1990 Alfa Romeo 33 Imola Edition

Alfa Romeo in the 90s is something the US market never quite got to see. The company ceased exporting cars to North America in 1995. The last new car they sold here was the 164, a large, expensive front-wheel drive sedan that left probably left consumers feeling indifferent more than anything.

But in the European market, Alfa offered a much broader spectrum of cars. Perhaps if they had brought something like the 33 over here, they would have sold a lot more cars.

The 33 debuted in 1983 and was basically Alfa's entry-level family car. It was based on the modified front-wheel drive platform of its predecessor, the Alfasud, and featured a range of 4-cylinder boxer engines.

The styling is classic Eurobox, which, if you love them as I do, you just 'get' it. You can see traces of the Milano/75 and even the 164 blood in it, with the downturned front lights, hard angles and thick, high rear boot.

This example has found its way to the US from Holland and currently resides in Florida. Cosmetically, the seller says it isn't perfect but it is rust-free, otherwise a concern on any Alfa Romeo.

Mechanically, they say the engine runs very well and even boasts a performance chip that boosts the 1.7 4-cylinder boxer engine output to 120 horsepower. That's not a lot, but it's a relatively small car, and like most Alfa Romeo it should complement a tight and balanced chassis for superb handling.

The seller says the odometer reads about 87,000 kilometers which is only about 55k miles, and that is has a clear Florida title, a huge plus that should make it transferrable to any other state, except perhaps California where it would not be exempt from smog.

I've never seen one here before, although with cars of the 80s now easily importable under the 25-year rule we may see more. But given this or a 164, I'd take this. It's also a great alternative to a Volkswagen, Saab or Volvo from the same era.

Available here on ebay for $17,895.

1994 Alfa Romeo 164 Q4

The 164 split critics when it debuted and continues to polarize today. The main problem was drivetrain. Had it been another large, expensive rear-wheel drive sedan, it actually would have fit in with the competition and maybe even stood out a little on its own merits. But it was given a front-wheel drive platform that was shared with other European automakers like Lancia and Saab. In the US, the only similar cars in its high price range would have been a Cadillac. It didn't stand a chance against BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

It's a shame because the 164 was otherwise pretty neat. Its nearest relative, the 75/Milano, was a sharp, roomy, fast rear-wheel drive sport sedan. The 164 was given a similarly fresh design that contrasted with the more traditional German designs at the time. The body courtesy of Pininfarina is clean, simple and forward thinking. This example looks fine in black, though I prefer the classic red paint typically seen on others. The rare Q4 package adds ground effects and a rear spoiler that gives it a menacing, hunkered down look.

The real sweet spot of the 164 though is underneath the hood glistening in polished chrome: a 3.0-liter 24-valve 6-cylinder engine good for nearly 230 horsepower, really impressive for the day and still decent now. Just like Cadillac's maligned Allante, however, all the muscle was sadly directed to the front wheels, producing quite a bit of torque steer and dismissing it as a serious contender.

This example has just 126k on the clock. The seller says they are the second owner, have records available, did major maintenance and added new parts.

Here's the one saving grace about the 164. It makes for one of the most entertaining, stylish and still useful (with those four doors) second hand car out there, because most of them go for a fraction of what even the cheapest new car costs.

Available here on craigslist for $4,000.

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde 3.0

The Milano is one of the great lost rear-wheel drive sedans, able to compete with the best from Mercedes-Benz and BMW at the time. Unfortunately, it wasn't nearly as popular and very few remain, at least here in the states. What do remain are usually rusted out basket cases. Fortunately, COTC has come across this remarkable survivor for your inspection.

Otherwise known as the '75' outside of North America, it debuted in 1985 with a bold new body by Ermanno Cressoni. The shape is a masterpiece of modernity: all hard angles, sharp creases and stark planes. The only round shapes are the wheels, logo emblems and the gas cap. I particularly like the rhombus headlights, which give it a moody, downbeat face.

The rear ends with a high, short boot - something automakers are only recently bringing back, but it's important to note the Milano/75 helped establish the trend. These look good in any color, but black is especially handsome, taking nothing away and giving it even stealthier vibes. The alloys seem to have come from the 164, and suit this just fine.

Inside is just as mod, with the center console basically a stack of rectangular boxes. Some people hate this kind of design. I absolutely love it. I like machines to look like machines, not potpourri. Lack of airbags complete the stark, bare-bones industrial look. The aftermarket steering wheel is ok, but I'd source a genuine three-spoke Milano wheel.

Underneath the hood is perhaps the best part. There were only two engine sizes available in the US: a 2.5 and 3.0-liter V6. This is the larger V6, and it's mated to a stick shift as a bonus for performance fiends.

These cars were almost perfectly balanced from front to rear, accomplished using a transaxle with the gearbox in the rear connected to the rear differential and a torsion bar suspension up front and de Dion tubes with shock absorbers in the rear. The 3.0-liter also had a limited slip differential.

This particular survivor has a claimed 103k miles on the clock and a clean title. The seller lists a host of new parts, but doesn't mention how many owners, any accidents or, perhaps most important with a vintage Alfa, RUST. I'd check for all those things and giver 'er a healthy test drive. This is a very cool car and a wonderful alternative to an E30 or W124. Parts are hard to come by and these are not known for reliability, but if you're an Alfa fan you already know all that. This thing is all about cruising with that sweet Italian engine note.

Available here on craigslist for $4,500.

1999 Alfa Romeo 156

Sigh. Alfa Romeo in the late 90s. It's something we'll never know, because the company stopped selling cars here in 1995. Today, they offer just one car in the US, a snazzy sport coupe for over $100k. That's a shame, because they have a long tradition in something far more practical yet still very fun: compact sport sedans.

The last Alfa most Americans remember was the 164. Based on a Euro platform it shared with Lancia and Saab, it was a slight betrayal with front-wheel drive, but the styling and engine power were still quality. Alfa basically continued and expanded their front-wheel platforms after that, resulting in the 156, among other models.

The 156 debuted in 1997. European auto styling in the 90s completely eschewed the 80s hardcore techno-industrial angles in favor of soft corners, organic shapes and minimal details. The 156 is a great example, with small lamps, no anti-dent molding and rear door handles built into the c-pillar keeping the side profile clean. It's good looking, especially considering today's over-designed cars.

Under the hood of this example is a "Twin Spark" 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a stick shift. Alfa's are renowned for their exhaust notes and excellent handling. I certainly would have preferred this puppy over a mechanically similar Honda or Toyota back in the day.

The seller says the car has 145,000 kilometers, which is about 90k miles. They say it has one previous owner, some service history, a new timing belt and in good condition throughout.

This one is in Canada and is not exempt under the US 25-years-and-older import rule unless it is federalized, and who knows how much that entails or costs. Still, it's not impossible and is good to see this one on this side of the Atlantic nonetheless, especially in such a sweet color combo as silver over red leather.

Available here on ebay with no bids and a Buy It Now of $10,500.

In the US: 1996 Alfa Romeo 155

North America missed out on Alfa Romeo in the 1990s. They stopped selling cars here in 1995. The last memory most US consumers have of Alfa Romeo is the big, expensive and front-wheel drove 164. While quite a looker, the platform threw a lot of people off. How could it possibly compete against rear-wheel BMW and Mercedes? It couldn't, and not surprisingly not many were sold.

A car that made a lot more sense was the smaller 155, which replaced the 75/Milano in 1992, but of course it was never offered here. Sure, it was front-wheel, but it was smaller, lighter and cheaper. I'd take this any day over a comparable Camry, Accord, Saab or Volvo from the same era.

It also looked amazing thanks to styling genius Ercole Spada (he of the BMW E32 and E34 masterstrokes). Spada's vision of a sedan is essentially a four-door version of the classic wedge shape of the 70s and 80s: squinty, narrow, tapered front-end, grooved sides, and a high chunky rear. It's a temple of form over function philosophy: the small front helps air over the car and the high rear forces it down again, not to mention providing ample trunk space. It all just makes sense. Refrigerator white only shows off the hard, crisp and clean lines and angles.

The seller of this example says they bought it in the US from a dealer, and assume it came in over a special rule that allows servicemen to import one car from overseas (new to me). Otherwise, it's illegal to import any vehicle 25 years and newer. They do say it has a valid Maine title however.

Cosmetically, the seller says it was repainted after an accident, and the steering wheel and shif tknob were stolen as well. Inside, they say there is some wear and stains on the seats.

Mechanically, they say they recently spent $1,500 nursing it out of a slumber, which includes a new fuel pump, rebuilt calipers, new master cylinder and one new brake line. They also say the fuel gauge is malfunctioning and the a/c needs a recharge.

The seller says they now need to get rid of it after tensions with their spouse (too much information). This car has clearly been through quite an ordeal and is far from perfect. But it's extremely rare and seems overall well kept, if a little unlucky. This is a fun collector car that will be a hit at the local Italian car show - but only for the right price, given the unsavory history and current incomplete interior.

Available here on ebay in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina with bidding at $2,137, reserve not met, and a buy-it-now of $5,200.

31k-Mile 1979 Alfa Romeo Sport Sedan

The seller of this immaculate Alfetta describes it as an "early Christmas present." While I'm not sure I'd go that far, it sure is delightfully crisp and clean looking. This could be the lowest mileage Alfetta on the planet.

These were produced from 1972 to 1984, before it was replaced by the 90, which was then replaced by the large, heavy and front-wheel drivel 164, a far cry from this relatively compact rear-wheel drive car. The Alfetta were only sold in the US from 1975 to 1977, and then from 1978-1979 a mildly restyled version sold as the "Sport Sedan" was offered. This is one such example.

Alfa also housed the clutch and the transmission in the rear for more balance. The engines ranged from four cylinders to six. This one has a 2.0-liter twin cam four-cylinder. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The seller says it is stock other than a modern catalytic converter and electronic ignition.

Styling was done in house by Centro Stile. The Italians are masters of both classicism and modernism, but the Alfetta definitely leans towards the tight sheet metal and hard angles they adopted in the 70s and 80s. It's executed well and the cream paint flatters it further.

The interior is remarkably tidy and seems to support the low mileage claim. The seats are in brown cloth and look cozy and fit the whole earth tones theme.

Cosmetically, the seller says the vehicle has never been in an accident and has no rust. They say it still wears the original paint. They do mention it has a dent on the hood and a light scratch on the windshield, however, but those are minor flaws.

Mechanically, they say it runs as well as it looks and has a lot of low-end torque.

This is easily the nicest Sport Sedan/Alfetta I've seen. It's in great shape, it's the later improved version, and there just aren't many left, and most likely none that had this kind of careful ownership.

Available here on ebay in Midland, Michigan with bidding at $2,075.

Twin Spark: 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider

The 1990s were a transition time for Alfa Romeo. They left the U.S. market in 1995 after years of dwindling sales. The moved most of their cars to simplistic front-wheel drive, much to the disdain of enthusiasts. And yet their designs started returning to the artful, sensuous curves not seen on their cars since the 1950s and early 60s.

The Spider was introduced in 1993 but the design by Enrico Fumia dates back to 1987. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but it does mark a change in Italian auto styling trends away from the harsh edges and angles of the late 70s and 80s and more towards softer corners, flat planes and minimal detail. Sex appeal was back. It was was sophisticated then, and it still looks fresh today.

This particular example is especially crisp in blue over tan leather with black top. I especially like the holed alloys.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder twin spark engine that produced 147 horsepower mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The seller of this example says it has just 84,200 kilometers which is only about 53k miles. Cosmetically, they say it has no rust and no "bondo".

Mechanically, they say it drives good and just had a timing belt and water pump replaced at 78km.

These were never sold in North America, but this one had managed to find its way to Canada, so it's one step closer thank importing one directly from Europe. I can see it humming alongside vineyards in Napa Valley, California if you can get it here.

Available here on ebay in British Columbia, Canada with bidding at $2,824 and a Buy-It-Now of $7,800.

One-Owner 1987 Alfa Romeo Milano 2.5

The Milano is easily one of the coolest sedans Alfa Romeo ever put out.

Elsewhere these were known as simply the "75", to commemorate 75 years of Alfa Romeo making automobiles. Alfa debuted the car in 1985 to replace the obscure 1977-85 Giulietta. The 75/Milano was intended to raise the bar in comfort, handling, performance and quality, and it mostly succeeded.

Underneath the hood lay some impressive statistics. These were offered with four or six cylinders powering the rear-wheels. The Milano was almost perfectly balanced from front to rear, with the engine and torsion bar weighing down the front and the gearbox, rear differential, and de Dion tube shock absorbers in the rear.

The styling by Ermanno Cressoni, however, is perhaps most fascinating. It is a striking combination of crisp hard lines and angles. The body is long and narrow, with a tapered front end and high chunky rear. There are almost no curves, except for the wheel wells and wheels. It has this hardcore, hunkered-down, aggressive techno-industrial kind of look, especially with all the black plastic trim used. It's highly functional looking and yet sculptural at the same time but never pretentious or wasteful. It's extremely edgy and and now seems ahead of it's time. The long hood and large truncated rear has become the 21st century shape of the entry level sports sedan from BMW to Lexus.

The interior is also pure 80s Mod, a stack of squares and rectangles that houses gauges, lights and switches. It also featured a dashboard-mounted diagnostic computer that monitored life signs of all vital systems. When you're inside the cockpit of the Milano, you're in the zone. Also note a pre-airbag steering wheel.

The seller of this immaculate survivor is not the original owner but says only one person has owned it previously since new. The seller says it was bought new in San Francisco and has remained in California since.

Cosmetically, they say it has no rust, a huge plus for a vintage Alfa, and seems to be wearing the original paint. They say the handsome original alloys and Pirelli tires are also intact. Inside, they say the cloth seats are in great shape and the dash is crack-free. The say the headliner is sagging and there is no radio, but the a/c blows cold and all lights and gauges work.

Mechanically, they say the 2.5-liter V6 runs and drives, the 5-speed manual transmission shifts well and steering is tight and responsive. They do note the rear differential whines, however.

Production of the 75/Milano ended in 1992. It was the last Alfa built by them before Fiat's takeover, and the last RWD sedan they offered in North America. In 1995, they pulled out of here altogether.

This could be a nice opportunity to snag a fun sedan for relatively cheap. Maintenance is key, so check and see if the seller has any records. Be prepared to invest in repairs and expensive parts. Other than that, pamper it and bring it to the local Italian classics show.

Find it here on ebay in San Carlos, California with bidding starting at $1,987 and a Buy-It-Now of $4,487.

Original Paint: 1971 Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior Zagato

The GT 1300 Junior was designed by Ercole Spada (later of BMW) then working under famed Italian design house Zagato. It features some of his trademark styling cues: a large rear with some overhang to force air down for increased control and a small, forward-leaning snout with quad round headlights. Spada is a genius and the 1300 Junior was another fine peice on his resume.

It debuted at the Turin Motor Show in 1969. Only 1,108 units were ever made, and they were never officially imported and sold here.

The floorplan, driveline and suspension were borrowed from the 1300 Spider.

A 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine powered the rear wheels.

In 1972, the 1600 Zagato came out with slightly different bodywork and a larger engine.

This survivor wears one California blue plate and what the seller says is the original coat of paint, although they mention it is cracking. However, they say the floors and jacking points are all solid and rust free.

They mention the center console has been swapped for a Berlina unit, but the original piece is included.

Mechanically, they say it has a 2.0-litre engine in place of the 1.3-litre, but the original engine is available and also numbers-matching.

Zagato cars are special and collectible because they are often limited production and wear finely designed and crafted bodies. This is an opportunity to acquire one such vehicle, with a larger engine already switched in to also make it a fun driver.

Find it here on ebay with no bids starting at $28,500.

1996 Alfa Romeo GTV TB 5-Speed

This interestingly styled Alfa Romeo was never offered in the United States.

Alfa Romeo was actually without a hardtop coupe after production of the 1974-1986 GT ended. In 1995, they pulled out of the U.S. market altogether. That same year they debuted the GTV.

The technical specifics aren't too impressive - it is front-wheel drive, after all. But they were significantly better cars than the previous GT and were given a whole new range of peppy engines. This one has the 2.0-litre "TB" V6 under the hood.

Styling is courtesy of Enrico Fumia at Pininfarina and is visually intriguing. The whole front end is swept up into a notch line that wraps around the c-pillars and rear windshield, from which juts a seemingly separate part that becomes the tail end. The rear features a single-strip taillight that the Alfa's164 sedan had pioneered as a design trademark. When I was younger I had a diecast 1:18 scale model of a burgundy convertible.

The seller states they have owned the car for 6 years but imported it themselves 3 years ago. The U.S. government typically doesn't allow importation of vehicles newer than 25 years old, so this one somehow passed underneath the radar. I'm sure there are some legal loopholes. I'm not complaining. It's great to see one here.

The odometer is most likely in kilometers and the seller says it reads 133,582 which converts into about 75k miles. Mechanically, they say the engine runs and doesn't burn or leak any oil. The say the brakes and tires are new and the air conditioning is cold. Cosmetically they say it has no rust, and the paint is "perfect", although they state it has some minor dents and scratches.

These do pop up for sale in North America, but they are usually in Canada. This could be an opportunity for lovers of Alfa Romeos or just funky Italian cars from the 90s to own a very rare car in the U.S.

The seller says it is titled in Vermont (confirmed by the green license plate) and is ready to be transferred to anywhere else.

Find it here on ebay in Bronxville, New York.

Twin Spark: 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 5-speed

You could consider this an afterlife car.

The 156 was never offered in North America. Alfa Romeo pulled out of the U.S. market in 1995. These were made from 1997-2007. It's predecessor, the 155, was also never sold in the U.S. However, the predecessor to the 155, the 75/Milano, was sold here. So this car is missing some lineage for U.S. enthusiasts.

Let's start with the Milano then. It was Alfa's midsize four-door sedan, with striking angular styling, peppy four and six-cylinders and rear-wheel drive. Production ended in 1992.

Jump forward to 1997. The 156 is around the same size as the 75/Milano, but it wears much simpler, smoother bodywork (with hidden rear door handles) and has, unfortunately, front-wheel drive like the larger 164.

The engines available in the 156 ranged from four to six cylinders. This is a 16-valve 2.0-litre 4-cyldiner "Twin Spark" engine featuring Alfa Romeo's dual ignition for higher output. The spark plug is positioned in the center of the cylinder while a smaller plug is off to the side on axis. Due to the way the coils are paired, both plugs fire at the same time on exhaust and compression stroke. The dual plugs provide more better performance while complying with emissions standards.

Since this car was never available here and the current U.S. importation rules allow only cars 25 years and older, the most pressing issue is how it got here. The seller states it was imported from Italy somehow in 2009 and brought to California, where it is currently registered until Dec. '12 with a clear title.

The say the odometer reads about 240 kilometers which converts to about 150,000 miles. Cosmetically, they say it has some dings, dents and other minor imperfections.

Mechanically, they say it has new brakes and a fresh oil change but make no mention of the engine condition.

For the right price, this is a very rare and cool little sedan. How to get it fixed when things break is a whole other issue.

Find it here on ebay in Sacremento, California with bidding at $2,650, reserve not met and 11 hours left.

All-Original: 1969 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750

I'd be surprised if this craigslist ad makes it to the end of the day.

The 1969-1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750 was based on the 1963-1977 105/115 Series Coupe. Their values have jumped in recent years as their numbers dwindled, rally history was recognized, and general aesthetics have gained a many an appreciative eye.

The GTV 1750 featured many improvements over previous versions. Most notable was the increased engine size. They had 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines powering the rear-wheels.

The Bring a Trailer staff love these cars, as a couple appear every month in varying condition and prices. I didn't understand the appeal until a couple days ago, when they just magically fell into place in my mind. I also saw one for the first time yesterday in dark grey-blue. Rear-wheel drive, classic styling, rally heritage. They do look great, as the boat/bathtub high-beltline Euro shape and quad-round headlights give it almost a BMW look, perhaps even better, and these seemed to have never been slapped with ugly U.S. government mandated 5 mph crash test bumpers. These were designed by Giugiaro in his pre-wedge days.

The seller states this vehicle is all-original plus a few slight performance mods. They say the delicious mustard yellow paint is original, but there is rust in the door sills. They say the floors and jack points are solid, however.

The interior looks stock and fresh with a wood steering wheel and black leather seats.

Mechanically, the seller says it runs and the engine and transmission have low miles.

Hemmings estimates a '69-'74 GTV 1750 Coupe at in fair condition to be worth $8,500, good $15,000 and excellent at $28,500, making this car's asking price of $11,500 seem fair, depending on the underbody and engine specifics.

Find it here on craigslist in Spokane, Washington for $11,500.

Sleek: 43k-mile 1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde 3.0

The Alfa Romeo Milano was a front-engine, rear-wheel drive mid-size sedan produced from 1985-1992.

It was only known as the "Milano" in North America. Outside the U.S., it was called the "75" (probably due to the misguided marketing philosophy that thought Americans don't like numerical-based car names, completely disproved by the immensely popular BMW 3-series and various Mercedes over the years).

This is an '88 Verde 3.0.

The introduction of the 3.0 6-cylinder engine in 1987 was a big step forward for the Milano, finally giving it the power needed to stand out in a crowded field of European rear-wheel drive sedans of the late '80s and early '90s.

This example looks gorgeous in glossy black over black cloth interior. The body was not penned by Pininfarina but by in-house designer Ermanno Cressoni and it's still arresting, all hard angles and lines. These had excessive black plastic per European cars of the '80s, including an intriguing plastic cowl line that ran the length of the body above the door handles and around the back into a small spoiler, but it's all well-hidden with black paint.

The alloys are also quite nice.

 

Inside we are treated to an equally stark and angular interior with a factory three-spoke pre-airbag steering wheel. Though not as artful as the Alfa 164, it's still good looking and highly functional. Note what appears to be a double-bar lever hand brake around the armrest. Must be fun to slam that down!

The seller states this vehicle has only 43,743 miles and it shows. The exterior looks excellent with no major damage or even blemishes. Inside I do see either some stains or tears on the passenger side seat, which is unfortunate but not a deal breaker. Mechanically, the seller states it has been serviced, with new brakes and an ABS accumulator. They provide no explanation or history about the unusually low miles, but seem to have it ready for the next owner. I would ask for maintenance history and check the vehicle for rust, as Alfa Romeo are known for it.

This Milano could be a better deal than finding a clean 164, which was a bigger car but had front-wheel drive. With 6-cylinder power, a 5-speed manual transmission and low miles, this could be a great find for vintage Alfa enthusiasts or lovers of boxy '80s cars. The seller states just 883 were imported to the U.S. I'm not sure if that's a total number or just for 1988, but it's not a lot, and you can bet there are only a fraction left as they have no inherent value and were usually just junked when they got older. Many others sit dilapidated.

Find it here on craigslist in Boston, MA. The seller is asking $5,999 but say "no reasonable offer will be refused", another plus.

Still Fresh: 11k-mile 1991 Alfa Romeo 164

Low mileage cars always fascinate me.

Sometimes they are boring cars. Sometimes they are exciting cars.

This time, it's an exciting car.

This is a 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 with only 11,736 miles showing on the odometer.

That's an average of about only 561 miles a year. In contrast, the average American drives over 15,000 miles per year, according to the U.S. DOT.

This car would therefore classify as an extreme low-mileage survivor.

And what a great car to keep preserved.

The Alfa Romeo 164 was Alfa's flagship sedan during its production from 1987 to 1998 (and only until 1995 in the U.S., when Alfa left the here market altogether). It replaced the obscure Alfa 6, which, to my knowledge, was never offered in America. In the late '80s, however, with the foreign executive sedan market hot thanks to upwardly mobile yuppie tastes, Alfa Romeo probably figured the U.S. market was ripe for an all-new sedan. It also helped they had access to a shared Euro-chassis that would also be used for the equally excellent SAAB 9000 and Lancia Thema.

The results are pretty stunning.

Thanks to Pininfarina's design, the 164 is striking inside and out, and still looks great today. The exterior is crisp, clean, angular and simple. The front end is subtle and uplifting with crystal clear rhombus-shaped headlights. The sides are notable for the trend-setting high-waistline longitudinal notch cut, along which the door handles are placed in-sync. Even more trend-setting was the single-strip taillight unit, in which all rear lights, turn signals and reverse lamps, are integrated. Although many American cars (particularly those from the late 60s and 70s) featured single unit strips, none did it as cool and artistic looking as Pininfarina made it on the 164. It was also the obvious inspiration for the taillights of Toyota's 1997 Camry when it debuted.

This 1991 model has plastic grey lower body cladding and bumpers. The two-tone look was popular in the '80s and early '90s. Some cars purposely contrasted colors, and others just featured plain un-painted bumpers. Here, I believe these bumpers are some kind of semi-gloss painted graphite color, which contrasts wonderfully with the fresh refrigerator-white body color. For the final year of U.S. market cars, the lower panels were changed to body color and chrome trim along the belt-line all the way around was added, along with different alloys. "S" models had even more cladding underneath the bumpers and whatnot, along with different wheels. However the look on this model is my favorite, and works with the proportions of the car best.

The interior is what I like to call "Eighties Mod". Pininfarina managed to capture the muscular lines of the exterior and translate them into a successful dashboard. The instrument cluster is simple and uncomplicated, but with enough gauges to satisfy gadget-geeks. The center console is an amazing column of neatly stacked rows of chicklet-sized buttons, similar to the Cadillac Allante. If you look closely, each button has a corresponding image above it, doubling the space everything needs to take up, which is why it looks so busy, yet so orderly. It's what one calls a very charming design flaw. The angled rhomboid center a/c vents are also a cool feature, particularly as they are three-dimensional, almost pyramidal, carved out-of-the-dashboard looking, as opposed to set flush the way most cars feature them.

What really makes this car however are the mechanical specifications. Underneath the hood of each Alfa Romeo 164 sold in the United States was a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine. From 1991 to 1993, the engine was 12 valves, from '94 to '95, 24 valves. This is a 1991, so the engine was just the 12-valve, but it still produced about 183 horsepower. The engine is known to have a sonorous exhaust note. It also has one of the nicest looking engine bays in a modern sedan, complete with "Alfa Romeo" scrawled in red cursive text below polished cylinders.

Perhaps the only downside is the front-wheel drive layout, a turn-off to enthusiasts who loath torque-steer and crave the more ideal rear-wheel drive layout for the better balance and handling it enables. To this day it's still bizarre how a supposedly sport-oriented European car maker like Alfa Romeo could offer a package this well-wrapped along with something as anti-climactic as front-wheel drive.

What partly makes up for that failing is the presence of a 5-speed manual transmission. Frankly, as much as I rave about the 164, with an automatic transmission the car really is simply all looks, no show, because the stats would be about the same in theory and execution as a typical Honda Accord. But a manual transforms this car into something slightly more ideal, an exotic four-door sporting machine. It just makes a lot more sense.

This '91 164 seems to just be the base model, not the 'L'. It has cloth interior, which a lot of people like, but I consider another downside. The leather that came in these cars, particularly the tan leather, had that delicious sand color straight from an '80s Ferrari (and I'm also sure smelled great when new). Cloth seating also wears faster and more noticeably than leather (at least cared for leather) and retains odors and stains. Other than cloth seating, nothing else seems to distinguish it from an 'L'. Exterior wise it looks the same, complete with the gorgeous alloys. It also has a sunroof.

Only so many words can describe what a nifty car the 164 was and what an incredible example this car is. Given the mileage, it's no surprise the car is immaculate inside and out, with no visible flaws, rust, or damage of any kind. Literally, the car looks new. The interior seats show a little wear due to the type of cloth used, but look good and ready for future use.

Lastly, there is value. Alfa Romeo cars of the '70s and '80s aren't worth much yet, and may not be for a while. Sedans in particular don't appreciate well in America. This is already two strikes against the 164. The high NADA value for a 1991 Alfa 164 Base is $3,975. The CPI Value Guide puts a 1991 164 Base at $3,325. The seller advertises this car with a buy-it-now price for a whopping $19,500.00, about 5 and a half times more than the current estimated retail values. The buyer and seller both have good arguments. The buyer can argue that no 1991 sedan is worth that much. The seller can come right back and say, hey this is a rare Italian-made car that is perhaps the lowest mileage example anywhere. They could be right.

Fortunately, they accept offers. Should I whip out my checkbook? I wish.

Find this beauty here on ebay.