When we last spotted an Alfa 75 in the PH classifieds, just over four years ago, the first comment read thusly: "If I had garage space I'd buy that right now, chronically undervalued cars, great to drive and a sure-fire future classic."
That car, with 149,000 miles on the odometer and an extensive restoration under its belt, was priced at £4,250. Something of a snip compared to the £12,995 being asked for this 122,000-mile example. Seems The Crack Fox has a nose for a bargain...
Of all the cars to see their prices multiply in recent years, however, it was a fairly safe bet that the 3.0-litre V6 powered 75 would find itself among them. After all, it was the last 'true' rear-wheel drive Alfa before Fiat took over and, well, the less said about that the better.
With a five-speed transaxle gearbox and inboard mounted rear brakes, 50/50 weight distribution was the name of the game. Pair that with a standard fit limited-slip diff and that wonderful engine, and it isn't hard to see how the 75 soon gained a reputation as a fantastic driver's car, despite its ungainly proportions.
So, aside from a great time, what do you get for your £13k? Well, a full MOT is always a good start, as is a recent service with new rear discs, pads and refurbished calipers - a blessing given their hard to access location. A new cambelt is nice to see, too. Koni dampers, Eibach springs, a CSC back box, and refurbished OZ Racing wheels with fresh rubber complete the list of details in what could kindly be described as a very brief ad - a stark contrast to the 881-word essay which accompanied 2014's car.
That article finished with word that a rumoured resurgence of rear-wheel driven Alfa saloons was on the horizon, speculation which heralded the arrival of the deeply impressive Giulia Quadrifoglio. As for where the brand, and its back catalogue, will be in another four years, who knows? How much further can the 75 climb? Will we ever see a Quadrifoglio coupe? And will the Stelvio bring in enough cash for a 4C successor? Now, as then, we live in hope.
SPECIFICATION - ALFA ROMEO 75 3.0 V6
Engine: 2,959cc V6
Power (hp): 190@5,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 185@4,500rpm
MPG: 30.7 (official quoted mpg)
CO2: N/A
Year registered: 1990
Recorded mileage: 122,000
Price new: £15,750 (1989)
Yours for: £12,995
See the original advert here.
1 / 3