The Alfa Romeo 4C: A True Supercar Experience at the Price of Mediocrity—Why Settling for a Camry Is an Insult to Performance and Passion.
The Alfa Romeo 4C, a stunning embodiment of Italian engineering, is often viewed as a dream car for enthusiasts. Built on a carbon fiber chassis, this compact supercar is not only visually captivating but also offers a driving experience that can rival some of the most renowned sports cars available today. Its exclusivity, with less than 9,200 units manufactured between 2013 and 2020, lends it a sense of rarity and desirability that is hard to find in the automotive world, especially at its current auction price, which is below that of a new Toyota Camry.
The 2017 model currently up for sale on Bring a Trailer has attracted attention for several reasons, starting with its mileage. With just 10,810 miles on the odometer, this vehicle is still in its prime. For many potential buyers, the common issues associated with the 4C, such as suspension noise and premature wishbone wear, have not yet manifested. This factor alone makes it an appealing choice for those considering a purchase, as it suggests that the vehicle has been well-maintained and is less likely to require immediate repairs.
The Alfa Romeo 4C is a masterclass in lightweight construction. Weighing in at just under 2,500 pounds, its design philosophy revolves around the principle that less is more. The car features an impressive array of carbon fiber components, including the Coupe Convenience and Carbon Fiber Interior Trim packages. These upgrades not only enhance the car’s aesthetics but also contribute to its overall performance by allowing it to achieve optimal weight distribution and handling characteristics. The addition of an Akrapovič exhaust system with blue-tinted tips further highlights the vehicle’s emphasis on performance, allowing its 237-horsepower, 1.7-liter turbocharged engine to breathe freely and deliver exhilarating acceleration.
The performance metrics of the 4C are noteworthy. It produces 258 lb-ft of torque, propelling the vehicle through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle to a thrilling top speed. The braking system, equipped with four-piston Brembo calipers, ensures that stopping power is as formidable as the car’s speed, providing drivers with the confidence to push the limits. However, the vehicle is not without its flaws; the paint is known to chip easily, and many potential buyers have reported issues with the front end, underscoring the need for careful upkeep.
Inside the Alfa Romeo 4C, the design continues to evoke feelings of excitement and intensity. The carbon fiber monocoque serves as a constant reminder of the car’s performance pedigree. The minimalist interior design, while aesthetically pleasing and focused on lightweight construction, presents challenges, particularly for taller drivers. Ergonomic design takes a backseat to form, which only solidifies the 4C’s identity as a “baby supercar.” Despite its shortcomings in comfort, the car is equipped with essentials such as cruise control, keyless entry, and an Alpine sound system, which add a touch of modern convenience to the raw driving experience.
The maintenance history of the auctioned vehicle includes a recent battery replacement, suggesting that the previous owner was attentive to its upkeep. The absence of accident history, as confirmed by the Carfax report, further enhances the appeal of this particular model. The interior, featuring black leather and microfiber upholstery with red stitching, appears immaculate and adds to the overall allure of the car.
As the auction nears its conclusion, the current highest bid stands at $26,500, a price point that may seem surprisingly low for a car of such caliber and performance. For many enthusiasts, the allure of owning an Alfa Romeo 4C is undeniable. The car’s unique combination of style, rarity, and thrilling dynamics makes a compelling case against more conventional options, such as a Toyota Camry. While the Camry boasts reliability and practicality, it lacks the character and excitement that the 4C brings to the table.
In a world where consumer choices often lean towards practicality, the Alfa Romeo 4C stands as a reminder of the joys of passionate driving. For those who value the emotional connection that comes with a high-performance vehicle, the decision is clear: the 4C offers a unique experience that transcends mere transportation. The chance to own a piece of automotive art, engineered to deliver an exhilarating ride, is an opportunity that should not be overlooked, especially when the price is so enticingly low.
In the automotive landscape, the debate between the practical and the passionate will continue to rage on. However, for those who dare to dream and pursue the thrill of driving, the Alfa Romeo 4C emerges as a beacon of what a true driver’s car should be. The choice remains in the hands of the buyer—will you settle for the mundane, or will you embrace the extraordinary?
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.
