In current ownership for 31 years Alfa introduced the first 116 GTV in 1973, a year after the boxy Alfetta saloon it used as a base.

With a shortened wheelbase and styling by Ital

Design, it instantly gave Alfa a credible coupé for the 1970s to take on the likes of the Ford Capri.

It started life with a 1.8-litre engine, followed by 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinders that offered the usual Italian zing and excellent handling.

But the best was still to come, at the start of the 80s the GTV’s performance was beginning to look a little limp next to competition like the Porsche 924, or the brawny 2.8-litre Capri.

Alfa solved this when it dropped the 2.5-litre Busso V6 engine from the 6 saloon in its handsome coupé to create the GTV6.

The fantastic alloy V6 delivered 160bhp at 5600rpm, enough for 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds, as well as a rear‑mounted transaxle that materially improved front‑to‑rear weight distribution.

The result was a compact coupé with taut, communicative handling, preci...