Description
This is a 1994 Alfa Romeo 164 3. 0 24v QV, finished in Rossi Red with a black Recaro leather interior and 125, 000 miles on the clock.
The Alfa Romeo 164 was an important part of the Italian car company’s late twentieth century renaissance. Offered first in 1987 it, alongside the 156, restored credibility at a time when that credibility had just about run out. Styled by Pininfarina, the 164 isn’t only achingly beautiful, it goes well, too. The 2. 0-litre Twin Spark engine might be decently efficient and powerful but the Alfa 164 is at its very best with the 3. 0-litre V6 under the bonnet; not only does the larger engine go as well as it sounds, it also looks simply glorious. And yet, enough is often never enough and or those for whom the standard V6 wasn’t sufficiently appealing the company unveiled the QV, or Quadrifoglio Verde, in 1990. Fitted with a unique body kit comprising an extended front spoiler, deeper side-skirts, and a rear diffuser/ apron, it also gained more heavily bolstered front seats, all the better to retain the occupants being treated to the full might of the more powerful engine (230bhp against the standard car’s 189bhp) and adjustable damping.
This car is thought to be one of only 24 left in the country - and possibly the only one with the Recaro interior. That may or may not be true but its credentials are unimpeachable and include winning the 'Judges Choice' award at the Alfa Romeo Day at Hever Castle in 2018, after which it scooped the runner’s up prize in the following year’s Masterclass.
The Rosso Red coachwork is beautifully offset by the black lower body, a combination that allows those sleek Pininfarina lines to shine. With very good shutlines and perfect panel alignment, it says only good things. The paintwork is almost unblemished and there’s no rust either. The limited chromework is very good being untarnished and free of pitting. The body kit lines up very well too, as does the ‘tilt ‘n’ slide’ steel sunroof. The latter seals tightly and operates as it should and the car has both front and rear parking sensors. The Alfa comes with a separate boot spoiler which hasn’t been fitted because the previous owner preferred a clean and unsullied look but it’s there, rare and waiting to be fitted should the car’s new owner prefer to add a dash of flash. The car rides on 18-inch BBS-style split-rim alloy wheels which are free of damage and completely unmarked.
The black leather Recaro interior isn’t only rare – this is believed to be the only 164 left that features the original factory one. The electrically adjustable and heated front leather seats are only very gently creased and still as supportive and comfortable as they were when they were fitted 26 years ago. The rear seats, which are almost as deeply bolstered as those in the front, are in an even better condition - and there are rear sunblinds back there too. Invoices in the history file imply that the air-conditioning system has been regularly maintained over the years.
One of the only noticeable faults on the car is that the digits on the central display in the centre console are only half-visible. The only other issue we can see is a very small tear in the leather on the outside edge of the passenger’s seat.
The V6 engine was rebuilt in 2000 after a timing belt broke. The final bill topped £3, 500 but included two reconditioned cylinder heads plus a new radiator, clutch, and refurbished fuel injectors. The same year saw another hefty four-figure bill for a new starter motor and air-conditioning pump and filter plus alternator jockey wheels. The car also sports uprated Tarox G88 front discs and pads. There are also plenty of old invoices for work carried out over the years.
The Alfa’s MoT certificate, which is valid until July 2022, was gained without a single advisory point, something it’s been doing since 2012. It has a number of expired MoT certificates plus a thick sheaf of invoices and bills to confirm the work that has been done to it over the years. It also still has its original owner’s handbook, a fully-stamped service history, the rest of the book pack and the storage wallet plus two sets of keys and a sales brochure.
This super rare car presents wonderfully, sounds great and drives fantastically well. This outstanding example is ready for a new owner to enjoy.
