With each passing day, the possibility of Alfa Romeo returning to the US marketplace seems less and less plausible. With a global financial downturn and the demand for new cars waning, it remains to be seen whether Fiat will take the plunge and give American enthusiasts the marque they have so desired for years. In the meantime, I'd be very tempted to enjoy a sedan like this, the 1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS. This was the final year any Alfa Romeo was offered in the US until 2008 when the limited production 8C Competizione came along. This low mileage 164LS for sale in California has the desirable 5-speed manual and looks classy in dark green with tan interior.

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

1995 Alfa Romeo 164 LS. Very Well Maintained Alfa Sports Sedan - 5 Speed! 78,710 Original Documented Miles & All Original Delivery Documents! Serviced by "APC" (Alfa Performance Connection) Southern California. Classic Color Combination & Fully Loaded.

The Alfa Romeo 164 was styled by Enrico Fumia at Pininfarina in 1982. The 164 can be seen as the logical extension and successor of the Alfetta, particularly the late-model "long nose, square light." The 164 was the first Alfa to feature extensive use of computer aided design for calculating structural stresses, resulting in a very rigid but still relatively lightweight body. The 164 was the basis of the Type Four platform, which it shares with Lancia Thema, Fiat Croma and Saab 9000. Being the last to reach the market, the 164's body shell was the most aerodynamic of the four, and had a markedly sleeker profile and lower coefficient of drag. In order to permit this design variation, an exclusive front suspension was developed. The 164 was the first of the "new technology" Alfa Romeos, and is the technological and styling basis of all Alfas to the present day.

The 164 also introduced dramatically improved build quality over previous Alfas, featuring galvanized steel frame and various body panels for the first time, ending the most common complaint by Alfa customers about rust problems encountered in older models such as the Alfasud and the GTV. As a top-line saloon, the car proved it to be as a comfortable and sure-footed car, with a distinctively sporting character, consistent with the marque's tradition. In fact, the motoring press of the day found its only fault to be minimal torque steer, particularly in earlier versions.

The 164 was designed to compete in the executive car segment dominated by the German cars. It offered better value for money in terms of technology (having three onboard computers, one for air conditioning, one for instrumentation, and one for engine management; air conditioning and instrument functions shared a multiple-mode coded Z-80-class microcontroller for dashboard functioning). Air-direction within the ventilation system was controlled by a pair of servomechanisms.

The car had some very advanced features for its day, such as automatic climate control and electronically controlled damping suspension (in the top-line Cloverleaf models and 164LS). This suspension actively reduced damping in response to conditions to provide a dynamic compromise between road holding and comfort. The 164 also boasted engines rated among the best in the industry at the time, and the same basic engine designs were used until very recently by Alfa Romeo across its model range.

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

- 2,959 cc 3 liter 6 V front transverse engine with 93 mm bore, 72.6 mm stroke, 10 compression ratio, double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel
- Fuel economy EPA highway (l/100km): 9.8
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 65 liter fuel tank
- Power: 210 HP @ 6,300 rpm; 198 ft. lb. @ 5,000 rpm

Handling

- ABS
- Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs
- Space saver spare wheel
- Strut front suspension with stabilizer bar , rear suspension with stabilizer bar independent with coil springs

INTERIOR

- CFC free liquid air conditioning with climate control
- Power antenna
- Anti-theft protection
- Front illuminated ashtray , additional row seats ashtray
- Stereo audio system with AM/FM
- Cargo area light
- Cargo capacity: rear seat up; to lower window (liters)
- Front seats illuminated cigar lighter , rear seats illuminated cigar lighter , additional row seats Cigar lighter
- Digital clock
- Floor full console with covered storage box
- Delayed/fade courtesy lights with four switches
- Cruise control
- Door ajar warning
- Door pockets/bins for driver seat, passenger seat and rear seats
- External temperature display
- Floor covering: carpet in load area
- Driver and passenger front airbag
- Bucket seats
- Reel height adjustable front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat
- Front seat center armrest
- Lockable illuminated glove compartment with lid
- Height adjustable head restraints on front seats and rear seats
- Internal dimensions: front headroom (mm): 970, rear headroom (mm): 930, front hip room (mm): 1,461, rear hip room (mm): 1,461, front leg room (mm): 998, rear leg room (mm): 861, front shoulder room (mm): 1,433, rear shoulder room (mm): 1,438 and interior volume (liters): 2,413
- Low fuel level warning
- Remote power locks
- Vehicle speed proportional power steering
- Front, rear and front power windows
- Front and rear reading lights
- Reel rear seat belts on driver side , reel rear seat belts on passenger side , static rear seat belts on center side
- Rear seat center armrest
- Seating for three in rear
- Automatic operation rear view mirror
- Electric remote fuel filler door release
- Electric remote trunk/hatch release
- Front seat back storage
- Total Seating: Five
- Leather seat upholstery
- Six speaker stereo
- Leather covered steering wheel
- Tachometer
- Passenger illuminated vanity mirror
- Ventilation system with variable fan speeds and recirculation setting

EXTERIOR

- Body side molding
- Front and rear body color impact absorbing bumpers
- Chrome/bright trim on side of body and on bumpers
- Coefficient of drag: 0.3
- Driver and passenger power heated body color door mirrors
- External dimensions: overall length (mm): 4,666, overall width (mm): 1,760, overall height (mm): 1,389, wheelbase (mm): 2,659, front track (mm): 1,514, rear track (mm): 1,488 and curb to curb turning circle (mm): 10,790
- Front fog lights
- High pressure headlight cleaners
- Halogen bulb headlights
- Front steel electric tilting sliding sunroof
- Tinted glass
- Weights: gross vehicle weight rating (kg) 1,969 and curb weight (kg) 1,548
- Two-speed windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe

THIS PARTIUCLAR 1995 ALFA ROMEO 164LS

HIGHLIGHTS

- 78,710 documented miles!
- Difficult to find 164LS version
- 5 Speed
- Well maintained by Alfa Performance Connection (APC) - Southern California
- Well sorted, reliable example
- Runs & drives very well
- Very original (Minor modifications installed and tuned professionally)
- Very straight with excellent paint
- Exterior, interior, trunk & engine bay reflect "enthusiast care"
- No signs of rust
- Professionally installed upgrades including: "Q" model intake runners & Squadra performance chip
- Recent mechanical work including timing belt
- New A/C compressor
- Extremely difficult to find in this condition

OVERALL CONDITION

COSMETIC

Having travelled just over 78,000 miles the car is in absolutely beautiful condition. The exterior has the appearance of a considerably new vehicle and the paint, body, trim, glass and other exterior components are in excellent condition. The car reportedly received a VERY high quality repaint in its factory original color and, frankly, if anything the paint quality is equal to, perhaps better than the original paint. There is NO overspray on the trim and the paint is totally flat, free from orange peel or other defects and the car was painted as a "complete" (no partial painting of panels, etc.). The 164LS is striking and the photos accurately reflect its condition.

Alfa Romeo's (and many other vehicles) carried permanent stickers on various panels (fenders, doors, front and rear bumper cover, and rear quarter panels) in order to determine originality and be able to ascertain if any accident damage has resulted in replacement of a panel (s). We look for these "Numbers" not only for the sake of originality but also to ensure that the car has not been involved in an accident. We are pleased to report that this Alfa has the original numbers on the rear quarter panels, all 4 doors, and both front fenders. The front and rear bumpers are free from any damage, significant imperfections or damage. Please take a look at the photographs that show the car was a suburban car and not subjected to the parking realities of big city life.

The exterior trim is all original and in what we often refer to as "California condition." The trim is free from all but the most minor imperfections that can be expected on a vehicle of this vintage, none of which detract from the overall appearance and attractiveness of the Alfa. The glass is excellent, all of the power windows are functional and there are no stars or cracks in the windshield. The mirrors do not show the typical rock chips and the front spoiler is free from the usual major scrapes and damage and in very nice condition.

INTERIOR

The interior on the Alfa Romeo is in lovely condition and shows virtually no signs of wear due to the cars low mileage. There are some signs of patina of fine leather on the driver's side seat but the seat remains totally free from any rips, tears or damage to the seat bolster. This is a rarity with the relatively high bolstered sport style seating found in the Alfa 164LS. The passenger seat, rear seats, door panels, dash, headliner, carpet (covered with carpeted mats) and other interior components are excellent.

The Alfa remains 100% stock including the original, factory installed, fully functional (including automatic retracting power antenna) AM/FM Cassette radio. While the trunk mounted CD player is in place, (refer to photos) it does not appear to be working as a result of disconnected wiring. It may be a simple fix but we have not looked into the issue. The instrumentation is totally stock and, unlike many Alfa's of this vintage, all of the instruments work fine as does the air conditioning, cruise control and warning light system. Note: One of the photos shows the car with all doors open and the 4 door warning lights illuminating along with a round light for the emergency brake.

The automatic air condition system appears to be fully functional due, in part, to a relatively recent replacement of the air conditioning compressor. The LCD digital display readings show only partial numbers at some settings, a common reality with the older 164's. The power sunroof works fine as do the windows, door locks, remote mirrors and fully adjustable electric seats (both sides).

MECHANICAL CONDITION

In a word, excellent. This Alfa Romeo runs very strong and has been serviced by a highly respected Alfa specialist in Southern California, APC, for the previous five years. Specifically, Alfa Performance Connection indicates that they serviced the Alfa from November 7, 2007 when it had 68,118 miles until October 26, 2012 when it had 78,630 miles. The Car Fax records also support this mileage history. Documentation in our file supports their knowledge of the car and the recent repairs and upgrades as follows:

- New Timing Belt
- New Air Conditioning Compressor
- Regular Service
- Q Model Intake Runners
- Passed Smog (2007, 2009, 2011)
- Squadra Performance Chip (With a combination of Q Runner Intake & Chip 30+ horsepower reported by users on Websites)

DRIVING THE ALFA ROMEO 164LS

The additional of the professionally installed Squadra and improved Alfa Romeo "Q" intake runners the car is noticeably quicker than a stock 164LS but does not exhibit any negative tendencies. The Alfa 164LS was always a great sports sedan to drive but increase in horsepower adds to the experience. In all ranges the car pulls very strong and without hesitation. The car revs freely and upon hard acceleration there is controllable torque steer due to the front wheel drive configuration of the Alfa. The idle is smooth and even and the car has just had the benefit of a fresh catalytic converter to ensure compliance with California smog requirements.

Driving the Alfa is really a pleasure. There are no signs of mechanical issues and there is no noise in the drive-line. The clutch is excellent, the transmission shifts very well, the synchromesh gears are excellent (even at higher speeds) and the car is fitted with relatively new, matching tires and original "telephone dial" Alfa Romeo wheels. The car steers straight, stops straight and has excellent brakes. An inspection of the underside of the car is clean and free from rust and any signs of previous repair or accidents. We encourage a review of the photos as the old adage "A photo is worth a thousand words" clearly applies in this instance! All of the electrical components are fully functional and the car passed California's strict safety inspection for lights, turn signals, wipers, within the previous week. The car is licensed and registered in California and, of course, has a free and clear California title.

The trunk and engine bay are very clean and consistent with the condition of the car's exterior and interior quality. We often times receive questions that go something like: "Does the car really look as good as it does in the photographs"? The answer in this case is no. In this case, the looks better. Perhaps most important, this is an opportunity to own a truly unique and original Alfa 164LS that offers great handling, looks and performance at a very attractive price.

This 164LS is certainly in good nick. Cosmetically, the only issue I could spot was the clearcoat lifting a bit on the alloy wheels. With the recent timing belt replacement and a long record of service by an Alfa specialist, the new owner should rest rather easy. Even good examples of a late model 164 can be had for well under $10,000 these days. I'd suspect a very clean, well kept 164LS like this would probably fetch somewhere between $6,500 and $8,000 to the right buyer.

-Paul