The typical eBay hunt for Alfas starts by sorting from old to new, and often, sorting by manual transmissions only as well. Automatics are acceptable in two circumstances - with Milanos, because an automatic rear transaxle is too weird to ignore, and on 164s, because according to many, they fit the character of the car very well. Not our first choice, but we can how some might enjoy it. Now, when scrolling through the prospects, there is a distinctive split between 1995 and 2016 where Alfa pulled away from the North American market. It's right at that split that we find the most special 164, the 164 Q.
The 164 platform makes no case for itself on paper - FWD, mid-size, shared with Fiat, Saab, and Lancia - and yet on the road it is one of the most engaging sedans we've driven. Power is available early in all models, the steering is direct and responsive, and the ride is firm but capable of handling potholes. The 164Q improves on the basis of the 164 with a 232bhp 24V version of the Busso V6 and electronically controlled dampers. The dampers we could do without - they're getting difficult to source these days - but the extra maintenance requirements of the 24V V6 are justified by the impressive acceleration. Merging onto the interstate in a 24V 164, you will be tempted to wring out 3rd, if not 4th gear.
Maintaining a mental inventory of the local Alfa classifieds bears a certain risk. That risk came to light last winter, when a last-minute cancellation left me in Pennsylvania without a ride or flight back to Michigan. A simple problem, unless left to my internal problem-solving model. All models are wrong; some are useful. And, when I'm left in charge of calibrating the models, they point invariably to Alfa Romeo as the answer. Cognitive bias, to put it lightly. I was going to find a cheap Alfa to get me home.
Now, I have a history of rationalizing Alfa purchases. As my first Milano Verde sat engineless in my apartment garage, I convinced myself to bring home an Alfa 164LS daily driver. That 164 made it two weeks. A year later, that same Milano Verde burned down my garage, 3 other emerging European classics, and the majority of my backyard; I was back in a Verde within 45 days. Then there was the ran when parked Alfetta GTV shipped to my garage from California. And then the ran when parked GTV-6 we towed home from Indiana. Necessary, all of them.
For under $15,000 these days, there's a lot of options on the used market if you are looking for a lot of style and luxury on a budget. While many buyers opt for popular German and Japanese high-end marques, there is always the road less traveled for those individualists: the Alfa Romeo 164. This was the company's last stand in the US market until the 8C Competizione sports car arrived in limited numbers in 2008. For sale in California, this 164 has the lesser seen cloth seats and hubcaps, but still cuts a dashing presence on the street.
1991 Alfa Romeo 164L, low miles, one owner, Autocheck certified. Extra clean. Last of the great Alfa sedans. This Iconic Alfa Romeo 164 L has a high gloss white exterior and is matched beautifully with a gray interior. This classic motor car is in excellent original condition. This fine automobile has been lovingly cared for and it shows in its immaculate condition. This car will definitely be worth looking at. Even the pictures don t do justice for this car.
NOTE: There are reflections visible in the photos, which can be mistaken for flaws that aren't there, please ask if you have questions.
This amazing car has been sheltered and well cared in the temperate Southern California climate which is ideal for a vehicle to maintain its excellent condition. The car was never driven in harsh conditions. The car looks to be accident and rust free and is all original.
Interior:
The vibrant interior accents the exterior absolutely beautifully. The original interior is in excellent condition and unmolested in its original state; the seats hardly look sat in, the back seat looks like no one has sat in it. The dash is in flawless original condition without the typical cracking or fading expected for its age. The door panels are like new and all the carpets look as though they have never been exposed to any elements. The headliner and accents are in unblemished excellent condition. The truck mat looks as though nothing have been placed in it. The motor car has never been smoked in.
Exterior:
The exterior appears to be all original and unmolested, there is no evidence of any accidents, and the paint has the original high gloss shine with all the trim and accents in mint condition. The glass is in excellent condition without cracks. The high performance tires are in near condition.
Mechanical:
The engine runs good, the donor indicated the vehicle could use a good tune up as it wasn’t driven much. The transmission shifts very good, the brakes function well.There are no visible leaks or any other signs of neglect or abuse.
Title:
This outstanding car comes with a clean California Title
Autocheck Certification:
This Fine Alfa Romeo comes with an excellent Autocheck certification verifying a 1 owner low mile vehicle.
As an investment, it is important to understand that the prices for these cars are rising they will rise rapidly in the near future. Just like the previous generation of 1960’s and 1970’s classics have done, this upward trend will soon make these artfully crafted cars unavailable for most people.
For now this car is not only a prudent and still affordable investment, however unlike most other classics it can be enjoyed every day.
Excerpt taken from a recent business article
“There has been a surge in interest from collectors around the globe focusing on high end European luxury and sports car from the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, they are consider the next frontier of assets that will provide great return on investments, in fact some of my clients have left others markets and have put a portion of their portfolios into this lucrative classic car market, as with gold it will never be worth 0, like many stocks are these days in fact portions of the classic car market have outpaced the overall stock market.
This Alfa Romeo has reached its value point a long time ago and has been and will steadily continue to rapidly gain in value. This car has the durable reliability and build quality expected of a classic Italian sports car. All the while it actually appreciates in value as you are enjoying it for many more years to come.
If you have been looking and waiting for an exceptional classic, or for a perfect entry level classic, consider this fine example of an Alfa Romeo 164 L. This car will make you proud every time you take it out. Now is perfect time to treat yourself or someone special to a well built tastefully crafted classic Alfa Romeo..You deserve it. Feel free to come and see for yourself how exceptional this car is.
If you are interested in buying this car, call me, don’t say to yourself “I should have bought that car”, you will find most of the time the car has been sold before the auction ending from some who saw the true value of this car. Please ask all the questions you like. Although this car is in mint condition, I encourage you to come by and inspect the car or have it inspected by a professional inspection service.
Good, low mileage 164s are changing hands between $6,500 and $12,000 these days, with the sportier 164Q bringing top dollar. Since this is a "base" model 164 with the automatic, it will probably reach to the lower end of this range. I'd say somewhere around $7,000 might be enough to take this beauty home at the end of the no reserve auction.
Another week, another low mileage Alfa Romeo 164. But this 164 is unequivocally the lowest mileage example we've featured on CICFS. For sale in Texas, this sunroof delete 164 has under 5,000 miles and was used sparingly by an elderly owner. Now owned by an enthusiast who has a low mileage Series 4 Spider as well, this sharp sedan is certainly going to garner some interest from the Alfa faithful.
Up for sale is my gorgeous 1991 Alfa Romeo 164L in great shape. This is possibly the lowest mileage Alfa 164 in the country and worldwide. While not new, this is the closest to new that one can possibly get. Owned by an elderly gentleman who drove it sparingly and kept in climate controlled storage prior to my acquisition. It shares a garage space with my 10k mile 1993 Alfa Spider Veloce.
MECHANICAL: The 3.0L 6 cylinder engine fires up immediately and idles smoothly. It shifts through the gears effortlessly.
- The fluids have recently been flushed after the car was in climate-controlled storage.
- The brakes were bled.
- New Fuel pump.
- AC service. AC is cold.
- New front Koni struts replaced aging front ones. Got a 4 wheel alignment as well.
Have receipts for all mechanical work.
EXTERIOR: Beautiful Grey exterior is as new, with the factory pinstripes in place. Body panel fit and finish is as it left the factory.
- 100% rust free. The undercarriage still has traces of factory cosmoline.
- Sunroof delete model.
- Alloy wheels and Tires are in great shape.
INTERIOR: The grey leather is as new and is supple. No wear on the seats or bolsters. The headliner is great shape. Dash is perfect.
- All gauges work.
- Factory radio and speakers in great shape. Power antenna works.
- Missing the factory floor mats. Has aftermarket ones.
In summary, this is a very clean piece of Alfa history and a once in a lifetime opportunity. Looking for an Alfisti to add to their collection. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
On Jan-09-13 at 08:10:03 PST, seller added the following information:
Greetings folks,
Thanks for the interest, bids and questions on my Alfa. I wanted to emphasize that the car is a very well preserved example. I don't see any scratches or dings on the body or bumpers. I have never seen an Alfa in this condition. It would be right at home on the showroom floor. The leather has no wear. The headliner is perfect. Everything is original. Even the factory Good year Tires, without evidence of dry rot.
The car was put in climate controlled hangar from 2007 till this past year. It was driven around the runway every couple of weeks to keep fluids moving. Since the car wasn't registered, there was no record of miles progression. The elderly gentleman I bought it from sold his airplane and was losing his hangar space. He wanted to keep the car preserved and didn't have garage space for it. There are no dings, scratches etc anywhere on the car. The odometer and trip meter both work. I had the car registered and inspected last year.
I am a physician and an automotive enthusiast. I love these young classics. I have a 93 Alfa Spider Veloce as well. I had the car throroughly inspected to verify miles and my mechanic who also works on low mileage air cooled Porsches and Italian marques said he was absolutely certain the miles are original.
This is certainly a unique 164 but what could the value be? For someone who wanted a 164 new and didn't have the chance the first time around, this could be a dream come true. For others, the automatic transmission could hold this car back. The best 164s out there usually trade hands between $8,000 and $10,000, so I'd suspect we are somewhere around that price point. The question is, do you use it as intended or keep preserving it as is? And if you press it into service, will sudden problems arise after years of light use?
As Americans wait with baited breath for the return of Alfa Romeo to this market, let's take a look back at one of the very last new Alfa Romeos, besides the ultra limited 8C Competizione, to grace these shores: the 164. With very few sales in its final year in the US market, these cars were not cross shopped by your typical Lexus or Mercedes-Benz customer. Only hardcore enthusiasts needed to apply. Two versions of the 164 were available in its final year; the Quadrofoglio and the LS version, as we see here. The LS was the luxury model of the pair, but equipped with a 5-speed manual such as our feature car, it still made for an involved driving experience. This 164LS for sale in Miami has a low 85,000 miles on the clock and looks the business in black.
Black on Black 95 LS with 85,000 miles. Asking $4,000. I have had this car since 2004 and all work has been done at Auto Veloce in Miami. The car runs great, its fast and I wouldn't hesitate driving it cross country.
The good:
- The engine is strong with and the car runs fantastic
- New clutch installed last week
- New radiator 9 months ago.
- No overheating issues
- Interior is in great shape
- AC work great.
- New Pioneer head unit can use new speakers.
- All maintenance is up do date.
- Oil change last week.
- New brake pads last week.
- Timing belt around 10K ago.
- No leaks
- No rust
The Bad:
- Needs a paint job along with minor repair to front bumper due to a minor parking lot bump. I have the metal trim piece (its used but its straight).
- Rear windows are stuck. motor or button, I don't know. They used to work until one day they didn't and I never bothered fixing.
- Needs new muffler.
The seller seems very motivated to sell and has been rather transparent about the issues with this car. At $4,000, I tend to think this is good value for a late model 164 with the desirable 5-speed gearbox. This is a car that certainly deserves the TLC that it needs. With a fresh paint job and some minor fixes, this 164 could serve as a classy executive express for many years to come.
If you missed your chance at buying a brand new Alfa Romeo 164 about twenty years back, here is your second chance. We have featured a few low mileage 164 sedans here at CICFS, but none with mileage this low. This particular car for sale in Philadelphia is the base 164, with cloth interior. This is a seldom seen trim level, as the more common 164 models sold in the US market were the upgraded 164L and 164S.
You are looking at a very rare super low mileage Alfa Romeo hat has been well kept and maintained; it's an all around great looking vehicle. The vehicle was barely driven and looks amazing. This is a-never-smoked-in beauty that looks and smells great. The cars exterior is white that has got a deep sparkling shine to it. The exterior is in good condition. The interior is gray cloth that looks new. The console and dash look great as well!
The engine sounds, runs and feels smooth and provides abundant power. The 5 Speed Manual transmission shifts well - smoothly and easily. We make an effort to test for any electrical problems and none were found on this vehicle. The engine compartment looks clean, and void of any leaks. Great running condition vehicle! The A/C works well and blows cold air! We had our mechanic check the car and no problems were found with it. All in all, the car really runs great!
As you can judge for yourself from the pictures - the interior is clean and looks great! The trunk has many functions, one of which is obviously the superior cargo capacity. The back seats come down in case you need to increase the payload capacity.The trunk is very clean and roomy as you can see from the pictures. The previous owner used it sparely and it looks as if it were new. This is a unique one of a kind vehicle, that is painted with a color that really makes it stand out in the crowd of other cars. It's been garage kept, and is in good condition.
Having passed through three owners, it is almost a stroke of luck that any 164 could be preserved to such a high level. The one thing that detracts from this car is the engine bay, as the cam covers are oxidized, no doubt a result of spending time in the northeast. A bit of chrome polish on the intake manifolds and a freshening to the cam covers would put the finishing touch on this car. The asking price of $20,000 is very steep, even considering the fact that this may be one of the lowest mileage 164s in existence. Realistically, this car might command $12,000 to $15,000 at the high end on a good day. Most well-kept examples with fewer than 100,000 miles can range these days from $6,000 to $10,000, give or take.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a number of manufacturers retreat from the US sales race. Gone were the last two French holdouts, Peugeot and Citroën, and ill-fated attempts at new luxury marques, such as Rover’s Sterling brand and Ford’s Merkur models lasted but a handful of model years. One of the last automakers around this period to leave the States was Alfa Romeo. Having soldiered on for years with only two distinct models, the Spider and 164 sedan, reliability concerns and rising popularity of Japanese luxury brands helped seal the brand’s fate in the face of dwindling sales. The 164 sedan was the only car on offer for Alfa Romeo’s final year in the US market, offered in either LS or Quadrifoglio trim. Few cars were sold that year, and fewer still exist in such good condition as our feature car.
Rare 1995 Alfa Romeo 164Q Sport Sedan, 5-speed manual. Garaged, maintained, in excellent condition. Please look at the detail in the photographs to see the quality of this collectable, rare car. This is the last year of importation for the 164Q model. Only 100 of these were brought into this country. 6 cylinder, 240HP sport sedan. A tribute to Italian engineering. This is one of the very few left in this condition and mileage.
Probably one of the finest examples in the country. Alfa red clearcoat, black leather sports seats, original stereo with cassette player, dual 8 way power seats. Working air conditioner and climate control, cruise control, Michelin tires, all power ACC working, power antenna, power sunroof, power folding mirrors, auto dimming rear view mirror. Original Alfa floor mats, original OEM Alfa sport wheels. Gorgeous original sport leather interior.
Just completed the following maintenance from Italy Service, Las Vegas:
- Replace clutch disc
- Throw out bearing
- Pressure plate
- Resurface flywheel
- Valve cover gaskets
- Replace motor mounts
- Replace front and rear engine seals
- Clutch slave cylinder
- Steering rack boot kit
- Oil/Filter/Flush Transmission/RR axle/Front differential/Change coolant
- Replace spark plugs and timing
- Replace timing belt
- Replace water pump
- Replace accessory belt
- Cooland pipe o-rings
This Alfa Romeo 164Q runs strong, shifts smooth, handles like a dream with only 40,045 miles. This 164Q does have the adaptive suspension with auto and sport mode. This 164Q was a new factory demo driven by an Alfa Romeo Factory Representative, Carmine Lamendola. After 5,000 miles, he decided to buy it for himself and has owned it ever since. He traded in at the same dealership he bought it from and I acquired it from them.
This car has had an amazing amount of work done to it, which should put any potential buyer at ease. Alfa Romeo 164 sedans from 1995 are rare enough, but the Q model with the adaptive suspension and 5 speed manual transmission pretty much guarantees you’ll be the only one on the block, if not the state, with a car like this. When it was new, the 164 never garnered the same enthusiasm with die hard Alfisti due to its front wheel drive setup, but I believe time has been kind to this sedan with its chiseled good looks. At over $10,000, this is very strong money for any 164, as the reserve has yet to be met. Given the exception mileage and condition, I wouldn’t be surprised if we were looking at a reserve closer to $15,000. As most cars which Pininfarina has had a hand in crafting, it has aged well and represents a chance to purchase a nearly new Alfa Romeo without spending six figures on an 8C Competizione.
I am a huge fan of this era of Alfa Romeo sports sedans. While here in the states we fortunate to get the top spec engine offered in the 164 QV (quattrovalvole meaning 4 valves per cylinder), there was at least one more variant we didn't get that was even more special; the Alfa Romeo 164 Q4 (short for Quadrifoglio 4 this time) which featured that top spec motor AND a sophisticated 4 wheel drive system.
I am offering for sale my 4 door, limited edition, fully equipped, one owner, 164 Q4 manufactured in 1995. The car has just done 68,000 km (42,200 miles) since new, it´s metallic gray (grigio Lothar) with a black leathered interior and front electrical seats with individual heating. The vehicle has always been garaged so the original factory paint is in great condition. All its maintenance and services have been performed as scheduled. All of its systems, components and parts are in perfect condition and completely functional.
What a sexy car and it ticks all the boxes for the period: 3 piece alloy rims, body kit, projector headlights, trick 4 wheel drive system, and Italian style to top it off! Making a jump to the listing reveals more specs on the car and additional pictures from the seller. While it would be difficult to import to the states, many other markets would probably have little issue in bringing this modern classic to their garage.
