts and carefully selected reproductions for the ES 30 project are shipped worldwide from Bönen in Germany. Given the limited production runs of around 1,036 SZ and approximately 278 RZ, expert spare parts supply is essential to preserve the value and the roadworthiness of these extraordinary collectibles.