If there is a car today that embodies the essence of what an Alfa Romeo is or should be, it’s this: the Alfaholics GTA-R 290.

It’s the ultimate version of the classic Alfa Romeo 105 series, paying tribute to the Giulia Sprint GTA but the GTA-R 290 is lighter, more capable and packs a stronger punch too.

The body features a bootlid, bonnet and doors made out of carbon fiber for maximum lightness, while there’s a ton of parts replaced with other machined from billet aluminum. Even the front wishbones are made out of titanium.

Under the bonnet lies a 2.3-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated screamer with 240hp that has to move a car that weighs just 830kg. Power to weight ratio is -you guessed it- 290hp per tonne.

No wonder why Chris Harris fell so much in love with it; the Alfaholics GTA-R 290 is a jewel brimming with character and attitude and that’s why it’s worth every penny of the $250k price tag.

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