Why The 75 Was A Sales Success But Still Part of ALFA's Decline

[@Matteo_Licata]

Boy that 75 sounds magnificent! A V6 with optional leather trim, the peak of the 75 range but also a version that was rarely seen on Italian roads in period, due to our notoriously punitive taxation on anything above two liters. Great review Jack, by the way!

[@johnphaceas7434]

Taking a glass half full view that also meant Alfa was inspired to create some interesting alternatives later on like the turbo charged 2.0L Busso V6 in the 164, 916-GTV/Spider and the 166. Sadly we never received any of those engines in Australia.

[@wm9904]

💯💯

[@herrgolf]

Oh but the four cylinders sound even better, to my ears.

[@geodrome]

The original launch in the UK was a 1.8 version and a 2.5 V6 Green-cloverleaf. The 2.0 twin spark and 3.0 V6 came in 1987.

[@napraznicul]

That v6 IS A GARBAGE, Slow and Thisty. The ONLY engine option which makes 75 a pretty fast saloon is 1.8 dohc turbo (150/155bhp stock).. "busso" were garbage engines in all versions, latest 3.2 are included. Poor efficiency per cc, low reliability, very low performance.

[@gcv10]

I was living in Dubai and my daily was a 2.0TFSI. Awesome car, fast, DSG, everything automated, no complaints whatsoever. Went back home for vacation after a year. My dad has one since new and I asked for the keys to go for a quick run. I started yelling out of excitement in the first minute, from the house to the garden gate. Just starting it up, hearing the roar, putting 1st gear, and enjoying the burble from the exhaust. People that drive new cars cannot realise the difference between how much these older cars (pure machines with no computers, no matter their shape or number of doors) speak to you and make you feel, how alive and playful they are, despite the "flaws", which anyway anything that gets old will have versus the advanced new, so it's an odd argument for me.

[@sams8591]

As the owner of a 2.5 V6 156, and having previously owned a 164, 166 and 90s GTV all with the 24V V6, I must say I think that these early busso 12v v6s in the 75 and GTV6 etc sound even better than the ones that came after. There is something very "trumpety" in the sound of them.

[@mickparker5656]

I had a 156 2.5 V6 as well and I loved it

[@simonelliott5956]

I had both the Twinspark and the 3.0V6 Veloce back in the day. Jano at Autodelta did work on both, but at the time we both had v6’s, his had Koni and mine had Bilstein. I had the torsion bars, springs and anti roll bars uprated drilled and groves discs front and rear, plus Autodelta’s exhaust and lots of subtle engine mods. I wish I had never sold that car, it had so much dry road traction that while BMWs and 944s were struggling to get off the line, I was gone. Changing direction was so precise and it could be abused with predictable results. There’s a reason they kept them as training cars at the Nurburgring until very recently and still have a few apparently. Magnificent car and makes me hanker for another one! Thanks for making me smile, with a tear in my eye for the most fun car and I’ve ever owned! I’ve driven lots of great cars since and currently drive an RS6, but nothing put a smile on my face like the last real Alfa, my never forgotten and much missed 75! It’s been long overdue that you did a video on one and I can tell by the look on your face just how much you enjoyed it! Thanks Jack!

[@studiocalder818]

Fantastic guessed comment. Now fortunately we have at least the Giulia left, which is the reinterpretation of a similar character

[@155andRising]

If you can get past the boxy wedge look (which I happen to like ) the 75 is a mechanical masterpiece. Rear transaxle, de Dion suspension, inboard brakes for lower un sprung weight. It’s definitely on my want list

[@Petrospect]

It's 75% an Alfa SZ hehe

[@worldhello1234]

It is still an old car, even though it is an interesting combination of technology.

[@drink4711]

I really like the design too

[@pereldh5741]

@@worldhello1234 and in many ways more sofisticated then most modern cars. Also, no cars today are made with so few compromises… Expensive to make, yes, but they could just do it in those days. Even if it bankrupt Alfa Romeo

[@MasterMalrubius]

Boxy is foxy.

[@gaetanoflorio6277]

What's not to.love about the last of the real Alfa Romeos RWD. I've owned 3 of them in Australia, all 2.5ltr ( 1 auto and 2 5 speed) and now chasing the 3 ltr. In Oz its called Potenziata and are very hard to come by now commanding upwards of $25k AUD but worth every penny. I miss my 75's and would love to get my hands on one again soon. Best driving car let alone the awesome sound of that V6 Busso 💪🇬🇸 🇮🇹

[@pauln0371]

Loved the 164 from back in the 80s. Always thought the 75 was too boxy. That Busso engine though is a true masterpiece. I remember getting overtaken by a GTV 2.5 V6 when I was in my XR3i in 1988. It sounded amazing as it flashed past. I've always loved Alfa's.👍👍

[@FridgeProductionsLtd]

I had 2x 164 Cloverleafs. A 12 valve and a 24 valve. Both fabulous cars.

[@martinclapton2724]

Conversely to most people , I absolutely adore the styling , especially in the UK Cloverleaf spec as your driving. When Alfa replaced the 75 with the 155 , in the early 1990’s, the head of Alfa was asked why they went to FWD , he replied the handling characteristics would suit more people. Whilst that was understandable for mainstream drivers , it’s quite surprising how many owners were not so happy with the 75 replacement. The truth , of course, was the 155 was so much more economical to produce -it takes , on average one third of the time to produce a FWD car than a rear drive due to the engine /gearbox/ axle / front suspension assembly can be installed in one manoeuvre, on a subframe thanks also to macpherson strut suspension. I have owner 2 Alfa 75 models , one Twin Spark and one 3 litre V6. The TS is more fun to drive with even better balance due to the lighter engine and the fact it revs higher, just like you imagine an Italian car to be, whereas the V6 in 12 valve form leaves you wanting for more top end ( the Rev range increased with the 4 valve per cylinder cars) , and the gear ratios are stepped up to mate with the extra torque. Road holding was still up to modern standards , being very advanced when the transaxle layout was introduced with the Alfetta saloon in 1972. The gearbox took some getting used to, 2nd being obtrusive til warm, a built in Italian car trait to warn you not to trash them from cold, same on Ferraris , Alfa’s and even various RWD Fiats of old , remembered same on my 132! Great car the 75, remember chasing and passing a Toyota Supra turbo , at a far unmentionable speed on the Stourbridge -Kidderminster road in my twin spark , and showing up some “wise -guys “ in a BMW 3 series. Different times, less policing , less cameras , great times. I could go on but really great cars , pity so few around now.

[@johnphaceas7434]

I'm with you - the Alfa 75 is my favourite Alfa and mainly because of the way it looks (plus the transaxle and Busso obviously!). I was a teenager when it came out, so it's right in my wheelhouse. I bought my '81 GTV after just missing out on a 3.0L 75, so I do have a transaxle Alfa but it definitely feels that it is an earlier generation design. I always have an eye open to see if a decent 75 comes along.

[@dani5rovic]

my 2.2 159 and 3.2 v6 166 both have the gearbox thing that it is hard to shift in 2nd especially while cold aswell

[@studiocalder818]

I am proud that my 3 75s, which I chose to sell to enthusiasts without looking at the maximum profit, are still on the road after years, and are now safe because they have become cult in Italy. Car with a soul

[@pietbezuidenhout6735]

The De Dion transaxle was introduced back in 1972 on the Alfa Romeo Alfetta, a brilliant car. I drove a 1979 Alfetta 1800 for ±6 years and it never gave me any problems, always fun to drive and quite advanced for its time. This was a South African built car, assembled at the Brits factory not far from Pretoria. This plant was unfortunately closed down in 1985 due to poor economies of scale.

[@domtoni4567]

I lived in Germany from 1987 to 1994, and had two 75s as company cars, the first at 1 year old, was destroyed in an accident, and the second lasted for the next few years. Both 3 litres, and both red with black trim. 180 horsepower. Most memorable drive was from Koeln to the dolomites for a ski trip, and in Austria, the roads were covered with snow. The car's tyres were Pirelli P6s or P6000s, and the car was the most stable vehicle I have driven on such conditions. I hated the styling at the time, but really like it now. Can't argue with the sound of the Buso engine.

[@radioyug]

What kind of company does use 3.0 V6 75s lol, I'd wanna work there? :))

[@tonycust9247]

I had an Alfetta 2000 for just a year, but like you, I was amazed at it's stability - about the best I had driven on gravel!!

[@domtoni4567]

@@tonycust9247 Reminds me, my cars had Pirelli P6s, and I drove to the Dolomites from Koeln. Going through one area, the road was full of snow. No problem what so ever in the snow. Amazing car. Its traction was far better than the Mercedes' C classes I've owned since.

[@vintagelugs1708]

The Rosary on the mirror is a beautiful thing. No apologies need t be asked for it’s appearance. Beautiful car. Great presentation by you.

[@thistimeimhere]

That sound is superb. The smile on your face driving it says it all. I can't see any modern equivalent delivering that kind of smiles per mile. Great video as usual jack.

[@fankullah]

I had a 2.5 Milano in Canada. definitely the most fun to drive car I've ever owned. I looked for any excuse to go for a drive. And it wasn't the fastest car in the numbers. but, because of its engine and confidence-inspiring handling, I often made it the fastest car on the road.

[@zafurchio5687]

I'm an old italian Alfa's lover. The 75 was basically a facelifted Alfetta. Great car, great mechanic. Old good times. That v6 is one of the best engine ever regardless the power and specs. It has a soul, just a few engine in the world ever had a soul. This is one of the very few, it's incredible and it speaks to you.

[@geodrome]

It was a face lifted Guilietta , the doors are identical if you take the plastic caps off. The guilietta was itself based on the Alfetta floor plan.

[@jonathanliptrot9622]

♥

[@Lot76CARS]

Thanks for revisiting these seldom talked about cars. I worked for a leasing company in the mid/late eighties and did a track day with Alfa Romeo UK at Donnington. Driving that era of Alfa was great (little did I know it was the end of an era). Get past it's looks and the 75 is immense fun to drive and the 164 wasn't bad and IMHO, truly a beauty.

[@johnphaceas7434]

I believe there is a guy in Germany who still runs a small fleet of 3.0L 75s as track specials for hire at the Nürburgring, and coaches people on how to drive the circuit. If you search YT there are some epic videos shot by folks in more modern and much more powerful cars totally unable to keep up with him.

[@Lot76CARS]

@@johnphaceas7434 amazing that they’re still in active service, I’ll look out for that

[@petescarport]

A balanced car makes up for a lot on a fun road. I took my 944 out today and it always impresses me.

[@ElGrecoBrujo]

Early 90's I was a student in Bournemouth and owned a series of 116 Alfa Romeos including a 75. I think it is a great car in all important aspects of a car. Great handling, great communication with the driver and although my cars were cheap student cars, they were solid and dependable. However my last car was a tomato, gti 4x4 which I still have.

[@Soupdragon1964]

Superb cars! I had a V6 75 followed by a TS Veloce with full body kit. Clive York (RIP) tuned the engine and suspension and it was the best handling car I've ever driven. So neutral, easy to drive fast and an ally, rather than wrestling with a monster. It also saved my life as I was the victim of a head-on in 1996. Solid build quality.

[@studiocalder818]

I totally agree with your guessed comment (I had 3 + 1 SZ). The only flaw: to be an Alfa women did not like him (at least the Italian ones)😀 Every time I see one, the desire to have it returns. All similar cars today

[@smashoklw]

I had the pleasure of owning this in US trim with the 2.5 V6. There's no accounting for taste but I loved the styling. The V6 was a work of art. The handling was superb. The ergonomics, well there are French cars in my past so ... Sure there were quirks, and Alfa's didn't like you to skimp on maintenance. My mechanic was top notch and kept me in water pumps, cam belt tensioners, drive shaft donuts, and cam belts. Just a totally fun car to drive, one that invited you to become one with it. And I swear there was a little voice behind the dash that kept saying faster, faster, faster. Wonderful memories.

[@peteb1867]

Thaks for showing the Alfa 75! I had the Milano version when I was in my 20's & loved it. I probably would still have, but it had a nasty collision with an 80kg deer in the woods of northern Wisconsin. Even great weight distribution won't save that!

[@alphatrion100]

Aren't alfas pretty rare in the U.S.?

[@peteb1867]

@@alphatrion100 Well there is one dealer, Reina International, in Milwaukee but I think they stopped importing Alfas for a while.

[@troyrestieauxrealestate2321]

I had the same 3.0 V6 75. I believe in NZ the standard model was the 2.5. I loved it, free revving and on one occasion upset a BMW driver who couldn’t shake me off! I bought it from a dealer and when I sold it it went for more. Great video!

[@timhancock6626]

I did about 90,000 miles in a 75 Two Litre Twin Spark from 1989-91. Lets not forget this was the third saloon shell that used the running gear. It was a road car par excellence with impeccable manners and very nice power steering. The one area lacking was the brakes which I could get to fade without all that much provocation. The body shell was far better made than previous Alfas and the paintwork excellent. As to the electrics....they all seemed to have Bosch written on them....what can I say, but it was relays and the dreaded ARC system that played up, mainly telling you the brake pads were low when they were not. I had a wiper motor fail too ( bosch) The ignition and injection were faultless however and the Twin Spark engine was a joy and pretty bullet proof provided you changed the oil and didn't habitually over rev it.

[@MP-po6fj]

90k mostly trouble free driving for an old Italian car.. V6 engine mite us, epic

[@vladekuga7478]

Test mules in the late 60’s, released in 1972, add a V6 and a decade after launch win the euro championship 3 years on the trot. Car looks far better then most 3 box saloons from the period and culminated with the SZ (all be it breathed on) being able to pull 1.42 lateral G. I love everyone semi bagging alfas as it keeps them affordable.

[@JohnSmith41893]

Having owned and tracked an V6 75, I can say with authority that its important to think about rotors and pads BEFORE track use as the DeDion rear rotors will glaze with any real use. Otherwise, super fun and excellent super touring car that can surprise more exotic fare - especially in the rain.

[@davidsherrick898]

I tracked my Milano 2.5 Gold non ABS. I was at intermediate level. Yes, in the rain, my 3rd track day was in the rain , unfortunately I spun out, two many times, got red flagged and was done for the day. I like the 'Milk truck' styling as a competitor on the track called it in the pits. Mine was a somewhat weekend driver, not a track car setup. Still enjoyed the experience of it.

[@ramonsanders2562]

I drove rally’s in a 75 3.0 V6 in the Netherlands for 2,5 years before i bought my siërra cosworth 4x4!! The ford ia by far the better rallycar but i had the most fun in the Alfa!!! Only the syncromesch from the second gear was bad, every 1,5 rally it was gone but the engine , that busso V6………oef what a engine and then that sound!!!! Very Nice car, greats from the Netherlands , ramon

[@petedenton9434]

And the 2.0 Twin Spark was even better balanced due to a slightly lighter engine. Loved my 75 and it was a great place to drive 30,000 miles in a year back in the 1990s!

[@markonmotoring]

I can honestly say I've never been a fan of the styling but from an engineering point of view I love the fact it has a trans axle and any Busso is a pure sensation overload. I suppose we all have our favourite era of Alfa. I actually really like the 145/146 and 916 GTV6. I also really like the 156. Of course those are all front wheel drive so much less focused a drives car in some respects.

[@davidraezer5937]

I had a 88 Verde in the USA which was the equivalent to your clover 🍀 except we had cloth Recaro seats. Absolutely loved the car including its quirky design. I looked at this over a e30 and it was my passion to the brand which allowed me to be a Alfa technician at the dealer level.

[@Number27]

Congrats David and thanks for watching! Big wave to the USA 🇺🇸

[@jazzfan999]

Your face says it all. The smile. I remember that Alfa smile. I had 3 Alfas in the 70's and early eighties, and I remember beaming like that every time I got behind the wheel. I'm quite old now, but the memories. Ahhh!

[@Z-u-m-a]

I love this era of Alfa designs, and what an engine! Great review.

[@stuarthepburn6508]

Beast of a car - If you took the rear spoiler off a VW Sirocco mk1, turned it upside down, bolt it to the underside of the 75 front bumper, it's a perfect fit diffuser

[@StevenMarlows]

I had a 75 twin spark in 1992 I bought it in an auction for peanuts ,ran it for a year , never missed a beat ,put it back in the auction and got my money back . I loved it.

[@manosparavida3551]

I had an '87 2.5 V6. Once whilst visiting relatives in Berkshire we experienced 'ice rain' a weather phenomenon where the air temperature is far warmer than the ground temp'. In effect every stretch of tarmac was like black ice. The farm's driveway where we stayed was a little over quarter of a mile long and there was a huge gathering that day. Only my Alfa 75 and the farm's Land Rover could make it to the main Rd. Testimony to it's excellent weight distribution/balance.

[@chrisgray4651]

Had an 83 Giulietta 2.0 and this mechanically is almost the same, great cars to drive and had a fair turn of speed. I'd have another tomorrow!

[@MasterMalrubius]

That was a treat. I really love the sound of that engine. Makes me miss Fredo. I much prefer these looks into older niche cars than a lot of the newer hyper cars which I would never likely own.

[@jamescunningham1774]

That engine note just sends tingles down my spine. You're right; it is orgasmic. In its day I thought it was downright ugly but for years now the 75 has grown on me as a quirky, interesting character. Loving how it seemed to have wormed its way under your skin. Flaws and all. 😉

[@protestagain]

Reminds me of the Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130TC I drove back in 1985. It had those fabulous racing seats, and with those, you couldn't get to the back seats, but what a car back in those days.

[@pereldh5741]

Fiat & Alfa made fantastic cars in the 80’s/90’s. That Ritmo, the 105TC aswell as the Uno Turbo and the mental Croma Turbo geez that blew everything off the streets then

[@nichallam174]

I had both the Strada 130tc and a Alfa 75 2.5 Cloverleaf in the 80s. Miss them both so much, they both made every outing a treat in the days before speed cameras became so common. A friend had a fully loaded 3 Series BMW with close ratio box and sports pack, the Alfa was so much more involving to drive and steer despite being a little down on power. I still remember that engine sound to this day. The Strada was still the only front wheel drive car that I ever found that could be steered on the throttle to overcome understeer .

[@cornishrider]

Devine intervention at 1:37 on Harry's Bend! Magnificent car, 25 years ago I worked with a valetor who bought Rose Quartz coloured 75, Very different to the SAABs I drove but what a wonderful machine, very much more compelling then many of its contemporaries.

[@theblackhand6485]

Sound out of last corner is fantastic. Not yet F1 but but the spirit is there!

[@buioso]

The 75 has been used dozens of times in italian police movies car chase scenes, both as police or villains car. And that's for only one reason: this car is badass.

[@MotoMark55]

Love it 😍 One of my favourite cars of all time. Takes me straight back to my time at Lisle's of Newcastle in the late 80's - the height of the 33/75/164 era 👍🏻

[@johnbarry731]

A fantastic car! I used to have a 2.0 Alfetta which had the same transaxle set up as the 75. Not quite a Busso engine, but that Alfa Twin cam was a great engine with a great noise.

[@johnphaceas7434]

I've got a '81 Alfetta GTV 2.0L now - the 4 cylinder DOHC "Bialbero" is actually also a Busso design, but obviously not "the" Busso. I'm lucky enough to also have a 2.5L 24v V6 Busso-powered 156, and a 156 GTA with the "Bussone" (big Busso) 3.2L V6.

[@yipas]

Actually's not a noise. It goes better with the word "sound". Which it truly is.

[@karl7910]

Thx again.1. I didn't know it was a government leaded company, its a transaxle, and it sound is so amazing. As i am not on insta,my Review question is a Porsche 924S, aswell a transaxle with 2.5 Liter 4 cylinder, well balanced and once ,or still unloved and underestimated cars. I own one and love it.cheers juergen

[@breganzane]

I had a 2lt one of these as a private rental car in Italy around 2000. It was hot, the AC didn't work, and it took me a day or two to find the front window switches! But like all Alfas, absolutely FUN to drive.

[@AndreasMartinLaute]

I very well remember these fantastic cars having seen a lot of them in the 80s in Milan when I was a student. Those were also the years of the most successful TV - series; "La Piovra"... great actors, lovely cars and a soundtrack by Morricone. Thanks for bringing back old memories!

[@jobsmi4]

As a man approaching 50. I grew up with Alfas. My father loved them. I own three myself. He had two 75s. A 3.0v6 and a 1.8 twin cam. As a 21yr old he used to let me drive both. The v6 used to dig in and handled really well. The 1.8 was terrifying in the wet, used to scare me. Possible the 13inch steel wheels with big bulbous tyres!! I now have several old cars which include three alfas, a jaguar xk8, and a renault 5. The alfas offer something other cars dont!!!

[@meanredspider]

I owned the 1.6ie version (the 1600 was the most popular version though never sold in the UK) when I lived in Brussels. It was a lot of fun to drive despite how little power (120bhp?) it had due to that balance and part of the charm of driving it was maintaining the momentum. A quirk of all(?) 75s is that the heated rear screen is powered through a cheap 16-pin wiring connector under the footwell carpet. The high power of the rear screen on my car would overheat the connector, taking out the pin next to it, which happened to power the fuel pump! It took me ages to discover why the car wouldn’t run when it rained (rear demister on)! Every subsequent 75 I looked at had the after-market repair of that pin bypassing the connector! You have to love those quirks. Fab car a SO Alfa Romeo with those uncompromising engineering bits (inboard discs, de Dion etc) and crazy switch gear.

[@benzinapaul7416]

My old mans 1987 75 3.0 torched itself when 2 years old because of a problem with the heated rear screen

[@jncg2311]

I've had this video on loop in the background while I work for 3 tours now. My wife just called up having heard the engine being exercised and asked what I was buying now!

[@robertjones7695]

I had two of these. I'd still have the second one if it hadn't been stolen and dismantled at 18 months old..... You learn how to use weight transfer, brakes and throttle, to switch between mild understeer and mild oversteer around that neutral point - a joy to drive. The BMW 325 I had afterwards was crude handling in comparison.

[@aaronsmith8414]

Thanks for that review, brought back some memories of some great drives. I've had 3 of those things all QVs regret selling them about a week later. A good one is a really nice drive

[@MikeyBee1]

Wowsers Jack that has to be one of the best sounding Busso's I've heard in a long time!! God that sounded mega at full chat, and made me laugh out loud like a big kid!! I think they do look better in Alfa Red, but then again don't all Alfa's!! 🙂 ...regardless though they still look stunning with that wide body kit on, and so quirky. It makes you realise how boring every car is these days as they all look so similar, whereas in those days we were spoilt for choice. Did I spot a lesser spotted Tomato parked up as you did a fly by?

[@timgutsell4981]

That sound! Brought back fond memories of my old Alfasud 5M! But less fond memories of my 166!

[@peterledwitch-madsen2524]

I had a 75 twin spark (my first Alfa), followed by a 156 V6. Quirky as it was, I agree, the 75 was the last real Alfa and I enjoyed driving it so much more than the 156 (even with that Busso). Just so we’ll balanced. Great to see this tuned up 75 V6 here! I’d get one tomorrow if I could find/afford one! BUT, I’d love to see a review on the 70s Alfettas, especially the GTs. I think they’re underrated, but would be great to see your take on them, for us fellow alfisti!

[@seayavietnam]

I absolutely adored mine... Same spec as that one. I installed a compete Ansa system. Sounded unreal! Cosworth (yes Cosworth) had some tweaks available at the time which made it just a little bit more 'special'. Wish I'd keep that one. 😊

[@johnnyhickman6798]

That engine! Reminds me of why I loved these as a kid and cars in general. So much character.

[@Engineerd3d]

The 75/Milano is one of my favorite Alfas. Also love the gtv6, the busso is a jewel. I plan on getting one for sure. Also I prefer them way over the BMW. These have also more than doubled in value in the last few years. Also for the gearbox they make uprated synchros for these.

[@simonelliott5956]

Plus if the linkage is sorted and all the bushes are done, then gearbox is fine.

[@pereldh5741]

@@simonelliott5956 Also you can quite easily shorten the throws

[@simonelliott5956]

@@pereldh5741 yes I have a feeling that was done with mine, but it’s 30 years ago now, where has the time gone!

[@chadgiussani3897]

The owner is my neighbour, I stopped to chat to him about the car when he got it. It's awesome, love the vented bonnet.

[@jameyrobshaw626]

I found this car in a shed where it had been for 15 years and brought it back to life it was a pleasure and its so good to see it in action again. Hats off to Fabio for keeping her in tip top condition! I still own two 75s one 2litre TS full track car and another black 1.6 IE that I drive here in Portugal where I live now. i love the way these cars drive especially on the track nothing quite compares!

[@Number27]

Great to hear from you ! Thanks for watching!

[@nsxsennaforever]

This car is so much fun for peanuts. The engine goes way past 5500 rpm Jack, the readline starts yellow 5500 and the cut out is at 6400 rpm, I belive. Anyway glad you loved it and makes videos about the classic Alfas. Oh, this sound is just wonderful. I am happy to own a 156 gta. Great video!!

[@benzinapaul7416]

not peanuts any more unfortunately

[@nsxsennaforever]

@@benzinapaul7416 compared to much other stuff l would say so. But finding one?😬 Difficult

[@jamesf8864]

Nice one, Jack! My dad had a beautiful 75 V6 Veloce in the early 90s. As a 10 year old car nut in the passenger seat, I would act as chief gear changer whenever permission was given. I can confirm that the gearshift was vague, with a pretty long throw. I remember being dazzled by the handbrake lever and black-on-red digital displays. It sounded fantastic, too.

[@francescotenti193]

Just came across this video and, as an Alfista, I watched it with interest. I did have a Milano, bought in '87 and with the only available engine at that time, a 2.5 V6 producing, if I remember correctly, 155 hp. Great engine willing to rev to and past red line with no sweat. The Quadrifoglio version with the 3 liter came at a later date. Well balanced, a lot of fun to drive. The windows switches, located near the rearview mirror were not an issue at all. I kept it till '91 when I traded it in for a 164S which, even though a FWD, was an Alfa all the way. I still have my original '88 Spider, a car I love to death. Not so crazy about the Guilia and Stelvio, very generic looks, if it wasn't for the front grill, they'd look just like anything else on the road.

[@malcolmlane-ley2044]

I'm absolutely amazed this car hasn't completely rusted away, it looks and sounds amazing. It was in '91 I desperately wanted a new Alfa 164 T-Spark so the looks are somewhat familiar. My boss said no as it would be worth nothing after 2 years, he was right of course! I ended up with the new shape (at the time) Audi 100, it had amazing build quality but none of the soul of the Alfa.

[@timhancock6626]

Malcolm, the finish and rust protection was pretty good on my 89 75. They did eventually start to rust in the rear wheel arches, but no worse than any other car. The 164 was exemplary for not rusting and few cars of any make have bettered it. Later Alfas are not a disgrace, but nowhere near as rust resistant as the 164. You are right about residual prices. They were catastrophic, and unfairly so looking back. People loved their BMWs and that was that. I must be strange as I have always found BMW to be a triumph of style over substance and not that good quality. Just look at You Tube and see how and why they go wrong.😆😉

[@russellmalone3532]

A 75 and a BX in the same shot. I’m taken back to the nineties 😂❤. Love your stuff Jack

[@DouweBuruma]

I had two Alfa 90’s, a 2.5 and a 3.0, the most fun car I ever owned!

[@marksaunders8915]

Do you still have the briefcases?

[@DouweBuruma]

@@marksaunders8915 no, I never owned one unfortunately, I bought the cars without them.

[@MrJoeltrain]

Holy crap!!That's the best sounding v6 I have ever heard. I bought a die cast of this in Switzerland when I visited EU in 84? I love it if I had 10 e36s I take them all for a nice one of these

[@europainvicta3907]

My uncle in Rome used to have one of those. It was a beast back in its day. When I was a young person I often used to borrow it. Being Rome the car didn’t have a working handbrake :) I remember being in a queue on a hill near Villa Borghese sweating loads trying to juggle the revs, the gears and brake pedal without stalling the engine (there was no hand brake to stop the car rolling backwards) When I made it to the top I got a round of applause from all the watching pedestrians. I don’t think I ever borrowed it again after that so traumatised was I.

[@buncho888]

So happy you reviewed a 75! I always wanted to buy one in the 90s but had various sport model Fiats instead. I have a 1988 Ducati Paso to satisfy my need for quirky 80s Italian vehicles now 😂

[@doktoruzo]

Man, that sounds gorgeous! Nice one Jack

[@jasonzona3386]

Great vid Jack, I remember seeing a 75 at the motor show in the 80’s and being blown away by that hand brake, looked like something out of an aeroplane lol.

[@psircos]

Lovely noise as always. Possibly the last Alfa. I've seen people on the forum describe it as "Fiat witchery", meaning they changed all future cars to FWD. I love the look of the 75. Nothing wrong with boxy in my view 🙂

[@alphatrion100]

I love all the wedge alfas Giulietta, 90, 33, 75, 155, 164, sz... Absolutely love the styling

[@mercoid]

1:57 My mother gave me her St. Christopher medal to protect me when I became a driver 40 years ago. It was given to her by her parents when she learned to drive in 1956. It’s never left my key fob through 8 cars all these years. I’m not religious, but it’s enormously important to me.

[@mrmanson]

Fabio, che spettacolo! Thank you for bringing it to the channel Jack!

[@DrPittenstein]

Looks like Harry Metcalfe’s favourite road. Always liked the 75 V6. Nearly bought one once. Something more truly Italian about them than a Ferrari.

[@benzinapaul7416]

The longitudinal Bussos always sound better due to the equal length downpipes. You can attempt to fit them to transverse cars but ground clearance is an issue - they do transform the sound though.

[@БранимирПетров]

Also the 12V engine have a lot sweeter sound than the 24V

[@paulredding5864]

Cool. That wonderful leather interior, the rear shot with the valance hugging the rear are my faves as well as that engine plus all the owners books. When they went into Touring cars with the 155, with Tarquini, Larini and Nannini driving, it was one of the most stunning looking cars out there, notably in their works and Martini liveries. PS DeDion is pronounced Duh Deeon Jack, similar as was on my father's 1968 Rover 2000 Automatic, also with inboard rear disc brakes

[@155stw]

Great review!! This is a QV/Potenziato with a Veloce kit. So it has the Bosch Motronic EFI and should be the same as the 164 (6300 rpm). The older, 87-89, 3.0 had L-Jetronic EFI and revs to 5700 rpm).

[@benzinapaul7416]

indeed, if I remember right the UK dashboards didn't have the redline changed for the QVs....typical Alfa!

[@pereldh5741]

I do think the rev limiter is the same tho? But the power peak is higher on the 192hp ones Hence why the revcounter is the same (they were in the rest of Europe too)

[@155stw]

@@pereldh5741 long time ago I asked a QV owner, he said > 6000 rpm. Almost all the Alfa V6 Motronic I know off redline at around 6300 rpm. You can look a this very old video he goes to around 6300 rpm in 3rd I think kzbin.info/www/bejne/qouYo35mpK-Fbsk

[@pereldh5741]

@@155stw Thanks, looks like we change gear about the same place (185hp America)

[@edwardfletcher7790]

A friend of mine owned one of these in the late 90's. It bankrupted him. ☹️ The biggest problems were the rarity and cost of parts, shipping to Australia etc. I think his camshaft belt failed which of course caused massive problems... This review car sounds AMAZING !!!

[@bugattieb110ss]

I had a silver 116 Giulietta 2.0 RS twenty years ago, which I bought for £70. I found a late Cloverleaf V6 75 that was rotten, and transferred the entire running gear into the RS, brakes and all. Absolutely loved it, although it was spectacularly dangerous in the wet! I was laughing as the roads you were driving on were wet, and had you been 'pressing on' you'd have been shocked at how abruptly they let go...

[@jamesroseby3823]

Love your choice of car to review. I never warmed to the 75 as it was the ‘replacement’ for the Alfetta GTV down this way. How stupid of Alfa to discontinue the GTV. Love your enthusiasm for the car and that engine. What a glorious noise.

[@scotchgod8478]

Let's forget about the looks and just listen to the sound of that engine😍 Epic, just epic, the best i've heard in a long time! 👍👏

[@marcbungener1877]

Thank you for letting us hear the beautiful sound of the engine multiples times ❤ much appreciated and addictive

[@Boris-xx7dw]

That 75 is in outstanding condition , the engine note I’m my view can’t be beaten . I’ve had seven Alfa’s from GTV’s to 156s to Brera’s , I’ve always loved the marque . Great post jack 👍

[@iraeich]

"One of the things that strikes you is this handbrake, what were they thinking" It's an Italian car, the world is still trying to figure out "what they were thinking." However that's a reason why we love their cars so much!

[@keithm.404]

That's funny about his grandmother insisting on the rosary beads. When I bought my first 156, after about a month of ownership, I detailed the interior and found a miraculous medal in the ashtray, put there by my grandmother lol

[@amphilbey]

Such a great noise, brilliant. Tried to persuade my dad to get a twin-spark 75 back in the 80s though wasn't having it sadly. What a great spec for a chassis, pity they didn't base the 164 on the rear drive platform, proper engineer spec. There's a 75 V6 forlorn in a front garden in Twickenham and a sad sight when walking the kids to school, maybe he's watching and you could save it?

[@johnchurch4705]

Make the owner of the one in the garden an offer..

[@Aesthetporium]

My parents had Alfa 75 2.4 TD when I was a kid and just sitting in that car pretending to drive it made cars so special to me. I really want to own one, sadly they sold theirs in 2006. I got a Brera now and I am one happy Alfa owner, but, getting a 75 would be the dream come true, sadly, the prices are going up and I can't find them for sale in Croatia where I live at all. Great video, keep it up!

[@georgewashington1106]

Because I never grew up, and still play with cars, I've owned at least 100 different vehicles. I regret selling maybe 5 of them. One was my '87 Milano. Another was my '88. Third gear at 100 mph and the car makes a sound that I can only imagine is what angels sound like.

[@sholehan]

I remember reading about these and how they use a transaxle which many are more familiar with in the front engined Porsches, but that they have the clutch at the opposite end, down the back - it means the propshaft turns at engine speed which is interesting! (so its really interesting you mentioned a lightweight flywheel, as the whole shaft assembly is acting like a flywheel!).

[@najmanzainuddin8223]

The propshaft turns when the engine starts. Didn't own a 75 but did own an Alfetta that have the same layout. The propshaft is a tricky thing to maintain (at least here in Malaysia then, in the 80s). The propshaft uses 3 universal joints or 'donuts' as we called it; one at the engine, one in the middle, and one attached to the gearbox at the rear. With the propshaft constantly spinning, the donuts are prone to wear and tear; the problem was, not many mechanics (in Malaysia back then), had the tools nor the skills to replace them properly. If not installed properly, the propshaft will go out of wank after three or four engine starts. The annoying thing with this was the propshaft will emit a clunking noise and becomes louder as it loses more of its balance. Thats not to mention the vibration that came along with it and transmission of power to the tarmac was not at the optimum level. But still beats lots of the other motorcars of the era in terms of handling.

[@rogerpallavicini637]

You have a great and classy way to introduce cars, it is joyful to listen to your presentations.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Fun car. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@mrdainase]

Ooh, how did I miss this? I had a blue 116 Giulietta so long ago I don't want to admit when. As you will know the 75 is largely a carry-over of its predecessor (Including the doors I think, which goes some way to explain the awkward design). That long gearchange can be really annoying when cold, the brakes are over-servo'ed, the rear can feel a bit soft sometimes, and interior fit is Niente Punto, but it's just one of those cars you stop caring and just love it. I'm getting all misty-eyed now. And those front window switches are in just the right place for a spot of posing!

[@markpirateuk]

I had one of the last Alfasud cloverleafs, a fantastic car to drive, but the interior fell apart & the body just disintegrated from rust. The best part of any Alfa was the engine, particularly the wonderful Busso.

[@jrgensenbo2999]

Engine, design n handling ! 😉😉

[@johnandrews3568]

Wait... at 2:14 is that the Tomato sitting roadside??? What a glorious exhaust note! That V6 is magnificent. I came very close to picking up a manual 164LS back in the day. Rather glad I didn't get it as servicing in Canada would have been difficult.

[@ramarakeshv]

Merry Christmas man was a great video

[@johnireland1629]

You are driving one of my all time favorite cars. I owned two...a 2.5 and the 3.0 Verde as you are driving. Absolutely great cars. The BMW was never "better," just German. And the Alfa was Italian. I tracked mine and used it as a daily driver and it was the most fun I've ever had behind the wheel...until now. I have a 2021 base model Giulia...and it has all the driving charm of the Milano...and is even faster. Yes it has the 8 speed auto gearbox, but ZF has made them as nice as all the alternatives. I don't even miss not having a paddle shift, it is so easy to drop into manual mode and control things when the road gets more exciting. This 75 is far more interesting than the Lexus...and just watching your emotional fun driving the Alfa makes me think you might want to investigate a 164 with the 3.0 engine...in that model the Busso V6 revs much higher, like the 2.5. I owned one of those as well, and Alfa did a remarkable job on their version of the basic platform they shared with SAAB and Lancia. And you could work on it, and it would be more entertaining than the (here it comes) Lexus.

[@Number27]

I can tell deep down you love the Lexus John. 😆

[@tvanwestrenen]

Owned a 2.0TS once. Pitty a bit of developing rust scared me in selling it. I remember the handling; Never understeary and very balanced. Engine is a gem; Sounds great and melodious like some motorcycle engines, durable, economical, looks pretty, quick to rev, powerfull. I've driven v6, but TS is fun and special on its own.

[@colmcoakley3916]

honorable mentions for the 156, 166 and GTV 916 for being really great Alfas that live up to the heritage of the badge. I own a 159 1.8 and love it.................................. but its a Vectra underneath. Makes me smile though (has also left me on the side of the road more then once)

[@darrenbilsborough9701]

I have been lucky enough to have owned some stunning cars, but whenever anyone asks me what cars I regret selling (and I have regretted selling quite a few of them) the Alfa 75 3L V6 is up there. Loved that Busso engine and you did the car justice in this video Jack, so well done.

[@marksaunders8915]

Likewise - I was seduced away from my Cloverleaf by a Maserati 430. It had a lovely clock and was a nicer place to sit in in a traffic jam, but inferior to the 75 in most other respects.

[@darrenbilsborough9701]

@Uncle Gilbert Wow, what a very unusual view of ownership. I can honestly say that selling something for the reason that it wasn't much good happens very rarely for me. There are lots of reasons why someone might choose to sell or move on from their possessions, perhaps if you asked a question rather than just trolled a response, I would take the time to explain that to you 🤨

[@anthonyhawkins9239]

That engine, just sounds right 👍, I think the styling has aged well, always liked the 75, never had the guts to buy one though 😂