This square-jawed 164 LS presents the rare opportunity to purchase what is, in my opinion, the ideal configuration of a 164. It starts with the superlative 164 LS platform; introduced in 1994, it brought a 210hp 24V engine, a refreshed interior with - and this is difficult to believe - an updated version of the sea of button 90s HVAC controls, and handsome body-matched cladding - a notable improvement over the grey cladding in 1991-1993 cars. Usually, to upgrade to the 164 Q's 232hp, you have to stomach the swaths of grey body cladding, which have their place, but are by no means subtle. Fortunately for LS owners, it's possible to surpass the Q's 232hp spec with a Squadra chip upgrade and the Q's 45mm intake runners - $860 in kit form. In the case of this car, the chip is already present, so it's just a matter finding some $400 (or less used) 45mm Q runners to get to a claimed 240hp. Not bad for this black tuxedo of a sedan.
Year: 1995
Model: 164 LS
Engine: 3.0 Liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 79,000 mi
Price: $7,200
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1995 Alfa Romeo 164 LS
With a bit of trepidation and reluctance, I’m selling my 1995 164LS. I bought it here in 2009 from fellow member sjmst. I brought it to the left coast and have driven it about 29,000 miles since purchased. Need to shed this one to make room and some funds to assist the completion of my GT junior redo. Looks like I’m the 4th or 5th owner based on the materials I’ve been provided. Most everything from a copy of the original Monroney window sticker on through the most recent work detailed below is documented. Still in great condition, properly maintained by a AR specialty shop when needed and about as clean as you’ll find. Runs fast and firm, a great grand tourer with a lot of ‘sport’ mixed in. Now to the details (a lot of which I’ll plagiarize from the 2009 trade / sale post from where I purchased…):
Asking Price: $7,200
Miles: ~79,000
Black/Black, 5speed, 3L 24V
ZARED33E6S6310243
Photos @ flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/129463...7648339523413/ take a look there and if there are others you want, ask and they will post there.
Located in SF Bay Area, CA• 17” wheels w Falken Z1EX 225/45 17’s with ~19k miles on them w/ lots of life left
• Squadra chip
• B&G springs
• Goats repaired LCD HVAC display – all works and legible
• Invisible bra at leading edge of hood – no stone chips there as a result
• One small seam split in FL seat, professionally repaired and unnoticeable
• Headliner redone and flawless
• Original owner manuals, tools, keys, alarm fobs included (never could figure out how to program/reset for the fobs though)
• Original AM/FM/Cassette unit with 6 disc changer in trunk. All operable though the speakers are old and crap (usable and OK with me – I like hearing the 24V music) and should be replaced
• Dash is 10/10 – no cracks, no fading or warping, interior is 9or10/10, exterioris probably 8 or 9/10 (I’m picky)
Things not working, not working right or maybe in need of attention (most from the PO’s list and have not been an issue, some added by me over time):
• DS front seat heater switch ‘iffy’ – mostly does not work, sometimes the display icon will come on but I don’t sense heat. Never need that where I am so never bothered with it
• Small ‘dimples’ in DS front seat bottom, kind of back right corner. Leather is not jeopardized at all and I think it’s just a normal defect expected in cow hides (PO thought it may be from former owners, keys in pocket sort of thing). I say not.
• Misc minor dings (you’ll see not really noticeable when visiting the photos)
• Bottom cladding – at rear valance – ‘nubby’ paint is wearing off a bit in spots. Not a big issue and with the black material, not too noticeable.
• Small bubble areas where paint is failing / peeling on front bumper. ~1”x2” area and base material is black so not too noticeable but would eventually warrant a respray
• PO says was rearended lightly about a year before I acquired. Professionally repaired with new bumper cover, paint, aluminum strip via PO (I have receipts). Good job, not any noticeable difference from surrounding areas.
• Refrigerant lasts about 1-1.5 seasons per charge. Must be slow leak somewhere but the charge can be done easily at a low cost so has been no big deal to me.
• HVAC controls all work as intended though the link to the heater flap door must be disconnected (under dash?). I’ve read here on the BB kind of a pain to R&R. My solution has been to adjust to my liking based on season by moving the actuator arm behind the false firewall a bit to provide more, less or no hot air to the cabin. Again, I’m in a very mild climate
with minimal seasonal swings so not been an issue.
• Seat height adjustment function does not work well. Teeth or belt(?) stripped or jumped? Front/back/seatback tilt all fully functional otherwise
• PO represented hood repainted at time of adding the invisibra (looks great)
• Trunk lifting gas struts getting tired – need assistance to raise the trunk fully but holds it there once opened
• Stone chip very top edge of L headlight lens.I think that’s about it for the ‘defects’ etc. list. If not on this list, assume all else in good/very good to perfect condition but feel free to ask on specific things of interest or concern. Now on to things done since purchase:
• Smog check and registration done 1/14. Engine runs cleaner than my newer supposedly low emissions vehicles (Mini, Audi 2L)
• Steering rack replaced w/ properly rebuilt unit. Rock solid (aligned too) 5/14
• Fuel pump inc pump relays, Oil sensor unit replaced 5/13
• Brake Master Cylinder, Clutch Slave cylinder + hose 12/11
• Fan wiring harness, temp sensor, A arms replaced 3/11
• Plugs + tune, RR window regulator replacement, O2 sensor, transaxle fluid changed 3/10
• Serpentine belt, T-belt, bypass hoses, water pump replaced 3/09 (@ 50,100mi).
That’s about it. A fun car that gets smiles and comments by those both in the know and clueless as to what it is and a very good example of the last year and low volume US spec ’95 164.
Let the tire kicking begin!
The 164 platform is much less prone to rust than the earlier transaxle cars - not that rust should be too much of a concern for a California car like this one. Judging from the photos and description, exterior blemishes seem to be minimal, allowing the eye to focus on the flat surfaces and sharp creases so vital to the handsome Pininfarina wedge. Coming as more of a surprise is the state of the front leather seats, which are in remarkably superb condition, even for a car with relatively low mileage like this. Additional confidence as a buyer comes in the form of a fully repaired and functional climate control LCD screen - a common weak point on 164.
Mechanically speaking, this car is long overdue for a timing belt change; we wouldn't drive it far on the current 6 year-old belt. The belt jobs are expensive on these cars, especially when performed at a shop, so do not consider the rather optimistic asking price impervious to this reality. We'd also be prepared to spend some money on the air conditioning to address refrigerant leak, though it seems that we have a rare instance of a car with functioning A/C that actually does need the occasional recharge - a nice relief from the typical Craigslist seller's refrain. With a fresh timing belt, water pump, and A/C service, this 164 LS offers the rare opportunity to experience a 164 in 1990s condition, saving you 1.21 gigawatts in the process.
-Graham
