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Claude: Certainly the 164 looks very different than most any other sedan on the road, from when it was introduced through today. The cut line, the very aggressive Alfa "heart" that flows directly into the hood wedge, and the thin reflector line at the rear set the 164apart on looks alone. The early 164s also look comparatively plain -especially sitting next to a 1995 Q with the air dam and skirting and equipped with the Euro headlights.
I am especially taken by the 1/4 view, where the entire hood wedge evidences Alfa's racing and performance car roots. Check out a Merc/Maclaren SLR to see another example of this evocative design treatment.
With a few modifications to a plane-jane 164, the car really perks up: Lower the ride height to drop the rear end; upgrade to 18" phone-dial wheels; swap to Euro-lights; add side repeaters; shave the headlight washers; and add the "S" body kit (with or without the trunk spoiler).
As for the interior, my 164 L has the typical options for the NA market: leather seats that are very supporting but butter-soft; heated front seats, heated rear seats (what 1991 sedan has THAT?) power sunroof, seats, and windows, and the RF door and alarm system. The standard features were very upmarket: ABS, remote electric trunk and gas cap, temp. programmable heating and A/C settings, leather wrapped steering wheel (Porsche 944), shifter handle and boot, and e-brake boot, and rear sun shades.
The dash layout can be described as different if not elegant, but the driver display reveals he racing background of this car: oil pressure and coolant temp gauges (not just idiot lights) and a tach that shares equal space with the speedometer.
The engine and mechanicals speak for themselves.
While I decided not to change the rings and do a valve job on my particular 164, I will purchase another Alfa 164 ASAP or wait to get one of the new ones if they ever come in to the USA. My affection for the Alfa is despite my particular used-car blues. The 164 -even my oil-burning, bad-bushing, broken A/C version is a blast to drive on the highway, in traffic and on back roads. It's the only car in which I've gotten a thumbs up from someone driving a Ferrari Testators. Maybe they know the link between the two designs, maybe they just appreciate a good Chianti. I don't know, I don't care.
All I know is that owning my first Alfa forced my car-guy enthusiasm out of the closet.
But, your mileage may vary.
-Dan
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