1992 - 97 Alfa Romeo 155: Win On Sunday... Flop On Monday

[@thomasthacker4939]

I have recently acquired my father's '96 155 2L TS that he bought new. It is still in factory condition with only 70 000kms. Every time I drive it I pretend I am Nicola Larini. (For me, the 155 DTM is the best race car ever.). I agree, the 155 might not be the most memorable car in the Alfa history, but for me it holds a lot of memories. End of the day, It is still an Alfa Romeo, so that is better than most. (and my '73 Giulia GTV doesn't seem to mind sharing her garage with the 155 ;) Once again, sincere thanks for such a great piece of history telling! - I really enjoyed it and appreciate how much work it must be!

[@Matteo_Licata]

A good point well made. Thank you very much for your appreciation, I'm glad you enjoy so much my work!

[@MLC...]

I am also a 155 2.0 TS 16v owner. Love the car, just as much as my other Alfa Romeos, I do not feel that it is inferior. Same as you, I associate the car with touring car racing from the 1990's and have collected numerous models of the racing car, DVD's, posters, etc, etc. Must be a bit nuts :)

[@thomasthacker4939]

@@MLC... LOL...touche.. I am sure there is a support group somewhere for us nuts.

[@vondamaraland2697]

I had two 155's. One TS 2.0 and one legendary Q4. I miss them both.

[@Goodstone_5488]

The style of this car is still aggressive and elegant even today. Maybe deserved better sales and "reputation" considering the success on the motorsport scene !

[@studiocalder818]

Well, I think the country where it met the least success was Italy. Abroad Alfa sold little numbers and the 155 succeeded to attract a few non Alfisti more. Perhaps thanks to the fact that it was a more conventional car than the usual Alfa's. In Italy we suffered a lot the changement from Rwd to Fwd. ..Well, almost like when the logo lost the word Milano

[@MrDieselakias]

the car that made me an alfista. One of the first 1.8 8V

[@NikolaRakicDjesPoslaMala]

Same, my dads first Alfa was 155 and from the day i saw it i was hooked! Sadly they are hard to find in a decent condition.

[@delahayenator]

I like the 1.8 TS over the 2.0 TS. It more lively. Widebody with an 8v engine or the v6 are the best models imo.

[@MrDieselakias]

i thought widebodies came only with 16v@@delahayenator

[@delahayenator]

@@MrDieselakias nope not only,

[@vilivrtovec]

My first ever car was a 1992 155 1.8TS. Lovely car and a great purebred Alfa engine. Loved it dearly. While indeed technically based on Fiat Tipo/Tempra, the character of the cars was miles apart.

[@paulhayes2189]

I concur. My fist decent car was a four year old 2.0 twin spark. In 2019 I bought a 27k 2.0 and I take it put for 6 weeks every summer. I like it and it's part of my past

[@frazzleface753]

90s Italian wedges make my knees go weak 😍

[@sainta2667]

Exactly

[@MAtogable]

to me the 155 is the modern Alfa's definition. The style resembles the architecture of Milan in the 90s, the world cup, the ladies, Berlusconi, mani pulite... they managed somehow to put all that together between 4 wheels. This is the one which started my love for Alfa's ... ( and le donne italiane)

[@Matteo_Licata]

LOL :) Great comment, thank you!

[@brunodelanghe2994]

I had an 155 1.8 TS Trofeo wide body back in 1995. What a great car this was. I regret selling it back in 2003....

[@patrickfaure2450]

Great video, as usual 👍 In 1996, the V6 of the 155 TI in DTM wasn’t an Alfa Romeo base, it was a PRV peugeot/renault/volvo one ! As, if i remember well, Lancia Thema used it in production, so, Alfa were allowed to use it.

[@christophebenedettini1385]

@@patrickfaure2450 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoPGd6OjhrFmmMU

[@ziofenfy9906]

@@patrickfaure2450 Your statement is incorrect. The PRV question arose simply for regulation reasons, to be able to make a 90 ° 6-cylinder engine. The Lancia Thema 6V used a PRV engine when it was already part of the Fiat, Alfa and Lancia group. Therefore, they were able to take advantage of this trick to cheat the regulations. Therefore the 155 DTM racing engine does not have a single screw in common with the PRV!

[@otomobilmece]

I live in France and in january 2020 I bought one Alfa 155 Trofeo (300 exemplary in France only ) it's a wonderful car. I think I will keep it....❤

[@patrickfaure2450]

@@ziofenfy9906 Totally right. Only 6 cyl and 90 degres, and the link with Thema thru Alfa-Lancia Industriale SpA company... Even I don’t think the the former 6 cyl 60 degres had too much in common with the busso too. I think abarth was the motorist, during this golden period 👌 A nice video of Cironi on this issue

[@FazermanD]

Currently running an '96 Alfa 155 2.0 Twin Spark as a daily. At 125k (miles not kms) still pulls like a train and great fun to drive. Unfortunately been told its got to go as I also have an Alfa GTV V6 and an Alfa 156 2.0 JTS supercharged (Autodelta). Apparently I have too many cars!! Great videos, learn something new everytime. Thanks, keep it up. A manufacturer of cars with soul.

[@Matteo_Licata]

That's a cool fleet indeed, sorry you have to let the 155 go. Hope you'll find a good home for it! Thank you for watching and for your appreciation!

[@keremtimuraykal4521]

A car with beautiful lines.Welll kept ones will profit and award their owners for sure...

[@nickzourb190]

I love you for finally making a video about my (now former) 155. It was a 1992 rosso bordeaux metallic 1.8 with the 129 hp. Completely stock. Traded for a W209 and I still miss it. The 155 will always be in my heart. That sound, the handling, the smell, everything...

[@acchaladka]

I'm learning so much about Italian brand from your channel, which we barely see here in Canada. I also appreciate the fact that your videos are shorter.

[@Matteo_Licata]

I'm so glad you get to learn new things from my videos, as that's what I've always intended Roadster Life to be: a vehicle to spread automobile culture :)

[@anakondase]

Even though it was a bit anonymous, I remember a motor journalist call it "Alfa Jetta" when it was introduced, it's aesthetics holds it's ground a lot more than most contemporary cars. Another one of Alfa's timeless designs.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Weird, right? I got the same feeling now... Never really liked the 155, but now I smile when I see one, and wouldn't mind owning one too.

[@anakondase]

@@Matteo_Licata Me neither, I'd love to have one if I could, at least to race in Alfa Challenge with. Sadly enough I can't have more cars where I live right now.

[@kruseljkarlo]

I’m always happy when a new Roadster Life video comes out. I come home from work, sit down, have dinner and enjoy the video

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you very much! Such comments make my day. I'm glad you enjoy my content so much!

[@studiocalder818]

haha, I agree!

[@GreasyFingers]

I really hope I don’t step on anyone’s feet, but to me the 155 just doesn’t work as a design. When Alfa releases a new car in the Giulia-class, a true petrolhead needs to immediately fall in love like we all did with the 156. When I first saw a 156 (azzuro nuvola in Bologna) it had exactly this effect on me: I made a plan about how to collect the penny to get me one as soon as I can. Despite of all its racing glory, the 155 never touched me that way. Ehhhh, forgot to say: excellent production, Matteo!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you! Many share your opinion, as the 155's relatively poor sales indicates. I believe the later "widebody" cars look nice, in their own butch "75-esque" kind of way, but the 155 was no design masterpiece, and could't be one because of the tight limitations imposed on the designers.

[@t2stu]

The buying public are fickle. The 155, despite its platform share was such a good car and handsome too.

[@robertlumley5780]

My first Alfa was a 2.0 wide body from 1996. It was like a go cart and steered really fast. It needed continuous fettling to keep at its best. Suspension wear was a regular occurrence. Build quality was...... well. It can’t have been that bad, I’ve been driving Alfa’s for 20 years now. Once Alfa gets its hooks into a petrol head it’s very hard to not go back to the marque.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Very true... There is no cure for the Alfa Virus... But thankfully it's only dangerous for someone's wallet :)

[@davidellis5312]

The same for me, first Alfa was the 155 wide body in black. It stood out like nothing else around. The problem was that it devalued faster than I could drive it. When driving at night, if I pulled the windscreen washer the headlights went out until I released the stick! Disconcerting on a narrow country lane! Apart from that the experience was intense and made me an Alcoholic. I'm onto my 6th Alfa now and have my head under the bonnet evey weekend. I would give anything to back in time for a day behind the wheel of that 155 though..

[@gearhead9828]

Always liked the 155, especially the view from the rear. And DTM of course with Christian Danner my favourite driver. Thanks a lot for this interesting video! Ciao 🙋‍♂️

[@johnphaceas7434]

They were never sold in Australia, however a SAf Alfa mechanic moved in round the corner from me a couple of years ago, and brought with him a pristine rosso V6 Ti with rear wing and the blacked out 5-arm alloy rims. Still on his Gauteng plates, as he hasn't gotten round to registering it for the road here yet. It would be probably the only one in Australia. He also has an immaculate '81 Giulietta sedan, also on Gauteng plates. Those DTM 155s are exquisite.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Those "sport-trim" 155s were very aggressive. Not pretty, but very racy and full of personality. I didn't know the 155 never reached Australia!

[@johnphaceas7434]

@@Matteo_Licata Yep, Alfa withdrew from Australia around '92 (I'm guessing when the 164 was no longer available), but only for about 5 or so years. Unlike the USA, they returned when the 156 was released. So I think the 155 and 145 were the only ones we missed out on. The annual Italian Car Day show is on here in Perth today - trying to get 110 Alfas on display for the anniversary, so should be worth a look.

[@Matteo_Licata]

@@johnphaceas7434 Cool! I'll look for pictures and videos of the event then :)

[@marcbrasse747]

Although you are very much an Alfa nut it is also true that you are not blind for the brands failings. That makes this real history telling. I'm still waiting for that DAF episode though. :-)

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you! A DAF episode fits my love for quirky, lesser-known cars... May give it a chance in the future

[@marcbrasse747]

@@Matteo_Licata That about the DAF episode is of course mainly meant as a joke a joke since it is quite far off your path but I'll keep nagging anyway. :-)

[@jorgeg162]

I love my 155 TS 2.0...i dream to get soon another Alfas too

[@maticsajovic3142]

I still remember seeing one at local Fiat dealer back in 1998. It was Q4 in black. Thats when my pation for Alfa Romeo started.

[@scuderiasenzasoldi8740]

Oh have a soft spot for this Car because of my Dad. He is a huge 155 Fan and owned six of them over the years and I grown up in it. When he sold his black 2.0 16v Sport in 2010 I was so angry that I didn’t talked to him for 3 Days. Then I said to myself at one day you will own a 155. And in 2015 I bought my first one a 96 1.6 16v also in black which I sold last year to a good friend of mine. I really miss it, but my Q4 helps a lot to get happy. Grazie for that video. Greets from Germany Jannik

[@Matteo_Licata]

Wow, no less than six 155! That must be a record! I remember I didn't like the 155 when it was current, because, like many Italians, I thought it was "too Fiat." But looking back now at its sporting achievements makes me appreciate it much more. Thank you for watching!

[@JamesMinchew]

I had a 1997 1.8 16 valve and it was the car that made me a petrol head. The ergonomics were a bit silly with the front and rear electric window switches in different places but the dashboard was great. Having separate oil and water temperatures and oil pressure gauges is something I miss.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Ah, the days of comprehensive gauge clusters! I do miss those too

[@JamesMinchew]

@@Matteo_Licata I loved the fact that if you dimmed the light in the cluster, the light that told you that your lights were on remained really bright. My favourite alfa cluster design was that in the 166, the rev counter and speedo needles were synchronised in third gear.

[@MLC...]

Did you make this video especially for me? Thank you for featuring one of my favorite Alfa Romeos. I was a university student when the 155 was introduced. The event coincided with the return of Alfa Romeo to the South African market. And then we started seeing the touring car racing success. I totally fell in love with the cars. I was unable to convince my father to buy one, he decided on the BMW e36. However, as the '90's drew to a close, I bought a nice used 155 2.0 Super TS16v, which I am still in love with after more than 20 ownership. Now, if only spare parts were available...

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you! Aaah, spare parts, the bane of classic Alfa ownership. Unfortunately, I don't see the company remanufacturing 155 parts anytime soon, but I believe there could be a sizable market, at least for the most common mechanical parts.

[@gorkab8461]

Historically sandwiched between the 75 and the 156, that's really tough. I loved the Q4, of course. I also remember driving a 1.8 which a friend of mine bought second hand. That's when I got my first taste of what "direct steering" really was! There was a true Alfa beneath the Fiat body. And I usually like Fiats anyway :) Thanks for the lovely video as always!

[@0990ftn]

155 had lot of mysterious special limited editions, most notably Ti-Z which was TS and V6 with Zagato body kit, and the most mysterious of all the GTA-Z, which was based on Q4 with engine upgraded to 215ps with parts from Delta Integrale Evo II, and Zagato body kit and wheels. Weirdest thing is, all 10 GTA-Z were sold to Japan, and all of them are still residing in Japan to this day.

[@lamiaitaly2549]

Super video - it’s really well done. I had forgotten about the 155 which I guess is part of the problem. I’d be very happy to have one now! Thanks for the videos

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you very much for your kind words, glad you liked it!

[@sainta2667]

Always loved the 155 , there was something about it's design .. brilliant video again Matteo thou it felt kinda short .

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thanks 👍

[@seventysevenfiji]

Wanted one back in the nineties, still want one now....

[@matirs342]

"Win on Sunday...flop on Monday" This is probably the most accurate comment I've heard of the 155 hahah. I love the 155, my father has one since 2006. A Verde Mirto Metalizato 2.0 8v. It's the car that got me, as a kid, into Alfa. I think it didn't deserve the reputation it got, sure it might be a Tempra platform, but it singlehandedly held Alfa's image on the racetracks (maybe, to prove it was "worthy" of the badge and heritage hahah). My father also had a 156 and despite being a much modern and better car as a whole...it somehow lacked -at least to me, mostly as a passenger, the soul the 155 had. Despite getting a lot of flak for its looks, I think the wedge shape looks great...and dare I say... looks better than the 156. Also, the widebody is regarded as the better looking 155, but I think the first phase looks better with it carefully widened fenders. Ps: The car in the thumbnail is a special version? Because it has a Cloverleaf badge in the front fender, never seen that.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Eagle-eye! The picture in the thumbnail portrays a Japan-spec Q4, hence the small cloverleaf badge. Verde Mirto was a very cool shade, I remember it well on the 33 too. Looks are subjective, and there's a lot to like about the 155: the engines were excellent and the cabin was far larger and better insulated than the 75 could ever be. I agree that the 155 deserves its place in Alfa history for its race wins, and it's today a perfect entry point into classic Alfa ownership.

[@matirs342]

@@Matteo_Licata It is a cool "modern classic"! '90s Alfas should get more recognition. Hopefully they will in upcoming years. Japan had some really cool versions/options. My mechanic imported some 155 Q4s and he told me the Q4 "Giappone" had more power than the European counterpart.

[@Matteo_Licata]

I think 90s Alfas are already getting more recognition than they used to. Prices for good survivors in desirable spec have been firming up for some time here in Italy. I don’t know if the Japan-bound cars were more powerful, but it’s possible, given the different anti-pollution legislation there.

[@gerrywatson261]

I have always loved the look of this car especially the wide-bodied version! It looked so more exciting than the offerings from Ford and GM at the time! Becoming quite a rare sight down here in NZ.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Had no idea the 155 even arrived to New Zealand! Must be as rare as hen's teeth there!

[@fhwolthuis]

I used to like the wide bodies most because the first series looked too much like a Tipo. But now I can appreciate the first series too, the Silverstone was a good looker! There is one 155 for sale in the Netherlands for around 6000 euros so prices are getting up here too.

[@Matteo_Licata]

I like the widebody cars, the early models were too plain-looking, I agree. Prices here in Italy have been firming up lately, but it depends a lot on which engine the car is got... Everyone wants the 2.0l or 2.5l cars, while smaller-engined models remain a hard sell.

[@fhwolthuis]

@@Matteo_Licata are there actually any wide body Busso models? I can't remember ever seeing them.

[@velkovskinikola2]

@@fhwolthuis there are, but are much rarer. Well you can't blame the buyers back in the time the busso had only 10 hp more than the 20 16v T.S. if they offered the 3 liter one it would have been more tempting.

[@portnaluinge]

Massively underrated cars that are still striking looking things, even today.

[@maurodamico9718]

What to say about 155? Aggressive, beautiful, elegant with a fantastic engine, that gives great emotions!

[@Matteo_Licata]

It sure is!

[@agniforma2340]

I like the 155. Actually the mid to late 1990s Alfa range is my favorite in the design department. 155,145,916 GTV/Spider,166,156..Maybe it has to do with my age and that I was attracted to those cars when they were new and I was a kid. I might sound crazy but as far looks go, I a prefer the wide body 155 to the 75. But when you have to replace the 75, an almost perfect sedan as far as driving dynamics go, It's a hard job to do. And when the model that came right after is the 156, it's easy to see why the 155 is sort of caught up in between 2 cars that are probably classics..And we also have to address that a huge part of why the 155 is still remembered is the motorsport success. If it didn't have that, it would be ignored even more. Speaking of the 156, are you thinking of doing a video about this gorgeous car?

[@Matteo_Licata]

A video about the 156 is coming... I'm trying to gather enough insider info ;)

[@linoabreu5477]

i love the dtm car... it's my all time hero

[@drewsimpson5967]

I had two wide body 155's, a 1.8 8 valve which I traded in for 2.0 16v, later. I actually liked the 1.8 engine better, it made a great noise at about 4000rpm. The increased punch from the 2 litre was welcome through.

[@joseantonioarandagarcia9966]

Nice video Matteo. Allways liked the 155 design, not as full of character than its predesor, but clean and tidy.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Perhaps too clean and tidy. Early models were too plain, looking a bit "cheap" compared to the competition and the 75 they replaced.

[@joseantonioarandagarcia9966]

@@Matteo_Licata Agreed, I like the widebody ones, they’re nice.

[@patrickfaure2450]

155 was a revolution in the Alfa’s prod.... The next one was beautiful 156, but the 159, imho, is a masterpeace of Giugiaro.

[@joseantonioarandagarcia9966]

@@patrickfaure2450 Fully agreed, Patrick

[@deltista99]

Great car

[@florentin1327]

Yes, I know

[@studiocalder818]

@@florentin1327 Haha! ..maybe the son?

[@sebastianlema3331]

Alfa until the 75 keept a concept with front engine transaxle, but when 155 comes to market this concept was lost. But i still love this car i had two versions V6 and 2.0 16v

[@vikking156]

I had a 2.0 8V TS... It was a perfect car, I regret selling it. With black 16 inches Speedlines and some Michelin tyres on it it was a surprisingly good driver's car. Thanks for the video :)

[@NannyNoya]

It was the first Alfa Romeo I've ever bought! A wide Body in Alfa Rosso and a ’96 in BluNord color! I love them more than the 156... My god... that was the worst Alfa I ever owned this 156... The first 155 had about 440.000 km with lack of maintenance. I just spent 1.650 Euros in these 6 years - strong engine! and hardly no rust... it only stood still for 8 hours when I'm at work or 4 hours when I'm sleeping... the rest of the time was enjoying driving this Bella!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Now I'm curious about your 156 though. I guess it gave you quite a few problems, sorry to hear that!

[@NannyNoya]

@@Matteo_Licata The 155 had more benefits for me than the 156 - more trunk space - The 156 was just the worst experience... Gladly I could buy a 145 after that and replace that one later on with the 159 - so now... maybe it's time to save some money for the Giulia 😁👍 - But I prefer the 159 design of the exterior more than the Giulia. But the 155 is still the one who has a soft spot in my heart!

[@rabit818]

I find the 155 pretty despite it’s rakish side view.

[@claudioschumi87]

I can't believe people back then wouldn't bite their arms off to have one of these but I guess they were so spoilt with other great Alfa's but still I would do anything to own either the 75 or 155 and especially la 33 which my crazy Uncle owned 😍❤

[@kuseetha.]

33 is a fantastic car, especially that boxer engine

[@jasonmauracooper3881]

Back in those days I drove both the 75's and the 155's. They were chalk and cheese in the handling department. A V6 75 was a total hoot, a bit of a handful in the wet on fast country roads but very predictable, I loved my wide body 2 litre twin spark 155 through. For the time it had excellent grip and fantastic steering thanks to that fast rack. I'd recommend it as a modern, cheap classic, huge boot too!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Yes indeed. The 155 makes for a very sensible entry into the world of classic Alfas... I wouldn't mind one myself!

[@jasongomez5344]

I've always loved the styling of the 155. I would like to get a wide-body 2.0 twin spark.

[@Matteo_Licata]

I have to admit I've come around to like these lately. Back in period I was, like many Alfisti, bitter at the loss of the 75's sophisticated and unique running gear.

[@fractalrender]

I had a 155 1.8 twin spark 1995, and I also regreat selling it, I replaced it with an 316/2 e21 bmw Then went back with an alfetta gt that was the oriiginal plan. I still regreat selling the 155

[@manamagma5310]

I had the 89 155 with 140hp. Except the fuel consumption in the city, it was a great car.

[@jurajmaslej4075]

Great video, would suggest turning music down for some sections, as it was difficult to hear the commentary.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Noted!

[@martinclapton2724]

After having had two Alfa 75s I had a test drive in a 155 Twin Spark with wide body and quicker steering rack. I did not think the cars reflexes were any quicker than the 75 , especially when adjusting the throttle to steer the car , such was the excellent communication of 75 steering and the suspension seemed firmer in 155 too. The improved gearchange was most welcome on the newer model though and I quite liked the styling of it too. The 155 did put the Alfa Romeo name in motorsport again in the UK due it's success in the British Touring Car Championship which possibly also helped sales of its successor too, the 156. Out of 2 cars , the 75 is still my choice.

[@studiocalder818]

A crèd! (Easy to believe you)

[@aceeeed]

Just small correction (sorry to be that guy)... You said that 'Consequently, the 155 actually lost customers *to* Alfa Romeo' - you don't want to use the word 'to', as you are saying that Alfa has lost customers to itself. Obviously that is wrong. If you wrote 'lost customers *to* its competitors' that would make sense. Or wrote ' the 155 lost Alfa Romeo customers' that too would make sense. Love your channel, and you have the nicest Italian accent!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you for the kind feedback and appreciation. I kind of meant that Alfa lost customers to itself though, as I was comparing the 155 with the 75 that preceded it. Given the 155 sold much less than the 75, it's evident many 75 customers did not stay with Alfa. Hope I've clarified the issue! :)

[@marbi7880]

Lost customers ‘for’ Alfa Romeo would make most sense!

[@mattw8332]

I used to watch the BTCC races back in the 1990s and I loved watching the two 155s race. Same goes for the Volvo 850 estates/wagons too. I once owned a 1990 Fiat Tempra but it wasn't a good example.

[@donny2327]

It was quite an usual looking car, but I like it nonetheless. It had that look of being a fast car even when parked. I love the line about the Fiat collaboration, "...trouble is, it kind of showed!"

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you :) Glad you've enjoyed it! Ercole Spada, the 155's designer, made a pretty good job given how little freedom he had on the project. But it's nevertheless been a misstep: people embraced the 164 no problem, but the 155 did not conceal its Fiat roots well enough. Back then the Fiat acquisition was still a recent memory, so people were more sensitive to such things.

[@marchutchings8834]

Please Roadster Life more, more, more more please!

[@Matteo_Licata]

I definitely will :) Work on the next video is already on...

[@MLC...]

@@Matteo_Licata Hi Matteo, how about drawing some cars for us again?

[@Matteo_Licata]

@@MLC... I was thinking about this lately... I may well do so in an upcoming video, stay tuned ;)

[@MLC...]

@@Matteo_Licata That would be wonderful. I really enjoy your drawing videos, great tips in there.

[@shafeqmohd4021]

I have drove the Alfa Romeo 155 1.8 16 valve, and currently drive a BMW 320i E90, apart from ride comfort, the Alfa Romeo 155 is superior in terms of handling, braking, steering response, throttle response and ultimately higher top speed and stable in high speed (around 210 km/h). Frankly speaking, that's why I keep one Alfa Romeo in my possession; an Alfa Romeo 146 1.6 boxer. Definitely in the hunt for another Alfa Romeo, preferably Alfa Romeo 156 2.5 V6..

[@Matteo_Licata]

That's praise indeed! Congratulations for keeping alive a 146 with the boxer engine, as those have seemingly all disappeared from Italian roads, at least in the North.

[@shafeqmohd4021]

@@Matteo_Licata I have owned it from 2010. I just love the sound,not just from the exhaust but also from the engine itself. I call it the growling; like the growling of a tiger.

[@timhancock6626]

It was a bit too much Fiat, and not enough Alfa until the facelift remedied some of its styling shortcomings , and its interiors were not upmarket enough to challenge the BMW 3 series market, the so called "young upwardly mobile" group of buyers. It must have been much cheaper to make than a 75 as it used a common platform and structure. Its a shame the dashboard and cabin ambience wasn't given a higher priority. All in my opinion of course, as a 75 Twin Spark owner who was not seriously attracted to the 155.

[@velkovskinikola2]

I had a 155 as first car. Now I have a 2012 Guilietta. It has lost some of the sharp informative steering the 155 had but I relly like the interior and exterior design.

[@gr182]

You don't list the Alfa 155 Q4 in the Series 2 wide body designation, however it was produced in very small numbers. Do you have any info on this rare version?

[@Matteo_Licata]

I have never seen one, by the way. I know a few Q4s were made after the restyling, but know nothing about them

[@gr182]

@@Matteo_Licata I am hoping to see one soon. May join the collection...

[@Matteo_Licata]

That’s cool! Hope the car is good and you’ll close the deal 👍

[@michelino]

The only 155 wide body road legal was the one-off GTA Stradale.

[@38thsignal]

It's funny - until today I had always thought the 164 share more than just the floorpan with the Lancia, Fiat and Saab sisters, i.e. the doors and windshield? Or is this sharing limited to the Lancia/Fiat? (Or not at all and I'm completely mistaken?)

[@Matteo_Licata]

The whole upper body structure of the 164 was unique. Sadly, this didn't happen with the 155, which hampered the final aesthetic result

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I quite liked the 155 - however, the early cars always looked a bit insipid. The later wide bodied version was a vast improvement, and I always liked the interior. The chassis was also probably good, sharing underpinnings with the Tempra, which was itself based on the Tipo platform. It was important in that it showed AR that it needed to try harder with the follow up model, the 156, which was a superb car in almost every aspect (accept the perishable upper wishbone bushes!)

[@Matteo_Licata]

Yes indeed. The early 155 lacked some visual flair, but the widened wheel arches, together with better wheel choices in both size and design, made a world of a difference. Fiat definitely learned the lesson, as you said, and went to great lengths to ensure the 156 felt and looked as "Alfa" as possible... And sales finally took off!

[@3desapa_jr388]

The first version is more elegant with the same wheels, and the 8v engines of the first series has better character, sound and they are bulletproof compared to the 16v engines. The 8v engine is designed by il Dotttore Giuseppe Busso, and you can feel it. Now the 155s are 20+ years old, and they are a lot reliable than the 156.

[@Matteo_Licata]

@@3desapa_jr388 I agree wholeheartedly with you regarding the engines. The 8v are pure-bred Alfa ones, and that's what I'd want on my 155 if I went out to buy one. But I do prefer the later look.

[@3desapa_jr388]

@@Matteo_Licata I think you can change the shell pieces, so buy one😉. I bought mine 2 years ago and we travel 40 000 km in that time without a problem. You don't want to stop driving it. Your happiness would be over when you arrive somewhere😄

[@studiocalder818]

Agree. Agree. The first time I saw one as a 75's Alfa owner, I was shocked. They did a good job in the second series, but even better on the track!

[@JaehaPark]

Beautifully boxy design

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@izzatfauzimustafa6535]

Did the 155 have good rustproofing coatings similar to the 75 and 164?

[@Matteo_Licata]

The 155 was made at the Naples plant, not at Arese... But I’d say it was just as well protected as any other car of the era, as I’ve never seen rust on a 155. At least in Italy, 90s Alfas don’t rust at all. Things may be different in countries with much damper, harsher climate, but I don’t know.

[@izzatfauzimustafa6535]

@@Matteo_Licata The Naples plant is the one called "Pomigliano D'Arco plant", right?

[@Matteo_Licata]

@@izzatfauzimustafa6535 Yup. The one built for the Alfasud but that, over time, built the majority of Fiat-era Alfas, right up to the last 159. Currently, the Fiat Panda is manufactured there, but I heard the Tonale is going to be made there soon.

[@Archman155]

@@Matteo_Licata this is true in italy only. when i visited italy i saw plenty of 90s alfas, but in the uk they havent survived: almost all of them are really rusty and practically every roadworthy one has probably had extensive welding at some point, including the 155. the galvanised coating wears off after about 10 years and then its free reign for rust to develop.

[@lucalukezanutta1351]

Tutti parlano male della 155...è stata la mia prima auto una 1.8ts.. Mi sono divertito tanto e tutt ora la trovo accattivante anche se sono passati 20 anni da che non c'è l ho più

[@downesy68]

Alfa disappeared from Australian roads during this period so we saw no new Alfas after the 164, 75 and 90 until the appearance of the 147 and 156. So this period of Alfa is completely unfamiliar to me. To be honest, I don’t think we missed much.

[@Matteo_Licata]

We can safely say you did not miss too much, yes. The 155 was a good car, but hardly a game-changer

[@gerrywatson261]

I bet it was more exciting than a Holden Astra though!

[@downesy68]

Gerry Watson everything is more exciting than a Holden Astra 😂

[@downesy68]

Roadster Life I’ve just seen a 155 Q4 listed for sale here for AU$60,000. That’s about 37,000 euros I think.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Wow, that’s steep. People aren’t that brave in Italy yet, but a good Q4 is indeed an appreciating asset

[@Muushondje]

Roadster life on its best, Alfa Romeo. Thanks for this superb video !! I have enjoyed it.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@yiorgos272]

26th June 1994 Brands Hatch GP circuit, double 1-2 for Alfa Corse with Gabriele Tarquini & Giampiero Simoni. I was there waving a big Alfa flag among pissed off Ford fans :-)

[@Matteo_Licata]

Cool! :)

[@minot.8931]

They used to spit huge balls of flame out on the overrun into Druids hairpin... absolutely epic racing cars. 🚗💥🚗. 🚙🚕

[@RagnoRosso]

Grandissima 155! Bravo!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you!!!

[@lmde2028]

Love your videos! #LaMeccanicadelleEmozioni

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoy my content!

[@trevizese]

It's a bit of a lie to say that the 155 q4 was based on the delta integrale. The only similarity is that they both used the 16v fiat turbo engine. The suspension is completely different, it's the same as in the Tempra 4x4 and Dedra Integrale.

[@Matteo_Licata]

It’s a lie I’ve never said. In the video I say the 155 has “engine and running gear derived from the legendary Delta Integrale”. Because the engine and transmission was indeed derived from the Integrale. I did not say the cars were identical underneath, because they aren’t.

[@MegaMare87]

Can you please make video for AR 147? :)

[@Matteo_Licata]

I will. Watch this space ;)

[@drewsimpson5967]

I think Gabriele Tarquini sold more Alfa 155's in UK than every salesperson here combined.

[@Matteo_Licata]

That’s for sure! :)

[@studiocalder818]

"Well, we quickly need a new model that costs little to develop and above all costs less to produce than the 75. Donor Tempra? mmm... it has nothing to do with the brand but we can try! "

[@Matteo_Licata]

The whole "Tipo Due" project of making a family of cars from one basic design was the brainchild of Vittorio Ghidella. He was very keen on production automation and economies of scale through common modules. In hindsight, we can now say he went too far, underestimating the buying public's clout.

[@snupei4468]

@@Matteo_Licata They should have used economies of scale by pairing Alfa with Maserati as they are doing today, an Alfa based on the BiTurbo chassis or a new chassis made for both would have done better for the brand. The switch to FWD in models above the 146/7 was a mistake imo.

[@studiocalder818]

@@snupei4468 Maserati wasn't a marque of the group, yet

[@joshuaagassi2874]

This model was never sold in my country. we only had the Fiat Tempra, not even with the digital instrument cluster in the higher grade version. Feeling missing out.

[@MrDieselakias]

where/?

[@njs9876]

Loved my blue 1.8ts. Great cars. Nice film 👍

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thanks! 👍

[@kakotokakoto2746]

There was one for sale with 1.8l in great condition for 1300euros few months ago... I regret not buying it.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Nice. That's slightly cheaper than people ask here in Italy

[@kakotokakoto2746]

@@Matteo_Licata This is in Montenegro, so you get why... 😁

[@nicolaandria522]

I have never driven one but my brother in law had one for years and I remember that I considered it far, far too ugly for an Alfa... and I still do. Also it's a demonstration that aerodynamic is not always intuitive, boxy appearance notwithstanding that car had a cx 0.29.

[@mauromolinari99]

Sempre video super interessanti Due domande: perché non proponi gli stessi identici video anche in italiano? In modo da allargare la visione di questi splendidi video anche ad Alfisti/appassionati di auto in generale che non masticano l'inglese. Poi volevo sapere se hai una pagina su qualche social per seguirti sempre e magari dar modo di approfondire e discutere a tutti gli appassionati, argomenti che saltano fuori da qui. Tanta stima per te, continua così 💪

[@Matteo_Licata]

Grazie mille! Non sono molti gli Italiani a esprimersi in maniera così favorevole nei commenti, quindi il tuo è ancor più speciale! Decisi di esprimermi in Inglese per una serie di ragioni: 1) raggiungere il pubblico più ampio possibile 2) gli introiti pubblicitari da KZbin variano a seconda della regione geografica: quando mi guarda un Americano guadagno, in proporzione, molto di più rispetto ad un Italiano. Pochi lo sanno, ma è così. 3) espandere la cultura delle auto Italiane all'estero Fare i video anche in Italiano non sarebbe un lavoro da poco, dovrei registrare due voiceover e montare due volte il video... Non credo di farcela da un punto di vista di tempi. Sarebbe bello avere una pagina social dove interagire in maniera differente... Devo solo vincere la mia personale resistenza a Facebook e Instagram, due piattaforme che non amo affatto. Sto valutando una newsletter però... Se vuoi, puoi iscriverti dal mio sito. www.roadster-life.com/home Grazie mille per i complimenti e la stima, lo apprezzo molto!

[@mauromolinari99]

@@Matteo_Licata immaginavo che i motivi fossero le ragioni espresse nei primi due punti. Per quanto riguarda la terza... Applausi! ti fa solo un grandissimo onore! Ci potrebbe stare una pagina Facebook o per lo meno un gruppo Facebook, per discutere di queste meravigliose auto italiane, selezionare meglio i veri appassionati e cercare di limitare il marciume e il tifo da stadio che purtroppo affligge i social. Era solo un pensiero generale perché io non ho problemi a seguire questi video in inglese, la lingua universale per raggiungere chiunque. Tanta stima per te davvero, I complimenti te li meriti tutti. Attendo con piacere qualche video su altre Alfa moderne come 159, Brera, MiTo (why not) o magari sulle tante spettacolari concept cars mai uscite e che molti non conoscono, che anch'io ho avuto modo di vedere nelle Segrete (156 GTAM, Nuvola, Kamal, Sprint 6C, 166 GTA, Eagle, Zagato Free Time, Diva ecc) P.S. Un altro video sulla mia amata GT 2004 sarebbe sempre molto gradito 😂

[@marktoby8113]

hey if you want to do a story on an Alfa flop, then try the Alfa Giulia, this thing makes the 155 look like a best seller!

[@minopino3]

Aha thas why there are 8v in the widebody versions. O didn't get that before 👍🏼 thx broh😎

[@Matteo_Licata]

Yes indeed. It seems to me that the company kept installing 8v engines into the cars until stocks run out.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

What can I say about this car? The Tempra looked fresh and heavy.... The Dedra was heavy and very classy ..... This just looked heavy. It was always an akward styles car, with that very low front and very tall rear. I really liked the 75.... The 33 and the 164 but although this was a great car, I could never like it's styling. Specially when they came out with black alloy wheels... It was the first time I ever seen it and I didn't like it at all. This car scores 3rd place in my 3 car long list of ugly Alfas: 3rd place: the 155. 2nd place: the ARNA 1st Place: the Brazilian one we don't dare to speak of with fear we might dream of it.

[@judethaddaeus9742]

It’s just such a shame that Lancia’s racing pedigree had to die after unparalleled success in irder to bolster this car’s. And to limited effect. Why couldn’t Lancia keep the WRC program going with the new Delta alongside Alfa’s 155 touring car program? What a shame.

[@Matteo_Licata]

It just wasn't possible. Fiat did not have enough cash and staff to pursue the two programs simultaneously with any chance of success.

[@judethaddaeus9742]

@@Matteo_Licata I guess that makes sense. Perhaps I’m just a Lancia fanboy, but given Alfa’s quite long and illustrious racing pedigree, Lancia might have benefitted more from keeping its WRC program than Alfa did with their touring car program. Especially given the fact that Alfa already had a successful F3 racing program and was continuing to win championships in that field while the 155 racked up touring car victories. It reminds me of when Fiat pulled the successful WRC program away from Lancia in the ‘70s to favor the 131 Rally. The Fulvia, Stratos, 037, and Deltas became legends. The 131, much like the 155, was certainly successful, but both are footnotes by comparison. As a result, Lancia would stumble through the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and now 2020s in something of an identity crisis while Alfa gets all the money and attention, but with little effect on sales.

[@ugosivocci719]

Great Alfas are hard to replace. That's why i don't like the 155. I love the 75. In the same way i don't like the 159. I love the 156 ;)

[@kelemenkaban2505]

Front wheel drive = not loved? Definately better looking than the Fiat it is based on.

[@Matteo_Licata]

I don't believe FWD was an issue for most buyers. After all, the 164 was selling very well contemporarily. Had the 155 looked less similar to its Fiat brethren, it would have been more successful. That's my hunch, anyway :)

[@VickersV]

Do a alfa Montreal please 🥺

[@Matteo_Licata]

I can promise you I will :) A Montreal video is long overdue, and I'll make one before this year's end, for sure!

[@VickersV]

@@Matteo_Licata thank you my friend 😀

[@Matteo_Licata]

@@VickersV My pleasure!

[@raufsahin334]

Haha...nicely said...very true....tq for the video..

[@Matteo_Licata]

Glad you liked it, thank you!

[@Rammstein56]

I will always love the 155 & Nannini for this 'incident 'in Singen when Nannini was pushed off by a (much hated) Mercedes C Class . The Dutch commentator ( Olav Mol a very decent and respectable guy) was at his best (well it is my maternal language) but he speaks international and you can hear his anxiety and anger from the tone of his voice over what Asch did and he spke out the profecy that you do not do this to an Italian racing driver ! Like myself he HATED the Mercedes driver Roland Asch (Arse anyone? ) kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2Xbg5eGqbenrck

[@Matteo_Licata]

Oh yes, that was one of those unforgettable moments in motorsport history :) It's a pity that Alfa Romeo never managed to win again the DTM/ITC championship, as they had been very close in '94 and '96. Mind you, I don't really know how much that affected road car sales, probably not much.

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

Much hated Mercedes C class? Maybe according to the agenda you're trying to push. What an extremely stupid comment

[@chrisc.9627]

WHY!? Why Italian and French cars didn t made more quality, anti-rust and reliabilty cars in middle 80?? If we didn t a good job shared engine ( French engine are totaly underpowered) and continued to followed their way? This cars was plenty of soul, unique, lovable...But unfortunately, German did good job, improving products gen after gen and when Italian or French finally did acceptable cars, it was too late. At the moment to spend more the 30000 euros, the customers never want to take a risking to buy problem and have a car costing half the price only 2 years after. Citroen, Alfa, Lancia, but Fiat Renault and Peugeot too had more concepts, inventions, and techno than auster but running well German car. Hope Stellantis change the history now. The new generation of driver discover the particularity of them..and are fed-up about Mercedes/Bmw/Audi/ Vw dictak. But I m afraid they will skip this way and prefere buying Kia , Tesla, and future chinese productions..soooo sad.

[@TNPTVconnect]

Definitely a forgettable car! Not an Alfa Romeo! Auto da dimenticare direi! Non una Alfa Romeo

[@Matteo_Licata]

Me lo aspettavo ;) La 155 fu un trauma per gli Alfisti, la sua origine Fiat troppo evidente, e la "ferita" della acquisizione da parte di Fiat era ancora fresca. Posso perfettamente capire, ma anche rispetto tutti gli appassionati che, specialmente all'estero, hanno amato ed amano questa vettura.

[@TNPTVconnect]

@@Matteo_Licata Sono d'accordo,spero che chi si avvicina all'Alfa Romeo attraverso la 155 poi si muova subito verso la scoperta delle vere Alfa Romeo, la 75 dopotutto nelle versioni TS è ancora molto raggiungibile ed è un ottimo punto di partenza.

[@salvatorep.1685]

The worst Alfa at all time, in my opinion

[@minot.8931]

You never had one, in my opinion😬 209,000 miles on mine. Original engine .. 2 clutches, and about 3 of everything else.

[@salvatorep.1685]

@@minot.8931 non ho scritto che non fosse affidabile, è che quando penso a un'Alfa l'ultima auto che mi viene in mente è proprio la 155. Per fortuna non mi è mai venuta la malsana idea di possederne una.

[@michelino]

La prima Alfiat, nulla più che una Tempra col biscione sul cofano, buoni solo i motori.