Alfa Romeo 164 (1987-91)

Common faults with the Alfa Romeo 164 include:

- **Corrosion**: The wheel arches and sills are particularly prone to rust¹.
- **Electrical issues**: Problems with the electric drive of the luggage compartment lock have been noted¹.
- **Engine idle problems**: Especially in US spec 3.0L engines, idle problems are fairly common as engine components and wiring age⁴.
- **Fuel odor**: A fuel odor smell in the car might be caused by issues such as a faulty gasket³.

It's always recommended to get a thorough inspection by a specialist or a mechanic familiar with Alfa Romeo vehicles if you're considering purchasing a used 164 or if you're experiencing issues with one.
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Generations
The Alfa Romeo 164 was produced as a single generation model from 1987 to 1998¹²⁴. It was designed by Pininfarina and succeeded by the Alfa Romeo 166 in 1998 after a production run of over 273,000 units.
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Body Style/Variants
The Alfa Romeo 164 had several versions throughout its production run, including:

- **2.0i Twin Spark** (badged "T.SPARK")
- **2.0 Turbo** (four-cylinder, Italian market only)
- **3.0i V6 12-valve**
- **2.5 Turbodiesel** (badged "TD")

In the USA, early models from around 1991-1993 were available in three versions: 'Base', 'L' for Lusso or Luxury, and 'S' for Sport. Around 1994-1995, two models were imported: the 'LS' for Luxury Sport and the 'Q' for the Quadrifoglio model¹⁴.

These versions offered a range of options for buyers, from more economical four-cylinder engines to more powerful V6 options and even a turbodiesel variant.
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Engines
The Alfa Romeo 164 was available with a variety of engine options, including:

- **2.0i Twin Spark** (badged "T.SPARK")
- **2.0 Turbo** (four-cylinder, Italian market only)
- **3.0i V6 12-valve**
- **2.5 Turbodiesel** (badged "TD")

Additionally, there were variations within these engine types, such as different power outputs for the 2.0 8v engine². The 164 also had a special Pro-Car version featuring a mid-engine layout powered by an Alfa V1035 3.5 litre V10 engine.

These engines ranged from more economical four-cylinder options to powerful V6 and even a V10 for the Pro-Car variant.
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Performance
The Alfa Romeo 164 (1987-1991) offered impressive performance for its time. Here are some key performance figures:

- **0-60 mph (0-100 kph)**: Approximately 7.5-7.7 seconds
- **Top speed**: Around 143 mph (230 kph)
- **Power output**: 192-200 bhp
- **Fuel efficiency**: Approximately 20-25 miles per gallon

These figures made the Alfa Romeo 164 a competitive executive saloon, combining performance with Italian style and engineering.
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Spares
You can locate spare parts for an Alfa Romeo 164 in the UK and Ireland from various online stores such as:

- **EU Spares** - They offer a wide range of auto parts and wear parts for the Alfa Romeo 164¹.
- **Alfa Workshop** - Specializes in parts and spares listings for the Alfa Romeo 164, including service items, special tools, and body parts².
- **Auto Parts Pro UK** - A store that claims to be the UK's No 1 spare parts store for Alfa Romeo 164 with a promise of fast and free shipping available⁴.

These online shops should have a variety of parts available, and you can order them directly to your location in the UK or Ireland.
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Specialists
Here are some Alfa Romeo specialists in the UK and Ireland:
1. Donnelly Motorstore Mallusk
o Location: Mallusk Way, Newtownabbey BT36 4AA
o Phone: 028 9590 7860
o Website: Donnelly Motorstore Mallusk
2. Love Alfa
o Location: London, Kent, UK & Ireland
o Phone: 0121 456 1212
o Website: Love Alfa
3. Independent Alfa Romeo Specialists
o Website: The Alfa Romeo Specialist Register.
You can also use the Alfa Romeo Dealer Locator to find more specialists near you.
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Racing
The Alfa Romeo 164 had a unique and ambitious attempt at racing with the **164 ProCar**. This version was developed in the late 1980s as part of a proposed ProCar series, which aimed to feature race cars resembling mass-production models but with F1-derived chassis and engines¹². The 164 ProCar was equipped with a V10 engine and showcased impressive performance, but the series never took off due to a lack of participation from other manufacturers.

So, while the 164 ProCar itself was an engineering marvel and demonstrated at Monza, it didn't achieve success in competitive racing due to the series' cancellation.

History
The Alfa Romeo 164 ProCar is a fascinating piece of automotive history. Developed in the late 1980s, it was intended to compete in a proposed ProCar series that would feature race cars resembling production models but with F1-derived technology¹².

Here are some key details about the 164 ProCar:

- **Engine**: It was powered by a naturally aspirated V10 engine, the only V10 ever built by Alfa Romeo, producing around 600 horsepower at 12,000 rpm.
- **Chassis and Body**: The car featured a bespoke chassis designed by Brabham and Dallara, made from a mix of carbon fiber, Kevlar, and Nomex. The bodywork, while resembling the standard 164, was entirely redesigned for racing.
- **Performance**: The 164 ProCar could reach speeds over 210 mph, making it faster than contemporary F1 cars due to its aerodynamic body shape.
- **Demonstration**: Although the ProCar series never materialized, the 164 ProCar was demonstrated at Monza in 1988, showcasing its impressive capabilities.

Despite its potential, the lack of participation from other manufacturers led to the cancellation of the ProCar series, leaving the 164 ProCar as a unique and intriguing footnote in motorsport history.
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Valuation 2024
The value of an Alfa Romeo 164 from 1987-91 can vary based on its condition, mileage, and specific model. Generally, prices range from around **£9,749** for a well-maintained example to higher amounts for models in excellent condition. For instance, a 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 Base is valued at approximately **$11,908**.
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