BMW is the household name in sports sedans in North America, and deservedly so. But, Alfa certainly produced some equally-appealing, if less beloved models in the category. While Europe saw even more models, North America was fortunate enough to receive the Giulietta, Giulia, Berlina, Milano, and 164 sedans, with the modern Giulia arriving for the 2017 model year.
Folks are usually surprised when I share that Alfa sports sedans benefit from being largely derived from their sports car counterparts and not vice versa. The Berlina is no exception to this, sharing its powertrain, brakes, and suspension with 115 series Alfa sports cars. The additional mass of a sedan body style might no be so welcome, but the proven hardware is up for the task.
Year: 1969
Model: Alfa Romeo Berlina
Engine: 1750cc 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 94,419 mi
Price: auction
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1969 Alfa Romeo Berlina
Offered for sale is a 1969 Alfa Romeo Berlina 1750, that is powered by the improved 2000cc inline-four engine.
Recent mechanical and cosmetic improvements were made to make this Berlina a reliable and comfortable daily driver. Mechanical improvements include new brakes, tune up, and installation of the Shankle Sure Start replacing the thermostatic actuator to assist in cold starts. With the exception of the clock, all gauges, lights, heater and radio (new speakers) operate. Mechanical improvements to the car were performed by an experienced Alfa mechanic, resulting in the car running strong with solid handling and quick acceleration.
The car has also had an interior refresh, including new carpet and reupholstered front seats complementing the classic Nardi steering wheel and wood dash. There is one crack in the dash top and the console wood is showing wear (see pictures) - otherwise the interior is in excellent condition.
Rust repairs were made to the rocker panels and the car has been resprayed in Amarante/Maroon, which was a color change at some earlier point in the life of the car with the original color appearing to be Verde Olivia/Olive Green.
This Berlina is a perfect candidate for a complete restoration or with attention to a few more areas such as improving the suspension and addressing minimal rust spots, specifically in the tire well, this Berlina could become an even stronger daily driver.
With Spiders and GTVs dominating the Alfa classic market, the Berlina is a rare fine and this one is a solid performer and great fun to drive.
We've seen this particular Berlina before, and we've even considered buying it. When it was shared on Bring A Trailer in November 2016, the photos were not very promising. The underside showed a discouraging amount of rust. The car certainly didn't look beyond repair, and at the $5,900 asking price, didn't show too much optimism on the seller's part.
Now with bidding over $12,000 at the time of posting, we are curious to see the rust repairs to the sills claimed by the new seller. If completed correctly and thoroughly, the car stands to be a great purchase. The 115 series sedans don't share the plucky proportions or driving experience of the 105 series Giulia sedans. But, all accounts point to these being comfortable and rewarding sports sedans in their own regard. If the rust repairs check out, this could be an enjoyable Berlina to sink your teeth into.
-Graham