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.
California is a state known for its car culture. No matter your fancy, it's a great place to go looking for classic and modern cars on the used market. Just last week, we featured a low mileage Alfa Romeo 164LS for sale in Pleasanton. Today, here is the sportier Q version of the 164, a clean, one owner example for sale in Pleasant Hill that is allegedly one of the last of its kind to be sold here in the US.
ALFA LOVERS - this is a one of a kind! MUST SEE! One of the last five 164Q imported in the US (1995), with ONLY 88,300 miles, mostly highway! I've been the sole owner since, kept the car ALWAYS in garage, very well maintained and serviced with all records. Currently with: NEW tires with allignment, NEW battery, NEW fuel line, NEW fog lights, new muffler, clear smog check, fully serviced (all fuels) with clear title in hand. NEVER in an accident. Immaculate interior, seats like new, (can count on one hand how many times people set in back). NEVER smoking inside. Smells like a new car still! Exterior in great condition with only a minor scratch on rear bumper. The car looks great and runs GREAT! It is truly a one of a kind - destined to be a classic in the Alfa line and Alfa world! Must sell due to changes in commute and relocation. ONLY very interested buyers please! Form of payment: cashier's check or money order.
The 164LS we featured last week sold for $9,999. This 164Q has almost the same mileage with a price about $2,000 more. Whether or not you favor the sportier Q over the luxury LS version is a matter of taste. Both this car and the LS have 5-speed manual transmission, which is important for enthusiasts. I prefer the Q. With a little bit of negotiation room, I'd say this car is priced right for someone looking to savor one of Alfa's last forays into mainstream US sales.
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.
