This one-owner 164 exemplifies the erstwhile strength of the Alfa Romeo brand. How else do you explain 224,000 miles worth of caring ownership? The owner of this example passed before selling, but how does one replace a 164 these days? Starting in 2016, the Giulia would have been an option, but as much as we do respect the Tipo 952 Giulia, it just doesn't stack up to the 164 in terms of sound and design. Dynamically? That's another story.
We have dabbled in 164 ownership. First, with a 164LS with 164Q 45mm runners and a Squadra tuning chip worth a claimed 240hp. We'd still be driving that had a high-g off ramp cloverleaf not starved a rod bearing of vital oil pressure. Later, we ventured to New Jersey for a $1,300 164L that cost us many a night toiling in our cold Michigan garage. After exhaustive reconditioning efforts netted a car below our personal standards, we reluctantly passed the car on to another enthusiast, who would start at a much better point than we did.
Year: 1993
Model: Alfa Romeo 164L
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 224,523
Price: Auction
Location: Philadelphia, PA
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1993 Alfa Romeo 164L
This is a great looking 1993 Alfa Romeo 164-L. There has been one owner since new and this car has 224,523 miles. This 164 was owned by an auto sports aficionado who also owned a two European auto dealerships. He had a certain affinity for this car, and apparently spared little expense to keep it in great condition mechanically and cosmetically. He passed away last year which is how we came to own this Alfa. This 164 is equipped with the 3.0L engine and 5-speed manual transmission. I'm told that the owner had the engine completely rebuilt and upgraded to 164-S performance specs in 2015. We sold a very nice 1991 164-S with 96k miles in November 2019, and this 164-L runs stronger than that car in every respect.
This Alfa runs and drives very well. The engine runs very strong and the transmission shifts smoothly. There aren’t any service or warning lights on. The tires are showing lots of tread and the brakes are in great shape as well. The oil & filters were replaced last week, and this car is ready to be picked up and put to use today.
The exterior of this Alfa is very clean and looks great. The Anthracite Metallic paint is very glossy over the entire body. There are lots of stone chips on the front, many of which have been touched up already. The alloy wheels are bright and clean, and all exterior trim is intact and in great condition. There aren’t any dents or body rust on this car, and the undercarriage is in excellent condition as well.
The interior has been well maintained and is in terrific condition. The interior of this car is not beat up in the slightest and could easily pass for a vehicle with 75k miles. All leather seats are in excellent condition and not worn or damaged. The carpeting is also fluffy and clean without any holes. All of the trim panels and trim pieces are intact and in great condition. The owner was a non-smoker owned vehicle, and there aren't any burn marks or odors inside this car.
There is no accident history in the lifetime of this car, and we have the clear title in hand. This Alfa Romeo should provide excellent service for many years to come, and is ready to be driven away or shipped anywhere
The seller claims that the original owner had the engine rebuilt and upgraded with 164S pistons and cams in 2015. If that were to be true, this would be the most ideal of 164s in our opinion. Quieter styling than the S and Q models, but with the more simple 12V in its top spec.
The leather is clean and in great condition, the carpets neat, and the exterior mostly surviving, other than a few stone chips. Sometimes there comes a time when one questions whether the investments into a cheap old car will pay off. We think that keeping this car in the condition that it's currently in, and spending a bit to tidy up the paint would pay off without a doubt.
-Graham