Alfa Romeo RL
The post-war masterpiece that birthed the legendary Quadrifoglio.
- Power
- 71 bhp
- Top speed
- 81 mph
- Est. value
- $350k–$650k
About the Alfa Romeo RL
Designed by Giuseppe Merosi, the Alfa Romeo RL was the brand's first entirely new post-WWI design and the model that established its sporting reputation. The 3.0-litre 'Sport' variant featured a shortened wheelbase and a twin-carburettor overhead-valve straight-six, delivering a significant performance boost over the standard Normale. It is most famous for Ugo Sivocci's 1923 Targa Florio victory, where he first painted a green four-leaf clover on his car for luck—a symbol that remains Alfa Romeo's performance hallmark today. Collectors prize the RL for its robust engineering and its role as the direct ancestor to the legendary 6C and 8C series.
Alfa Romeo RL specs
The Alfa Romeo RL produces 71 bhp (53 kW). It has a top speed of 81 mph (130 km/h).
| Make | Alfa Romeo |
|---|---|
| Model | RL |
| Trim | 3.0 |
| Years | 1922–1927 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | Italy |
| Production | About 2,640 built |
| Engine | 3.0-litre inline-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,994 cc (3.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 71 bhp (53 kW) at 3,600 rpm |
| Top speed | 81 mph (130 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,600 kg (3,527 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 44 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an Alfa Romeo RL worth?
A typical Alfa Romeo RL is estimated to be worth $350,000 – $650,000 (about £261,000 – £485,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Alfa Romeo RL rarity in CarSpot
The Alfa Romeo RL is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Alfa Romeo RL fun facts
- The RL was the first car to wear the 'Quadrifoglio' (four-leaf clover) symbol, originally added by Ugo Sivocci to break a streak of second-place finishes.
- A young Enzo Ferrari was one of the works drivers for the Alfa Romeo RL racing team during the early 1920s.
- The RL Sport's engine featured a distinctive V-shaped radiator, a design element that became a signature for early sporting Alfas.