1991 Alfa Romeo 164 Lusso

 

1991 Alfa Romeo 164 L 5-speed. "Marlena" truly was a movie star! The only non-Spider Alfa we've owned. We drove to Ohio to claim this 48,000 mile beauty from its original owner. After driving a 164 our fellow club member Alex Druash was selling, we had to have one, and the Taurus was quickly forgotten! This car was spec'ed just as we wanted it, black with grey leather, 5-speed, and we added Alfa 164S wheels to complete its look, as well as painting it all black (the bottom was originally grey), and put in a trunk-mounted CD changer. No dings, and not a speck of rust on this garaged car.  This rare car turned heads, yet was as practical a daily driver as an Acura or Volvo (plus with more comfortable and supportive seats). It had only 70,000 carefully documented miles--an average of just 7,000 per year--when we finally conceded we did need one warranteed new car. It was hard to let her go! Especially the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine that puts out 185 horsepower, identical to a new BMW 525i. It handles brilliantly and stops beautifully too with excellent ABS brakes, and has an airbag for safety. We sold it to a local buyer who promised to love it, but wound up selling it on e-bay. The new owner trucked it to California, but in early 2002 he too was trying to auction it... can't imagine why! I need to track this car down and get it back to someone who'll love it... what's not to love? I'll never forget taking Marlena on a tour with other Alfa Club members and blowing their doors off at 135 mph!

As beautiful as the 164 is outside, the interior is even more stunning... especially on this "Lusso" luxury edition. Note the seats which rival anything in a new Volvo or BMW; they are top quality leather, and have the Alfa emblem embossed on the backs of all four main seats! You can drive all day without getting tired (Cruise control included to help you do that!)

Below is the heart and soul of the 164: its potent, 185 horsepower V6 engine. Note the lovely chrome! The car has about 70,000 miles, but looks and feels even newer. It has been driven carefully, never wrecked, and serviced regularly while averaging just 7,000 miles a year.

Plenty of room in the trunk. An inobtrusively mounted 6-CD changer complements the excellent factory radio to ensure hours of music while you drive... Vivaldi goes especially nicely!

The 164 S wheels were only offered on that much rarer and even more expensive super-sport model. It took us a lot of time to find these, but wow, do they improve the stance and appearance of this car! Genuine Alfa factory parts.

Interesting to compare this 1991 to our Alfa Club friends and neighbors the Mellors' 1994 164LS, also recently sold.