Category Archives: Alfa Romeo

2001 Alfa Romeo 166 2.4 JTD

October 9, 2018 Graham

Here's something you don't expect to hear from an auto enthusiast: Front wheel drive Alfa sedans are good. Quite good. Yes, we've been custodians of three now, all of which we've loved. The 164Q met an untimely demise, but not before we gave it the 24V lump a full water pump and timing belt service - not cheap or easy on those. There was also a 164 LS that starved for oil when we took a cloverleaf off ramp at 90mph. Velocity squared over radius - it's the velocity that gets you. And finally, there was our 1991 164L winter car, which didn't self-destruct so much as inflict death by a thousand cuts upon our morale, wonderful though it was. That got the boot after a frustrating winter daily-driving it in Detroit.

The 164 design is beyond reproach in our simple minds, but if it could be improved upon, then Walter de Silva would be one of our top choices for the job. De Silva and his team at Centro Stile Alfa Romeo managed to update the 164 theme without blending in among the anonymous ranks of contemporary European sedans. The handsome design would become the last Alfa sedan to be powered by the Arese-produced Busso V6 engine, which was replaced by a General Motors-based unit in later Alfas.

Year: 2001
Model: Alfa Romeo 166 2.4 JTD
Engine: 2.4L 5-cylinder diesel
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 108,241 mi
Price: auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 2.4 JTD

Rare, one of a kind the only 2001 Alfa Romeo in the country, import to the US didn’t start until 2015 selling at $50,000 - $75,000.

This 166 model called the “Executive Car” only 500 built in Rivalta, Italy and actually designed by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo and Walter de Silva. It is front wheel drive, six speed stick shift, 2.4L engine V6 turbo diesel. How cool is that? (CICFS NOTE: the engine is a 5-cyl, not a V6)

Runs and drives like a champ, fast, furious very tight, how much fun…Everything works, engine, transmission, clutch and ac, it needs a drives window switch and the drives seat is fixed in a comfortable position and needs the motor, the computer screen is in Italian and I can’t read it. But I have navigation CD and a 6 disc player in the trunk.

I found a non running 1999 for $12,900 and 2002 running one for $25,900 VIN ZAR93600000060348

166 models built as the "Executive Car" only 500 per year built in Italy from 1999 to 2003. It is so much fun to drive it is fast…nice and tight! The readings are all in kilometers. Driver’s seat is in a fixed position and the computer is in Italian, I can't read it. I also have a navigation CD. I just had the car completely serviced with new air, cabin, oil and fuel filter.

This was at an Insurance Auction and said it had fresh water flood claim however after full inspection I found no damage at all, NONE!

The 166 was never offered for sale in the United States, so to see one on eBay is quite rare. We would be interested in bidding, but for a few issues. First, the car was sold as a flood car through an insurance auction. Sometimes you have to deal with the myriad issues brought on by flooding in order to purchase a rare car. In this case, we don't think the risk is outweighed by the rarity and desirability of the car. Second, the seller sounds like a real piece of work. His price comparisons are based in pure fantasy - unless you think $50,000-75,000 is justifiable for a 2001 164 diesel. Ah, diesel. Yes, the final reason that we wouldn't bid: we don't do diesel Alfas. The diesel engine in this car is a 5-cylinder, not a V6 as stated by the seller, just to be clear. Diesels are great, diesels are efficient, diesels are torquey. But, diesel engines do not perform as an Alfa Romeo engine should. Buy a Mercedes-Benz if you want to enjoy a proper diesel.

So, will the seller manage to sell a rare, flood-title Alfa that was never sold new in the US? Depends on the reserve price. Our guess is that this will stick around eBay until the seller wises up to reality. In the meantime, we'll keep a look out for 166's worth bidding on!

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

October 7, 2018 Graham

We try to keep this site free of our personal biases, but in the interest of transparency, we'd like to come clean: we are sharing this car because our personal 1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde has the same stereo! We made ours light up orange to match our Verde's interior, but same stereo. So, what's in it for you, the reader? Well, this price of this 4C Spider just so happens to be $100 less than the price of yesterday's wrecked Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2.

We won't venture to compare a Gallardo with a 4C, but the 4C holds its own, on paper at least. Specific output on the 1.75L 4-cylinder is 135hp/L, so expect some peaky, if not extremely entertaining power delivery. And, rumor has it that the carbon fiber monocoque is related to that of the KTM X-Bow. This is an Italian car site - why do we care about the Austrian X-Bow? We care because the X-Bow was designed and developed by none other than Giampaolo Dallara's engineering firm. Unlike Sr. Dallara's first mid-engined street car, the Miura, the jury is out on the 4C's design. We personally are not drawn to it, which is surprising given how much we care for the other designs - the Ferrari 456, Ferrari 550 Maranello, and Ferrari 360 - by its designer, Lorenzo Ramaciotti.

Year: 2016
Model: Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
Engine: 1.75L 4-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
Mileage: 4,053 mi
Price: $49,800 obo

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Giallo Prototipo (Yellow) Exterior over Black with Yellow Accent Interior LOADED WITH OPTIONS! TRACK PACKAGE! LOW MILEAGE! **ORIGINAL WINDOW STICKER LIST: $77,475** FACTORY OPTIONS INCLUDE: 18 x 7 and 19 x 8.5 Dark Fan Spoke Wheels (Originally $2,500) Giallo Prototipo (Yellow) Exterior Paint (Originally $1,500) Spider Track Package (Originally $1,400) Carbon Fiber Exterior Mirrors Race Tuned Suspension Bi-Xenon Headlamps (Originally $1,000) Spider Convenience Group (Originally $900) Cruise Control Rear Parking Assist System Racing Leather / Microfiber Seats (Originally $500) Sport Tuned Dual Exhaust (Originally $500) Carbon Fiber Cluster Bezel (Originally $490) Carbon Fiber Shift Bezel (Originally $490) Alfa Romeo Red Car Cover (Originally $400) Alfa Romeo Yellow Performance Brake Calipers (Originally $300) VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS: 1.7 Liter Turbocharged 4 Cylinder Engine -237 Horsepower- -258 lb/ft of Torque- Rear Wheel Drive 6-Speed Automatic Transmission 18/19 Dark Fan Spoke Wheels Power Adjustable Exterior Mirrors Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers Daytime Running Lights Alfa Romeo Performance Calipers Body Colored Exterior Mirrors Dual Bright Exhaust Tips Solar Control Glass Premium Speaker Package Bright Aluminum Pedals Sport Tuned Suspension Hill Start Assist Black Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel Leather-Trimmed Interior Carbon Fiber Cluster Bezel Carbon Fiber Shift Bezel VEHICLE HISTORY: ONE Previous Owner! LOADED with Options! Pristine Condition Throughout! Exceptionally Well Equipped! INCLUDES: *One Master Remote Key* *Original Owners Manuals* *Floor Mats* *Alfa Romeo Car Cover*

We aren't exactly opposed to the design either, to be clear. And, $50,000 is the price at which these low-mileage 4Cs, especially the Spider, start to interest us. We'd take the roadster, because we can't foresee much in the way of long-distance driving, were we to purchase a 4C. And the yellow? That's our loud color of choice for Italian cars. We'll let you know when we finally do purchase a yellow Italian car. In the meantime, one of you should take a serious look at purchasing this one.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Graduate

October 2, 2018 Graham

Sometimes we come across an example of a car that we might normally overlook modified in just the right way to catch our eye. Take, for example, last month's Bertone X-1/9 Corsa, or any lowered Ferrari Mondial on 17" wheels. The right set of wheels or subtle cosmetic touch can transform our perception of a nice, but perhaps not-quite-enticing car.

This is exactly why we've chosen today's Alfa Spider. Sure, the Bosch cars are reliable, and any Spider has plenty of appeal in its own right, but they aren't the most unique choice among Italian sports cars. Why, then, do we find ourselves so drawn to this particular example? First, the BWA wheels are a great for a red Spider like this one. Add to that the faded red vinyl wrap with the black hood section, and the sort of garish but simultaneously cool Quadrifoglios behind the front wheels, and we have to say that the overall effect is pretty scrappy and appealing.

Year: 1986
Model: Alfa Romeo
Engine: 2.0L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 55,936 mi
Price: $11,900

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Graduate

GR Auto Gallery is pleased to present this 1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce for your consideration. This Alfa is finished in a Red and Black custom Vinyl Wrap over the Black vinyl interior. It features a set of Alfa BWA 14x6 alloy wheels and Ereminas chassis stiffeners which are both rare and desirable options. There are currently speakers in the kick panels but there is no radio installed, the factory radio delete plate is in excellent condition. All gauges, lights, switches and factory controls function as they should. According to the current owner, this Alfa was recently serviced and features a new head gasket along with new front sway bar links, a new heater blower motor, new fuel injection hoses and new motor mounts. This Spider Veloce is a looker and gives a very comfortable ride going down the road. Please call or email us today for more information.

We are not quite sure why the seller has listed this particular Spider as a Veloce. It shows a Graduate badge on the decklid, and the seats sure seem to be Graduate-spec vinyl. Crank windows adhere to the Graduate spec as well. The top is a cloth unit, most likely as a result of a top replacement, though a graduate would be optioned with a vinyl top from the factory. We're not familiar with Spider HVAC controls, although there is a chance that this unit has A/C, as was an option on Graduates. There appears to be a knob for cool air in the cabin, but the engine bay photos don't allow us to see if there is a compressor mounted to the engine.

We are not in love with the price on this car, but that is not to say that the car is not worth the asking price. The interior is most certainly clean and mostly complete, the underside doesn't show any signs of rust, and the seller claims that everything is functional. We recommend this example to anyone in the market for a Series 3 Spider with some cool cosmetic upgrades.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1988 Alfa Romeo 75 1.6

September 23, 2018 Graham

The Alfa Romeo 75, as the Milano is know everywhere outside of North America, still has a healthy following all around its home continent of Europe. A more commonly-known example is RSR Nürburg, who are for hustling their fleet of Alfa 75s around the Ring. Another example, with whom we are familiar, is the Transaxle Forum out of Germany.

I had the pleasure of meeting two gentlemen from the Transaxle Forum the last time I was in Bavaria. I met them at one of their workshops - this one lined with various Alfa 75 models and stocked with countless Alfa 75 parts. While I really enjoyed seeing the top spec V6 models, there were two cars that really stood out. First was a 3.0 V6 model that had been converted to 1.6L spec on the outside - a true sleeper. The second was a 1.6L model that was undergoing restoration. Due to the decreased content on the base 1.6L models, the vehicle weight is significantly lower than that of the 3.0L models. From what was reported, the 1.6L cars are great for zooming around Italy, where the group has their annual meet-up.

Year: 1988
Model: Alfa Romeo 75 1.6
Engine: 1.6L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 154,418km
Price: Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 Alfa Romeo 75 1.6

This 1988 Alfa 75 was imported from Italy in 2017. This car is totally unmolested and rust free,

You will get lots of looks and thumbs up when driving this car, The 1.6 litre 4 cylinder is the last version of the 1.6 liter that was in the Alfa Gulia of the 1960's and '70's and performance is much the same as the Gulia Super. She has twin Del Orto carbs and electronic ignition and is a pleasure to drive. The speedo reads in KM 154,418 = 96,390 miles.

The seats are great and the car is very relaxing to drive on a long trip. I have been getting about 32 MPG at 70 MPH and she will happily cruise at 80 all day. The Michelin tires are almost new with about 4,000 km.

A number of new parts have been fitted over the last year. I fitted a 3rd brake light for safety. Other parts fitted are: lower ball joints, front brake pads, engine mounts, transmission mounts, prop shaft flex joints (guibo's), fuel pump.

If anyone wants to inspect the car, it is in eastern North Carolina and there is a local garage where we can use a lift. There are a few tiny dents on the hood but I have not been able to photograph them.

It appears that Ebay has a problem with the VIN number. The correct number is ZAR16282000065190

I do have more photos if wanted. Please email me if you want to see more and I can then email them to you directly as eBay limits you to 24 photos total. This car has been relisted due to a time waster.

Those interested in purchasing might find themselves wondering where one might find engine components for a 1.6L 75. We would imagine that nearly everything could be purchased through Centerline, aside from a few items specific to the 4-cyl 75. If we had to guess, things like the engine mounts and cooling system components might need to be sourced from Europe. Otherwise, it should be just as easy as a Milano to maintain - likely easier, with that wide open engine bay.

This 1.6L 75 is simply too unique to overlook here in North America. And, in this condition, it presents as a strong candidate for a Milano/75 purchase, before rarity is even accounted for. Just be warned - you may find yourself bidding against us on this one!

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1993 Alfa Romeo 164L

September 14, 2018 Graham

Talk about a rare occurrence: the opportunity to buy a 164 from the notable AlfaBB member and AROC 164 tech expert, Alfisto Steve! Those of us who have been fortunate enough to own a 164 can probably recall Alfisto Steve fielding one of their 164 questions at some point on the AlfaBB. And, we on the AlfaBB appreciate his succinct 164 updates in the What did you do Alfa related? thread.

Based on the information provide in the listing, it appears that Alfisto Steve has been familiar with the car for quite some time now - first when it was owned by a friend in Florida, and since 2004 when a friend in VA brought it up to Alfisto Steve's area. Alfisto Steve even went through the car back in 2004, after it made the trip from FL to VA. Check out the AlfaBB thread for BB4, as the car is known, here: BB4 on AlfaBB

Year: 1993
Model: Alfa Romeo
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 229,00 mi
Price: $2,800

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1993 Alfa Romeo 164

1993 Alfa Romeo 164L w/5-speed

My rehabbed 1993 164L is currently insured, tagged and with VA state inspection valid until May

2019. I have owned this 164 since March 2016 but I have known of this car and the three previous owners since 1996. I have many of PO’s service records. My old JAX, FL friend David bought it out of a lease sale in 1996, He had transmission replaced during his ownership. He sold to Joel in Orlando and my friend Michael who gave me the car in 2016 bought it in 2004 from Joel. It ended up in my garage in Feb 2004 for the first freshening up after he drove it up from FL to VA. So Michael and family had it 12 years.

I went through the complete car in 2016-2017 and put it back on the road in May 2017. I have a 5 page story board on my Alfisto Steve BB4 rehab process in the 164 section of the alfabb website. The car is now known as my BLACK BEAUTY IV (BB4).

Once I replaced a bad Bosch motronic engine ECU (computer), it returned to life and has been moving forward towards its current daily driver status in my stable along with my other black beauties - 91 BB1 164L automatic and 91 BB2 my 164S.

The complete interior sans re-dyed carpet has been replaced including all window regulators and necessary switches. It now has a later 1995 164 steering wheel an air bag.

The car was repainted all black in 2017. While not a concours paint job, it shows well. Hood was replaced before paint job.

The car has 5 newly painted 164S wheels with 205-65-15 tires.

The engine got new timing belt and tensioner in 2017 along with refaced flywheel and new clutch.

The fuel system has had cleaned and tested fuel injectors installed , fuel tank pump, hoses, check valve and filters replaced.

The A/C system has had condenser, compressor, evaporator, expansion valve and receiver dryer replaced and has been converted to R134a. It blows reasonably cold for a 164 model considering how the black paint soaks up the sun. I keep it in the garage which helps when starting off driving on a hot summer day.

The radiator, cooling fan, heater core, blower motor and cabin air filter have been replaced. It has PEX shut off valve to further isolate heater core heat from a/c in summertime to aid the a/c cooling.

The brake rotors, brake pads and some of the brake lines have been replaced as needed.

The front springs, struts, lower bearings, bump stops and boots have been replaced.

It has low mileage cat convertor new O2 sensor, new 164L mid muffler and Cisam 164S rear muffler.

It has the Euro Facelift Bosch H1 projector headlight upgrade which makes a whale of a difference for night time driving.

The odometer in the speedometer cluster failed shortly after I got car running and it has been replaced with a lower mileage unit with working trip odometer. Chassis mileage approximately 229K odometer currently 126377.

The sun roof still needs some work to be fully operational. It opens up and down fine but does not retract well. I never use it as I like to use air conditioning too much.

I am downsizing my Alfa collection as I am moving to Florida, so only keeping my 164S in FL (new house rules). My daughter is getting back my 164L w/AT to drive here in VA, henceforth the reason for the sale of this spare 93L.

Alfisto Steve sometimes gently points out the fact that he is a retired Navy aircraft mechanic. His experience repairing complex machinery is abundantly clear in the way that he maintains his Italian landcraft. Since taking possession of this black 164, he has managed to address issues with all of the major systems. Notably, he's completed the following:

Installed Bosch projector headlights
A/c system converted, replaced condenser, compressor, evaporator, expansion valve and receiver dryer
Replaced radiator and cooling fan
Replaced timing belt and tensioner
Replaced clutch and refaced flywheel
Replaced front struts
Replaced cat, center and rear mufflers
Replaced brake master cylinder and some brake lines
Replaced fuel pump and rubber parts inside tank, fuel injectors and fuel hoses.
Repaired window system wiring, three window regulators and broken door handle
replaced headliner, seats and dyed carpet
Installed 5 nearly new matching tires on freshly painted 164S wheels
Repainted exterior all black

While this is not the freshest 164 in terms of mileage, nor is it necessarily the most original, with its painted black lower trim and S style wheels, we have no qualms in recommending this example to anyone looking to buy their first, or second, or possibly tenth Alfa. Condition, mechanical and cosmetic, is far above what most examples present at this price. And, the Bosch projector headlamps, 164 S wheels, and the twin tip S style rear muffler are welcome modifications. Take a look at his custom plate, and then ask yourself, "ALFA 4ME"?

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Giugiaro

Save an Alfa: GTV-6 Edition

March 2, 2017 Graham 1 Comment

“When you see me on the block, homie you don’t know me,” the seller of this GTV-6 pronounces from his front valence, but we do know that he finds a certain “Kady” and “Hari” to be important, based on his windshield decal. What else do we know? Let’s parse through the photos included in this vague Craigslist ad description to find some information.

First, the car has been aerodynamically altered – bumpers were removed, presumably to reduce drag on the racetrack, and a single plane spoiler has been engineered to decrease lift while maintaining a palatable level of drag. Surprisingly, the side mirrors were spared during the optimization process, most likely for a proper view of the trailing field on the racetrack. The interior is above average for a tan leather interior, based on what we’ve seen. Though the rear muffler is from a faster and more furious era, don’t be too quick to write it off, at least sonically speaking. Busso V6s are nearly impervious to the fart can – just hide it under the rear bumper to convey at least a modicum of taste.

Click to view listing

Year: 1985
Model: Alfa Romeo
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: Unknown
Price: $2,500

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV-6

Mechanically speaking, we rely on the seller’s description. A hot dog 164S 3.0L V6, rated at 200hp new, supplants the original 2.5L V6. In all seriousness, 3.0L GTV-6s are encouraged. No word on the last engine service, but as we’ve made clear in prior Busso V6 write-ups, the front end engine service is very reasonable to complete either in your home garage or in the trust of an Alfa mechanic. Around $1,000 or a Saturday – your choice. The transaxle, likely the original unit with an open diff, is claimed to shift without synchro grind on second gear. If true, remember to pause in neutral between shifts if you buy the car; patient shifting goes a long way in preserving shift quality.

Clearly this is not a car for a non-mechanical type, or someone looking for a no-excuses car for this spring. But, for the value shopper, we believe that unreported rust would be the only way to weaken the business for this offering. Swap the Verde wheels tea tray, bumpers, body cladding, and rear hatch sans spoiler from the parts car onto the 3.0L car, take the car into the shop for some economical but respectable paint, and work out the smaller items like brakes and suspension after you get the car back onto the street. Sell those fat Borbet wheels to recoup some cost, and make a determination on the parts car. If you have room, keep it around; otherwise, a weekend and a 6-8 large plastic totes will shrink it down to size.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

Save an Alfa: Milano Verde Edition

March 1, 2017 Graham

Simple mission: someone please retrieve this ailing 1988 Milano Verde. Yes, the one that has been sitting for a very long time in the New Mexico sun.

Issues? The paint has faded to magenta - we say rock it. The Recaros are ratty - Centerline International has you covered with replacement upholstery. The car has been sitting - service it. The area where the doors meet the fenders have rust - ignore it! It's a $1,400 Verde, and it's all there.

Year: 1988
Model: Alfa Romeo
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 73,685
Price: $1,400

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde

I am selling an 1988 Alfa Romeo Milano 3.0 V6. This is a very rare italian sportscar. They are getting hard to find. Very peppy and fun to drive. 5 speed manual transmission, ac, power sunroof and windows. Factory sport seats. Is sitting for a very long time and has a fuel delivery problem. Probably just the fuel pump. Runs on starting fluid. Body is in decent shape for sitting outside for so long. I got stuck with my bmw projects and lost interest. Clean title in hands.

Click to view listing

A certain rat rod Verde certainly sprang to mind when we found this listing. Something about the, uh, unique design of the Milano lends itself to rattiness. Get it running, then hit it with a solid front end engine service, go through the suspension bushings, and so on. These cars are surprisingly resilient- take advantage of it with this one.

This very much classifies as something we would buy with our own money, but do not quite have the space for. Let's save this deserving Verde from a parts car or scrapyard fate!

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1987 Alfa Romeo Milano Platinum

February 27, 2017 Graham

Here is a tired, yet surprisingly straight example of an 87 Alfa Romeo Milano Platinum. With minimal description provided, we'll need to work off of the photos to glean some information.

The seller reports that the car does not run, and little else, for that matter. A look at the engine shot shows a lack of a battery, but otherwise the engine bay is largely intact. The timing covers are removed, and the ignition wires are perched in such a way that leads us to believe that the seller gave up either before or after a timing belt job. A super close examination shows a mechanical timing belt tensioner in place of the mechanical tensioner, which means that the timing belt was replaced at least once in the car's life - useless information unless the service was in the last 3-5 years or 30,000 miles, give or take. Still, with the exception of some sort of internal mechanical failure, which is unlikely, the car probably needs only minor mechanical attention to get back onto the road. Figure on a fuel tank flush, fuel pump and filter, fresh 7.5mm fuel hose and clamps, a new timing belt, v belts, an air filter, plugs, and an oil change - less than $200 if you're good with a wrench.

Year: 1987
Model: Milano Platinum
Engine: 2.5 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: Unknown
Price: $1,100

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1987 Alfa Romeo Milano Platinum

Click to view listing

6 cylinder, 5 speed transmission. Does not run. Call for details

The Platinum models represent the highest spec 2.5L Milano offered in North America. Powered leather and suede seats, a sunroof, power windows, cruise control, and power mirrors were compelling convenience features when the car was new in 1987. Drivers today will no doubt still be impressed by the car's torsion bar front suspension, 4.10 LSD 5 speed rear-mounted transaxle with inboard brakes, and DeDion rear suspension.

We recommend this car for the seasoned Alfisti, though a good home mechanic with experience in any European marque would make quick sense of a project like this. Once mechanically sorted, the buyer could tend to the ailing passenger fender, and might as well repaint the entire car at that point. Many Platinums in this condition are either converted into racecars, or parted out for their 4.10 LSD rear transaxles, which often make their way into the 3.0L Milano Verdes. We hope to see this car get a proper refresh from a patient enthusiast - we'd better not see this thing bombing around with a roll cage and stripped interior the next time we take the Verde to the track!

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Pininfarina

1991 Alfa Romeo 164 S project

February 26, 2017 Graham

While an honest seller is invaluable when purchasing a 25 year old Italian car, where does one draw the line on honesty? Is it ever truly necessary to post a photo of your vehicle on a flatbed in a for sale ad? If no, give the seller of this 1991 164 S some credit for brutal honesty, at least.

According to the seller, a small engine fire wiped out some of the engine wiring harness, HVAC, and engine compartment components. In the process of repairing the damage, the seller stripped the entire engine bay down to bare metal, and reportedly rustproofed, primed, and painted the area back to factory specs. Yet to be completed is a full repaint of the front fenders and hood, as well as a replacement of melted plastic components on the engine.

Year: 1991
Model: 164 S
Engine: 3.0 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 155,000 mi
Price: $4,500 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 S

Alfa Romeo 164S Restauration Project Car, many parts available./ missing original front bumper S version. was damage by small engine fire/ engine electrical harness, heating and ventilation, engine compartment completely restored with mostly new components.
Rustproof, primed and painted to factory specs front chasis section.
Need to paint front fenders and hood, detail and replace damage parts on engine (mostly plastic)
Same owner since 2001 engine was rebuilt with 99k miles actual 155k
List of parts include: two sets of wheels one OZ Superligera 17x7.5 second: OEM Euro Alfa 15x7
Euro HeadLamps
Front Brake Rotors Slotted and Drilled, Pads, Hoses (new)
Front Suspension Frame Arms with Bushings (new)
Brake Master Cylinder, Clutch Master Cylinder (new)
Engine Plastic Covers and Msc. parts
Rebuilt Rack and Pinion Steering
Properly stored in shop and warehouse away from sunlight
Car is assembled and rolls, $4.500.00
Serious Inquiries Only *** Picture #11 shows condition before incident ***

Having spent more than our fair share of time under the hood of various 164s, we can appreciate the clean engine bay paintwork. It would be difficult to resist the temptation to bring the engine itself up to the level of finish already present in the engine bay. The rest of the exterior appear to be sorted cosmetically, though higher resolution photos would required to truly assess that. A few interior photos wouldn't hurt either - otherwise, the interior condition remains a mystery.

$4,500 is not quite average for a sorted 164 S with similar mileage, so the seller isn't completely unreasonable with their asking price. The remaining paint and assembly work will add up quickly, unless done yourself, so be sure to factor that into any offers. The OZ Superleggera wheels and Bosch Euro projector headlights sweeten the deal a bit, in our opinion. And, the recent brake, suspension, and steering rack maintenance, along with a reportedly rebuilt engine, should instill some level of confidence in any buyers' minds. We say check the car out in person, get a paint quote, and make a judicious offer - this could end up as quite a sharp 164 S in the hands of a knowledgable buyer!

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Giugiaro

1976 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

February 25, 2017 Graham

Introduced to the North American market in 1975, the Alfetta ushered in an era of torsion bar front suspensions, DeDion rear suspension, and a rear transaxle with inboard disc brakes. On paper, it improves on the classic GTV formula, but a quick look at the market shows a clear bias for the earlier 105/115 series over the later 116 transaxle cars. As a result, finding a presentable, let alone rust-free Alfetta coupe is an evermore difficult prospect.

This bumperless example in Connecticut claims to be in rust-free condition, owing no doubt in part to its Texas provenance. Though rumors abound as to the exact source of systemic rust on the Alfetta models, it is absolutely recommend that any potential sellers do a thorough check for lurking rust before any commitments to this particular car are made. Especially vulnerable are the wheel arches, cowl area, rear hatch, and jack points. If the claimed rust-free condition turns out to be the truth, then the uncombed interior might be easier to overlook.

Year: 1976
Model: Alfetta GT
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 118,500 mi
Price: $5,000 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

Well sorted, rebuilt engine, high compression pistons, tubular headers, electronic ignition, spica fuel injection. Rebuilt suspension, red konis and poly bushings, new Pirelli tires and alignment. Runs and drives strong, good driveshaft donuts & brakes. Original Texas Title, clean w/ no rust. Shock towers, jack points, under carriage and around glass all good, but needs bumpers.

Some technical notes: the engine appears to have supported an A/C system at one point, owing to the stud-plug on the passenger side of the cylinder head. Also, a rebuilt engine could be a solid advantage, but we would contact the seller for details - who rebuilt it, and what parts were sourced for the build? And, we can't vouch for the specific brand of piston or headers that the seller reports as installed on this particular car, but both should promote a sporty character in line with the car - just don't expect to surprise anyone at a stoplight.

Very few Alfetta coupes remain on the road, and as such, the prices for clean cars have climbed out of the song and a dance category. Fortunately for potential buyers, parts car prices remain reasonable. We say make a competitive offer, source some Euro bumpers, recover the front seats, and drop in an ANSA rear muffler and enjoy a sorted Italian sports coupe for around $5,000.

-Graham