Tuesday 29th September 2015

Alfa Romeo 164 V6: Spotted

Look what happens when 164s are saved from the Shed doldrums!

---

With the Giulia apparently not far off, interest and excitement is once more piqued in four-door Alfa saloons. Especially the red ones. No further excuse required to talk about the 164.

Definitely resprayed then

We would have done so sooner but they're just so damn rare. When was the last time you saw an Alfa 164? And no, Shed doesn't count. It's amazing to think they're now so scarce given Alfa sold 250,000 of them from 1989 to 1998. Rust shouldn't have been an issue either given they were galvanised and Alfa's durability testing involved the Paris-Dakar route. Have electrical gremlins claimed the best of them? Howmanyleft has just 133 cars registered in the UK...

But let's not bemoan the lack of 164s and instead celebrate this very nice example. Yes, for the true link to the Giulia it would be a 159 or a 156 but why feature one of those when we could wax lyrical about a 164?

Initially the advert for this 164 V6 is a little disappointing, seeming a little short on detail. But everything you would want to know is there, including a recent cambelt change, few owners and a long MOT. It's even been resprayed. The images are comprehensive and then in the corner of the screen you'll see a link to this PHer's profile and, well, who wouldn't have a look?

Probably the best angle

There you will see a man who owns four other Alfa Romeos, including a pair of 6s and a Giulietta. He is most probably what you would describe as a staunch enthusiast of the brand and just the kind of PHer you would want to buy an Alfa from. As the most recent Shed 164 story concluded: 'Alfa sickness is one of the best diseases you can get.' This PHer is also a top lurker, having posted only four times since 2008. Mr Chris Cousins, we need to hear more about your 164!

That aside for a second, why else would you want a 164? The looks must be a part of it. Yes, it's not a classical beauty in the Alfa tradition but it's distinctive and well-proportioned, plus it looks a hell of a lot better than the Fiat Croma which was also built on the Tipo 4 platform. Its style also influenced the mid-90s GTV and Spider (see that rear light strip) and who's going to argue against those being pretty cars?

That durability testing mentioned earlier was implemented because Alfa needed something tough to take on the established, reliable Germans. Now, 25 years later, the 5 Series is still a tempting alternative. This 535i is a manual Sport with a comprehensive history, seemingly excellent condition and - of course - rear-wheel drive too. Oh yeah, and the stripes vacuumed in the carpet. Nice.

Mmm

But it's also a third more expensive despite similar mileages over 100,000. And while we won't go down the passion and character and Italian argument, there is something cooler about owning an Alfa than a BMW. See the excitement around the Giulia for proof of that.

Finally, if you want a slice of more affordable 90s Alfa, this 155 is temptingly close to Shed's threshold. Again owned by an Alfa aficionado - it's being sold due to the arrival of a 156 GTA - the 155 is red and, like its big brother, square but stylish too. We're spoilt for choice!

---

ALFA ROMEO 164 3.0 V6 LUSSO
Engine: 2,959cc, V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 210@6,300rpm
Torque (lb ft): 199@5,000rpm
MPG: 20.9
CO2: 277g/km
First registered: 1991
Recorded mileage: 125,000
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £4,495

Check the advert here.

[Specs: Carfolio]

[Behemoth]

The proper alternative to the very wonderful 164 is it's younger brother the 166.

[Behemoth]

Ozzie Osmond said:

Despite having a wonderful engine the V6 is IMO a less rounded package than the 2-litre twinspark version.

The twinspark is underpowered for the chassis. I've had a 164 and have a 166. Both Busso 3 litre. It's what the car needs and is a heavenly combination.