Description
The Alfa Romeo 164 was an emblematic saloon car of the late 1980s, symbolising the Italian marque's transition to a new technological and industrial era. Presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1987, the 164 marked the beginning of the close collaboration between Alfa Romeo and the Fiat Group, which had just absorbed the Milan-based brand. It was based on the Type Four platform, shared with the Saab 9000, Lancia Thema and Fiat Croma. The 164 was the first large saloon with front-wheel drive in Alfa Romeo's history, a break with the rear-wheel drive tradition of previous generations. Its aerodynamic lines, taut and sleek, contrasted with the usual conservatism of saloons of the time. It was aimed as much at traditional customers as at fans of cars with a strong mechanical temperament. It was against this backdrop that the version equipped with the legendary 3. 0-litre 12-valve V6 found its full relevance. The Alfa Romeo V6, often nicknamed the "V6 Busso" in homage to its designer Giuseppe Busso, is one of the most appreciated engines in motoring history for its mechanical nobility and captivating sound. On the 164, the uncatalysed version of this 2, 959cc engine develops up to 192bhp, with generous torque available fairly early in the rev range. From 1990 onwards, the catalysed versions, particularly in Switzerland due to emissions standards, saw their power slightly reduced to around 184bhp. This 12-valve V6 features a single overhead camshaft per bank, with two valves per cylinder, and a Bosch Motronic fuel injection system. The 164 V6 12v was quickly acclaimed by Alfa Romeo enthusiasts for its ability to combine comfort and performance. It embodied both the brand's mechanical tradition and its ambition to rival prestigious German saloons. In 1990, the Quadrifoglio Verde (QV) version topped the range with a more aggressive appearance and an increase in power to 200 bhp, without changing the mechanical basis of the 12-valve V6. This engine remained in the catalogue until 1992, when it was gradually replaced by a more modern, more powerful 24-valve version that was better able to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards. But for many purists, it is the 12v version that represents the perfect balance between mechanical tradition, authenticity and driving pleasure. The Alfa Romeo 164 V6 12v is therefore much more than just a saloon from the 80s: it is a major milestone in the history of Alfa Romeo, a synthesis of modernity and heritage, and a demonstration that performance and elegance can coexist with character and emotion.
This example, a 1989 V6 12v 1st series, originally Swiss, has its service book and an impressive file of invoices, which is very rare. It has been in Belgium since 2020 and has covered 25, 000 km since then. Recent servicing: distribution & maintenance front triangle steering bellows bearings steering rack wheel silent blocks air conditioning refurbishment tyres
