Penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone, the 105’s clean and distinctive design made it one of the most attractive small coupes of the 1960s and 70s and the earlier ‘Stepnose’ cars were the first of that body shape and seen as the most desirable. In recent years the trend largely initiated by Alfaholics has been to modify 105 series Alfa Romeo’s. This ‘Stepnose’ is an example of one of these types of ‘Restomod’ cars and heavily influenced by the Allfaholics cars. The quality of our car is truly exceptional in every respect. After 9 years of ownership the owner embarked on a meticulous build to take the car to one of the best we’ve ever seen. The level of quality in all areas of this car is without fault and a credit to the team involved. The car was completed in 2020 and has done only around 3000 kms since. Owing to a change in personal circumstances he now needs to let the car go to the next custodian. This presents a great opportunity for the next owner to purchase the car at a fraction of the cost of the initial investment. Invoices which accompany the car total in excess of $130,000 which excludes the purchase price of the car itself. The engine was replaced by a rebuilt 2-litre twin spark with fuel injection managed by the Omex ITB ECU system. The induction noise from this set-up is simply wonderous and as expected it just pulls and pulls and pulls. The body shell was stripped, and any compromised metal was replaced. The colour whilst not original Alfa Romeo is Pino Verde Metallic – it looks simply stunning and is inspired by the Ferrari colour used in period. It compliments the interior tan colour so well. The quality of the paint and its application is flawless and the best we’ve seen. As part of the panel work done to the shell, strengthening sections were applied to increase rigidity which translates to improved performance and road holding. As expected, numerous Alfaholics parts have been used throughout the car. Turn the key and the engine fires up with a familiar Alfa Romeo growl. Out on the open road this car is just superb and is without doubt one of the most memorable test drives we’ve had the pleasure of conducting. The brakes and handling are pin sharp and the induction noise from the throttle bodies is intoxicating. Above 4000 rpm the power really starts to take hold, and the car really gets moving. The feedback is superb and the whole sensory experience is as good as it gets. Braking is helped with the fitment of Brembo’s from a later Alfa Romeo 75 and a limited slip diff and hydraulic clutch is also fitted too. Having said this the way this car has been set-up is incredibly impressive. It is not harsh or uncomfortable in any way. The ride is compliant, and it is perfectly comfortable to drive around at normal speeds. If, however, you then choose to become a bit more ‘enthusiastic’ then its character reflects this and delivers in spades. The owner specified this requirement in the build, and it has been delivered perfectly. Of note is the fitment of an electric air conditioning unit which increases the level of comfort and the cars practical use. This type of unit removes the need for under bonnet ancillary items keeping the engine bay open. The installation is excellent, and its efficiency in operation puts many modern cars to shame. It is neatly fitted to the dash area and is very simple to use too. The gearbox has been inspected and is easy to use and everything performs as expected. Elsewhere inside, the cabin feels light and airy and a nice place to be. The dashboard was refurbished with a carbon fibre face and then a satin clearcoat applied. It is a lovely detail point and pleasing to the eye. Everything works as it should with every guage completely restored. The seats use the correct Alfa Romeo materials, and the interior is a real feature of this car. A new and correct type of headlining has been fitted and the driver is greeted by a beautiful Nardi steering wheel. USB connections are available and integrated microphone too. The boot has a replacement carpet, and the rear wheel well deleted to allow for the installation of the aircon unit. The wheels are GTA style replica’s and shod in Bridgestone tyres. The engine bay is a work of art and pin sharp and presents beautifully. The battery has been moved to the boot and is in a discreet area hidden from view. As you would expect the underside of the car presents is as clean and fresh as it is on top. Overall, this represents a spectacular performance enhanced ‘Stepnose’ with a huge amount of work done and significant investment made. The work was done by experts with these 105 Alfa Romeo’s and it shows. This would be a perfect buy for someone considering restoring an ‘Alfaholics’ like car but wishing to avoid the wait or costs! A wonderfully attractive Alfa Romeo and so much fun too.