Cars

The Alfa Romeo 164 is an iconic sedan from the late 1980s, symbolizing the Italian brand’s transition towards a new technological and industrial era. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1987, the 164 marked the beginning of a close collaboration between Alfa Romeo and the Fiat group, which had just acquired the Milanese brand. It is based on the Type Four platform, shared with the Saab 9000, Lancia Thema, and Fiat Croma. But unlike its siblings, the Alfa clearly distinguishes itself with its assertive and sleek Pininfarina-designed style and its sportier character.

The 164 was the first large front-wheel-drive sedan in Alfa Romeo’s history, a departure from the rear-wheel-drive tradition that characterized previous generations. Its aerodynamic, taut, and slender lines contrasted with the usual conservatism of sedans of the era. It targeted both traditional clientele and enthusiasts of cars with strong mechanical character. It is in this context that the version equipped with the legendary 3.0-liter 12-valve V6 finds its full relevance.

The Alfa Romeo V6, often nicknamed “Busso V6” in homage to its designer Giuseppe Busso, is one of the most beloved engines in automotive history for its mechanical nobility and captivating sound. On the 164, this 2,959 cm³ engine develops in its non-catalyzed version up to “192 horsepower, with generous torque available quite early in the rev range. From 1990, catalyzed versions, particularly in Switzerland due to emission standards of” emissions, saw their power slightly reduced to around 184 horsepower. This 12-valve V6 is characterized by a single overhead camshaft per bank, with two valves per cylinder, and Bosch Motronic injection. It combines flexibility, smoothness, and responsiveness, giving the 164 a lively and balanced behavior, though a bit playful on the front axle in sporty driving.

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 compete with prestigious German sedans. In 1990, the Quadrifoglio Verde (QV) version topped the range with a more aggressive presentation and power boosted to 200 horsepower, without changing the mechanical basis of the 12-valve V6.

This engine remained in the catalog until 1992, before being gradually replaced by a more modern, more powerful 24-valve version better suited to increasingly strict environmental standards. But for many purists, it is the 12v version that represents the perfect balance between mechanical tradition, authenticity, and driving pleasure. It still holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts today, both for its unique lines and the distinctive soul of its engine.

Thus, the Alfa Romeo 164 V6 12v is much more than just an 80s sedan: it is a major milestone in Alfa Romeo’s history, a synthesis of modernity and heritage, and a demonstration that performance and elegance can coexist with character and emotion.

This example, a 1989 first-series 12v V6, originally from Switzerland, has its service book and an impressive folder of invoices, which is very rare. In Belgium since 2020, it has covered 25,000 km since then.

Recent work:

• timing belt & service
• front wishbone
• steering rack boots
• wheel bearings
• steering rack
• bushings
• air conditioning overhaul
• tires