All of the 164 hounds out there know that 164s are cheap and easy to come by if you know where to look. Sub-$1000 transactions aren't uncommon, and we've heard of 164s simply given away to their new owners. And, while we understand the realities of market value - the potential market for a used 164 is really quite small - limited appeal doesn't mean that the 164 lacks for redeeming qualities.

In a 1991 Alfa 164L, you will find automatic climate control, heated seats, fog lights, 15" wheels, a 3.0L Busso V6, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power locks, and a power moonroof. In its time, that was a really generous list of options; if you want some interesting and Italian to drive in relative comfort, you can buy a new Giulia, sure, but a clean 164 will check many of the same boxes (off the track at least) and do so in excellent 90s Pininfarina style.

Year: 1991
Model:  Alfa Romeo
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 4-speed auto
Mileage:  135,102
Price: Auction
Location: Phoenix, AX

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 Alfa Romeo 164L

The exterior of this Alfa is finished in a bright white paint in excellent condition.   The overall condition of the exterior is excellent. There is no evidence of previous paint and the car is absolutely rust free.  Factory alloy wheels with a matching set of Michelin tires in excellent condition.   All glass, plastics, lenses and trim are in excellent condition. All handles and latches are in good working order.  The exterior is very nice looking and will stand tall in any collection. 

The interior is in great condition as well; finished in a stunning black leather. The leather is in excellent condition throughout with no rips or tears.  All other interior materials including dashboard, door panels, carpet, and other trim panels/pieces are in great condition.  All climate control functions are in great working order with air blowing from selected vents. The AC and heat are working as they should.   Dashboard lights and gauges are all 100%.  Other factory options including power heated seats, cruise control,  power locks, power windows, factory stereo and Sunroof are all working as designed. It is truly amazing how absolutely everything in this car is working as the day it was new. Original keys and books included.

Mechanically speaking this vehicle is also in very good condition.  It starts, runs and drives very well.  The transmission is great and shifts up and down exactly as it should.  The engine is strong and smooth and the overall drive of this car is excellent. No evidence of any leaks.  

When shopping 164s, it's tempting to search for the cheapest 164Q on the market. The 164Q is quite the sports sedan, but those on the market tend to be rough examples that the seller could never fully sort, or sorted examples selling for real money. Shop 164Ls, though, and you'll find dirt-cheap clapped-out examples on one end of the spectrum, and perfect single-owner examples on the other. We love how well a clean 164 like this one shows in photos, especially if the leather has been taken care of like in this case.

Some may dismiss the automatic, and we include ourselves among those who would avoid this car for that reason, but if you're ok with automatics, the 164 is said to be a great platform for a slush box. This 164L isn't rusty, has no issues, and has clearly been loved its entire life. If you're in the market for a 164, might we suggest a trip to Phoenix to nab this example?

-Graham