Alfa Romeo’s executive flagship car was launched in Europe in 1998, taking over the 164 as the brand’s biggest saloon. Perhaps buoyed by the initial success of the pretty 156 in the UK, Alfa Romeo took a gamble and launched the RHD version of the 166 a year later. The original Italian launch date was […]
2000 Alfa Romeo 166 24V Read More »
The Alfa Romeo 33 had a hard time trying to convince the UK buying public to part with their cash despite the zesty performance and guaranteed lively driving experience. Like most Alfas of this generation, you had to accept the flaws with the smooth, and it was another Italian family car that tumbled out of
Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 16V Read More »
A very confident little car when first released in 1971, its FWD layout was still a novelty but it appeared that Alfa Romeo had set a high bar, thanks to its full set of disc brakes, positive driving position and sweet slick gearbox. It became a superb cruising car too, with plenty to occupy eager
1982 Alfa Romeo Alfasud 1.5 Gold Cloverleaf Read More »
LHD markets received the executive Alfa Romeo 166 in 1998. Perhaps buoyed by the moderate success of the pretty 156 in the UK, Alfa Romeo took a gamble and launched the RHD version of the 166 a year later. The original Italian launch date was actually pencilled in for 1997 but Alfa Romeo was
2000 Alfa Romeo 166 24V. Read More »
1988 saw the last of a handful of a diverse range of cars, but rather disproportionately of a coupe persuasion. The Alfa Romeo GTV was an exception, and it took the company several years to line up a successor. Imports actually ended in 1987, but could still be found lurking in dealerships well into 1988.
Selection of cars that ceased in 1988 Read More »
A selection of early ‘90s estate cars, which were noted for their qualities beyond load-lugging. The era represented the extra development that had gone into the design, rather than an afterthought to the saloon versions. The Alfa Romeo 33 was aimed at the leisure market, rather than hauling grandfather clocks. It had a tuneful engine
Early ’90s mid-sized estate cars Read More »
The ‘80s will go down as the era of the Hot Hatch, a phenomenon that most of the mainstream mass producers willing to have a crack at. The main European players have created classics out of their cars, with Ford, VW, GM and Peugeot creating some very memorable cars, so it’s worth having a quick
Alternative ’80s Hot Hatches Read More »
By the late ‘80s, the coupe sector had moved upmarket, catering for those looking for a bit more substance than a pretty frock. However, it was still possible to buy a new coupe for less than 10K. Let’s wind back time, and review the ever-decreasing options. The cheapest by some margin was the Skoda 130
1980’s compact coupes Read More »
The ‘80s was a significant period for quick family cars, it’s not too hard to find a 4/5 door family car that reaches 0-60 in less than 8 seconds today. But in 1988, it was considered a benchmark. Many upper-level models from the prestigious European car companies were keen to get involved, as it was
Brisk 80’s saloons under 20K Read More »
The ‘90s was the last decade where the coupe market found favour with buyers. I’ve found a selection of 10 contenders who promise style, handling and performance according to their respective brochures. Picking 1997 as a typical year where you had such a choice of cars, we’ll have a quick analysis of their strengths.
