05-12-2008, 01:48 PM
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I grew up and lived in Europe, moved to Canada 10 years ago and I have never, never heard any of those silly jokes about 164. 164 was well received back in 1987 and most of the magazines and testers liked it. I can clearly remember that German magazine Auto motor und sport liked it a lot. The only complaint they had was fit and finish which wasn't up to standards of the Mercedes and BMW. Most of the 164 sold were TD and twin spark and they were reliable.
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1994 164 LS
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05-12-2008, 02:03 PM
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But Mad North-Northwest
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
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 Quote:
Originally Posted by usatrade
Sorry to say again to you Sean, you see blindly "bad" where there is none ! ! !
I started this thread because I was startled at the love here for the 164. And everything I said about this car in Europe is the truth and nothing else !!!
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I *did* warn you, Claude. Folks can get really insecure about their car decisions.
Personally I figure you've got to be a nutjob to own any Alfa, so why get upset when people point out the fact?
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Tom
1991 Spider
1987 Milano Gold
1963 Giulia Spider (1750 engine)
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05-12-2008, 03:00 PM
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I have ,ade up no stories nor any lies, regardless what you think.
This automobile was not well received at all in Europe (this is even from the mouth of Alfa romůeo people at the time)
I will stop here you are all too heated up by this thread.
I repeat all i wanted was to find out why the 164 was so much loved here vs Europe. nothing else; And when I give some facts about this car in Europe they are true facts.
Cia
In bocca'l luppo
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05-12-2008, 03:07 PM
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Being Dutch and having spent many a season in the Benelux countries I can see how things can get lost in translation. I put no stock into what Claude says because he may speak for a minority of people he does not represent what the majority of people I know feel, not Hollanders for sure. I have cousins, aunts and uncles who do not feel this way and when I consider that Belgium has a population of less than my county I could care less. The jokes are the same ones I heard fifteen years ago about Yugo's, Suzuki's, Hyundai's and many other cars, insert your choice! My two most expensive cars were my 750il and my 928 GTS and the 164 for the time ranks right in there as far as fit and finish and polish. Sure the BMW was faster and we won't mention the Porsche in the same sentence because it's a different car all together but my 164's can hold their own without an issue as far as refinement, prestige and exclusivity for the time.
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currently: 1984 GTV6 (Sabrina) 1992 164L (Jill) 1992 164S (Kelly) 1989 Spider Veloce (Julie)
Last edited by AlfaTango1; 05-12-2008 at 03:10 PM.
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05-12-2008, 03:27 PM
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Location: Montreal, Canada
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Quote:
Originally Posted by usatrade
I have ,ade up no stories nor any lies, regardless what you think.
This automobile was not well received at all in Europe (this is even from the mouth of Alfa romůeo people at the time)
I will stop here you are all too heated up by this thread.
I repeat all i wanted was to find out why the 164 was so much loved here vs Europe. nothing else; And when I give some facts about this car in Europe they are true facts.
Cia
In bocca'l luppo
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In Italy it was perceived as such, and this is from the general population...
Gran Bel Macchinona = Big beautiful sedan
Troppo Bella = too nice
Spacca le Tedesche = german killer
Che Motore = what an engine
So i say this to you Claude, t dans quel coin de leurope toi, it must be some akward tribe, because the 164 is unanimously loved by most people, regardless of ethnic backround, how can you dislike a pininfarina sedan
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Current: 89' Milano Gold(sold)
Next: 164 S
Be warned though, Alfas can have a strange effect on owners; ‘Alfaholic’ a recognised condition among car enthusiasts
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05-12-2008, 03:30 PM
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Location: Montreal, Canada
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Quote:
Originally Posted by usatrade
I have ,ade up no stories nor any lies, regardless what you think.
This automobile was not well received at all in Europe (this is even from the mouth of Alfa romůeo people at the time)
I will stop here you are all too heated up by this thread.
I repeat all i wanted was to find out why the 164 was so much loved here vs Europe. nothing else; And when I give some facts about this car in Europe they are true facts.
Cia
In bocca'l luppo
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Its called cultural relativism, as you may notice Americans have an apetite for Italian products, and much prefer them to any other European product for the most case.
The same cannot be said about the relationship between neighbouring countries such as Italy and France.
So when an Italian sedan is realeased, American clients might have a much more enthusiastic approach, just as the British have towards Italian cars.
Believe me, ive watched numerous French Reviews on the net about Italian cars and very very few were optimisitc.
__________________
Current: 89' Milano Gold(sold)
Next: 164 S
Be warned though, Alfas can have a strange effect on owners; ‘Alfaholic’ a recognised condition among car enthusiasts
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05-12-2008, 04:42 PM
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Senior Member
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Location: Somewhere East of Albany (NY)
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OK Claude, You Asked For It
Why do Belgian cars have their windshield wipers on the inside?
This is one that all good Dutchmen know.
Rex
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05-12-2008, 05:42 PM
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RexCars I know that one -  )
And why do nelgians have full of red spots on both cheeks ?
Because they try to eat with a fork !
Now to everyone who love the 164 (of which I love the engine of course) what would you say if I tell you that the Chevrolet Corvair was a true and magnificent automobile. I had two of them and I still regret them !
In the USa this car was qualified by Ralph Nader and most of the public as a killer and a heap of junk. But why ?
Claude
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05-12-2008, 05:44 PM
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Talking about Italian products, do you watch BBC America and do you watch Top Gear ?
How do they rate Italian cars ???
Claude
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05-12-2008, 06:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by usatrade
...what would you say if I tell you that the Chevrolet Corvair was a true and magnificent automobile... Claude
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The Corvair was a great car. My father had two in the late 60's and early 70's--one a convertible. My favorites are the 140hp Corsa with four speed. With a little extra development, it could have been a Porsche beater. GM just let it fail.
As Sam stated, I don't agree with your opinion on the 164 either. I also thank you for your insight, and I will defend your right to state it.
__________________
Nick D'Eri
1968 Fiat Dino Spider 2.0
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear
2004 Ford Mustang V-6 5-speed (daughters car)
2008 Piaggio Fly 50
1977 Peugeot 103 Moped
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Former Italians:
1992 164S 2002 - 2008
1981 Spider Veloce 2001 - 2003
1974 Fiat 124 Spider 1979 - 1981
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Dad's Former Italians:
1962 Giulietta Spider 1964 - 1969
1969 Berlina 1750 1970 - 1971
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05-12-2008, 06:50 PM
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But Mad North-Northwest
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Posts: 5,528
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Quote:
Originally Posted by usatrade
Talking about Italian products, do you watch BBC America and do you watch Top Gear ?
How do they rate Italian cars ???
Claude
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With Alfas it's typically "It makes absolutely no rational or economic sense, but we want one anyway."
__________________
Tom
1991 Spider
1987 Milano Gold
1963 Giulia Spider (1750 engine)
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05-12-2008, 07:38 PM
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I had as well 2 turbocjarged Convertible Corvair. Finally someone who agrees it WAS a Porsche beater and its engine had inspired Porsche !
Thanks
Claude
P.S. Who is going to the Wine Tour AROSC next week-end ?
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05-12-2008, 08:13 PM
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Hey Claude you know what?
Thanks for your opinion!!
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05-12-2008, 08:28 PM
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Last post on this thread as to not stoop any lower...
"Hey Claude you know what?
Thanks for your opinion!!"
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69' 1750 GTV - XC70 Q4
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05-13-2008, 05:52 AM
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Corvair, great car. I had a 66 coupe at one point. Marina blue with white interior...2 speed to boot. Car handled like a go cart and great brakes. A mini Corvette. Was fantastic in the snow too!! Have actually been looking at picking another one up, 4 speed though. Wife might not be too thrilled though.
Great site for Vairs and others as well:
for sale : chevrolet corvair : combined classified and auction listings
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87 Maserati Biturbo Spyder, 26k miles
91 Alfa Romeo 164S, 40k miles
96 Corvette Grand Sport, 10k miles
Former Alfa's (Dads)
59 Giulietta Sprint
65 2600 Sprint
74 Berlina 2000
76 GTV
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