• One owner from new, always garaged

• 3.0 V6 manual

• Original bill of sale and all bills from new

• Unrestored original condition

Joint ventures were common in the car industry in the late Eighties, as collaborations between manufacturers led to reduced engineering and development costs. 

The ‘Type Four’ programme was agreed in 1979, and would see Italy, France and Sweden work together on a family of executive cars. The Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema, Saab 9000 and Alfa Romeo 164 all shared the same platform, floorpan, rear suspension, electrical architecture, heater controls and four-speed ZF automatic transmission, where specified. 

But they also maintained independence in terms of body styling and engine options, other than a mid-section that needed to be the same thanks to the floorpan layout. 

Though designed while still independent of Fiat, the Alfa Romeo 164 was released after the takeover and was the last to appear, previewed in 1987 but not put on sale until 1988, or 1989 in the UK. It would prove to be the most individual of the group, with its unique and stylish Pininfarina body, as well as bespoke front steering and  suspension.

It would also be a huge diversion for Alfa – its first large front-drive car, with a fully galvanised body and a choice of four-cylinder or V6 engines.

In April 1991, the owner of this Alfa walked into a dealership in West London and handed over £21,995 for a brand new 164 3.0 V6 manual. Little did he know at the time that he would go on to own the car for the next 31 years.

Indeed, it's only the introduction of the London ULEZ zone and a need for a smaller and easier to manoeuvre car that have led him to finally sell the Alfa Romeo that he has cherished and loved for so long.

As a result, here is a truly rare opportunity to acquire one of the coolest Alfa Romeos of the 1990s, directly from its one and only previous owner. Not only that, but the mileage of 58,620 is guarantee genuine as the car has only seen light use during the vendor's ownership.

The paperwork that backs up this car’s history is incredible. It begins with the original bill of sale and includes every single service and repair receipt throughout its life, beginning with the Lombardi Alfa Romeo dealership in West London in its earlier years and beyond that through the care of an independent Alfa Romeo specialist in more recent times.

In addition to the service receipts, the Alfa Romeo also comes with its original black leather folder which contains the owner’s manual, the service book, retailer directory, an accessory brochure and the business card of the original sales manager from whom he bought it.

Also included are a selection of older MOT certificates, the vast majority of which have been passed first time, and even a tax disc holder from the supplying dealership. It's a wonderful snapshot of early 90s motoring.

What's not to like about a shiny red Alfa Romeo? It looks absolutely fabulous from every angle, those Pininfarina lines getting more and more glorious with each passing year.

From its wedge-like profile to its kicked-up rear end with single piece rear lamp, and that distinctive Alfa Romeo beak at the front, the 164 is a truly fantastic looking car and it's also in superb order.

Being an original car that has never been restored, it would be unreasonable to expect it to be absolutely perfect and there are one or two very small flaws. Among them are a small dent on the top of the near side front wing and a couple of very small scuffs on the front valance. There’s also a slight paint mismatch, as back in the late 90s the Alfa Romeo sustained some damage to the left hand side which was repaired - but in certain lights the paint finish looks ever so slightly different.

Overall though, this is a fine and handsome looking car and it's also incredibly solid. We couldn't see any corrosion on the underside at all, which is unusual for 164. however, this is a low mileage car that's just been kept in a double garage all its life, meaning its structural condition is remarkable.

Much like the exterior, the interior is a work of art and a triumph of both style and substance.

It’s incredibly well laid out, yet every single switch, vent or dial has an element of design flair to it that you simply don't see on more ordinary cars. But that’s all part of the Alfa Romeo experience - this is a car that comes with a soul and it is represented in every vestige of its overall design, both inside and out.

It's all in lovely order, as you'd expect from a low mileage car that has been loved and cherished by the same driver for all of its life. There is barely any wear to either the grey velour or the grey carpets and the dashboard and door cards are pretty much flawless.

The owner reports that the rear electric windows do not work, the central locking does work, but it doesn't close remotely, the electric mirrors also do not work. Motor that drives the direction of ventilation tends to 'hunt' sometimes. The sliding sunroof works but it needs to readjusted as it seems to keep trying to close for another 1 or 2 seconds after being shut.

All of the other electrical components operate as they should.

While most car manufacturers of the 1990s were busy hiding their engines under black plastic covers, Alfa Romeo was instead ensuring that the heart of the car was also a fundamental part of its stylish design. 

Lift the bonnet and you are greeted by a polished stainless steel inlet manifold and a stylised Alfa Romeo text across the engine rocker cover. Like the rest of the car, it is a work of art.

It runs beautifully and has been impeccably maintained, most recently with a service and some other general maintenance work carried out at a cost of almost £2000 earlier this year. Front and rear suspension springs together with ancillary equipment were also replaced earlier this year at a cost of £1879.84

We were able to drive the car a short distance and can confirm that it runs very well, holding a steady temperature and engaging all gears smoothly and easily. The brakes, steering also appear to be in fine order.

Cars from the early 1990s are sitting in a bit of a sweet spot at the moment and collector interest is growing day by day.

This 164 is very much the kind of car that's going to attract attention from enthusiastic collectors thanks to its incredible one-owner pedigree, its flawless originality and its documented history. 

it is a truly lovely thing and there won't be another one like it.