An Italian two-door built on a carbon fiber chassis in low numbers is usually the stuff of far-fetched dreams, but it doesn’t have to be. A 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C coupe has appeared for sale on Bring a Trailer, and with only one day left on the auction, it’s currently bidding at less than Toyota will charge you for a new Camry. What’s more, this example only has 10,810 miles on the odometer, so the common issues like suspension noise and premature wishbone wear are not yet a problem. As if those aren’t compelling enough reasons to splurge on this miniature masterpiece of packaging and engineering, it’s got plenty of desirable options, and with a production run of fewer than 9,200 models between 2013 and 2020, it’s even rarer than a Ferrari 458 Italia, of which approximately 15,000 examples were made from 2009 to 2015.
Carbon Fiber… Carbon Fiber Everywhere
This example was specified with the Coupe Convenience and Carbon Fiber Interior Trim packages, adding more of the lightweight material to the already featherweight (sub-2,500-pound) sports car. More carbon appears on the wing mirrors and rear spoiler, and it’s also got the Coupe Track Package 1 upgrade, along with an Akrapovič exhaust system with blue-tinged center-exit exhaust tips, also sheathed in carbon fiber. This lets the 237-horsepower 1.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine breathe better on its way to 6,500 rpm as it puts 258 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle, while four-piston Brembo (front) brake calipers finished in yellow bite down on cross-drilled and ventilated rotors, standing out behind the 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels shod in Pirelli P Zero rubber. Unfortunately, one of the common issues for this car is present; the easily chipped paint has some chips on the front end.
The Interior Is The Best And Worst Thing About The 4C
Inside, the carbon fiber monocoque is always reminding you that you’re sitting in something special, with the exposed finish shown in the center tunnel, floor, and door sills, but getting over those door sills and finding a comfortable driving position is a challenge, particularly for taller individuals. Still, bad ergonomics only lend more credibility to the idea that this is a baby supercar. That said, it’s not all discomfort in here, with the 4C boasting cruise control, keyless entry, an Alpine sound system, and, amazingly for a car as focused on lightweight at this, power windows. As for maintenance history, the listing only states that a battery replacement was performed last month, which either indicates that the car has been well looked after or is a sign that the aforementioned common problems may be about to rear their head. At least the Carfax report shows no accident history, and the black leather and microfiber upholstery with red contrast stitching looks immaculate. At the time of writing, the highest bid is $26,500, and regardless of the cramped interior and lackluster engine, the way the Alfa 4C looks and handles justifies that price alone. Or you could go the dull route and get a Camry with reliability, nondescript looks, and plenty of room. The choice is yours.
