10k: The More You Go, The More You Die: 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 QV
The Alfa Romeo 164 was the last of the angular styled sedans to come from Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. before it was acquired by Fiat. The 164 was the fruit of the Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia and Saab cooperative agreement to develope the Type Four platform, which produced the Lancia Thema, Saab 9000, Fiat Croma and Alfa Romeo 164. Find this 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 QV offered for $8,800 in Torrance, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rod S.
The Alfa Romeo 164 was designed by Enrico Fumia (designer of Grifo D’Oro Bertone, Siata Spring, Ferrari F90 & Lancia Ypsilon) when he worked at design house Pininfarina. The seller includes a lot of information in his advertisement, including this little gem about the 164/168. The 164 followed Alfa’s normal numbering scheme, except in China where the numbers 164 were associated with the phrase “the more you go, the more you die.” However, changing the last number to 8, results in 168, which means “the more you go the wealthier you’ll be.”
The 164 was the front-drive replacement to the 90 (and earlier Alfetta)
executive sedan and slots nicely above the 75 (known as the Milano in North
America) platform. The transverse mounted 3.0 liter V6 under the hood is rated at 200 horsepower and
mated to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The inside of this 164 features a set of well bolstered tan leather seats (an upgrade available only on the Quadrifoglio Verde model), which are very comfortable for long trips according to owners. This particular car looks very well cared for on the inside and out.
See a better 4-door sedan for highway cruising? tips@dailyturismo.com
Amazing that this is a 23 year old machine. I never loved these when new but man they really have aged well, what a beauty. Still, it's no citation X11.
And, really, what car is?
Dear Sloth:
How old were you when these were new? If you were about 30, I'm good. If you were about 10, then who cares what you thought.
This is an American market 164. With a Hong Kong 168 badge stuck on the back. Hong Kong, a former British colony, drives right-hand-drive vehicles on the left side of the road.
Though I'm sure this guy tells that really boring story every time someone looks at the trunk-badge of his car, just as he has spent 2/3 of his ad talking about it. I can't even see a mileage figure listed in there.
Aside from that, it's a good looking car, and in good condition. I've had two of these, one 12v, and the other 24v. Believe it or not, I liked the 12v better. The 24v was ultimately faster, but peakier. The 12v was more responsive, because the torque curve was such that it was just surprisingly quick in any gear at any revs. And the various improvements in the 24v all added quite some weight. I don't remember exact figures, but I recall it being at least a couple hundred pounds heavier.
"The more you go, the more you die." Excellent! Where does DT come up with these fascinating back stories?
I guess all I can offer is Bite the wax tadpole .
Damn, here is the correctly formatted link:
Bite the wax tadpole
Wax tadpole cola is my favorite!!
This is not a 164 Q, it's a 164S. The 164 Q had the 4 valve V-6 good for 230 hp and was only sold in the US in 1994 and 1995. There were only 100 or so sold altogether. This is a 1991 S with the 2 valve engine good for 200 hp. Not so rare, and this car has been kicking around the inter webs for a while.
If I'm not mistaken this car has a "Busso" V6, considered one of the sounding V6's… can anyone confirm this?
Yes, 3.0 liter 12 valve Busso designed V-6 good for 200 hp.