The Alfa Romeo Brera is considered one of the sexiest products in the recent history of the Italian brand. The sports model was exclusively available in three-door coupe and two-door spider body styles, but an Alfa Romeo fan from South Africa decided to create a more practical five-door hatchback alternative, using the mechanically-related 159 as a base.
The production version of the Brera appeared in 2005, being toned down compared to the original Giugiaro-designed concept from 2002. This is largely due to the fact that it shared its underpinnings with the Alfa Romeo 159, alongside several exterior and interior components. This is what prompted Brendon M. Scholtz from South Africa to merge the two models into one, satisfying his inner car designer’s curiosity.
Everything started from a digital rendering and the observation that the lines of the two models are similar. Brendon sourced the rear end from a scraped and heavily damaged Brera as he didn’t want to sacrifice a running example. He then bought a perfectly good Alfa Romeo 159 that would serve as the main donor vehicle. Thankfully, this was the most potent version of the sedan, fitted with the 3.2-liter V6 powertrain that produces 256 hp (191 kW / 260 PS) and 322 Nm (237 lb-ft) of torque, and the Q4 all-wheel drive system.
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The rear ends of the Alfas were cut in the same spot in the middle of the rear fenders. The sexy tail of the Brera was then welded into the 159 body. The lines of the profile were relatively easy to sort out, but the lower height of the Brera required some metal work in order to be adjusted with the more upright roof of the 159. The Frankestein body was then repainted in a beautiful red shade combined with a black roof and the original multi-spoke alloy wheels from the 159.
The only five-door and five-seater Brera in existence would make a proper rival to rare midsize hatchbacks like the forgotten Opel Signum and the quirky Renault Vel Satis. Brendon recently purchased a standard Brera so he now owns a pretty unique combination, perfect for a family photoshoot.
The next steps for the build are to replace the broken rear windshield which is hard to find in South Africa, and add a few extra components including a roof spoiler, side skirts, and Brera’s signature door-mounted mirrors. Brendon also plans on lowering the suspension for a sportier stance and is looking for any sponsors that could help him finish up his unique build.
For more of Brendon’s crazy projects, you can follow his @carazy_guy profile on Instagram. The next one might be a coupe-style combination of the Alfa Romeo 145 hatchback and the 146 sedan.
