The car was an Alfa Romeo 156 GTA, but not just any 156 GTA. It was a former first-responder CEA safety car, used at the Imola and Monza circuits during Formula 1 events. Built for speed, presence, and immediate response, it had spent its life close to the action—patrolling some of Italy’s most famous racetracks and standing by during the drama and intensity of race weekends.

After years of service, the opportunity came to drive it to our showroom. Rather than transport it on a trailer, the decision was made to experience the car properly: from Italy, on the road, under its own power.

The journey was already special before the engine was started. Inside the Alfa, traces of its former life were still everywhere. The firefighter equipment remained in the car, along with the unmistakable atmosphere of a machine that had once been ready to respond at a moment’s notice. It was impossible not to imagine the scenes it had witnessed at Imola and Monza—the noise of Formula 1 engines, the crowds, the pressure of race day, and the instant reaction required whenever something happened on the track.

Driving it home was more than a road trip. It felt like escorting a small piece of motorsport history across Italy and beyond.

The car’s character made the journey even more entertaining. With its unmistakable Alfa Romeo styling, aggressive stance, and racing pedigree, it attracted attention wherever it went. The orange warning lights were still part of the car’s identity, and—during the trip—they occasionally made an appearance when traffic became particularly slow. Whether they were used out of necessity or simply because the moment was too tempting to resist, they added another memorable chapter to the adventure. Of course, the real pleasure came from enjoying the car’s performance responsibly and letting its history speak for itself.