By Eric Rood
When I first found this Alfa Romeo 164 on CraigsList, I wondered why in the world anyone would want an Alfa Romeo without one of the Italian maker’s gorgeous-sounding engines. Sure, the front-drive 164 is something of a pariah in the Alfa community, but one must wonder if swapping out the howling 3.0-liter V6 for a whining electric motor is the type of retrofitting future in which one wishes to live. The photos don’t provide much in the way of overall condition, particularly of the exterior, but one gets the impression that it’s not the worst electric conversion ever and won’t be much less reliable than than the combustion-engined version.
[Source: Milwaukee Craigslist]
From the ad:
Electric Car Alfa Romeo – $4500 (Greendale)
100% Electric Car, 120v drivetrain. Runs good, interior is mint, exterior is in very good condition. Asking $4,500 Obo, Has LED headlights and Fog lights. MUST See!!!
Costs about $0.15 for a full charge. 8months left on battery warranty for free replacement.
The interior looks clean and comfortable and the seller can even row his or her own gears.
The rear seat features a stitched Alfa Romeo emblem on the armrest.
But does that electric motor’s alleged thriftiness resonate in an attractive car with a distinctly foreign engine bay? Does it trample upon the Alfa Romeo “soul” or does it instead create automotive life anew? I feel myself unable to render a judgment either way. On one hand, how can anyone not love the Alfa V6’s song? But on the other, if you’re going to build a practical, four-door electric car, why not make it a pretty car?
Ross Ballot 
Jeff Glucker
If that were local I'd be on my way with cash in hand. I'd really like an electric for my ten minute commute but am not about to pay for a new factory one.
Sadly, I think there are a lot of 164's even quieter than one with whirring electric motors.
<img src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18dwsujoqah1bjpg/ku-large.jpg">
One could hope the original powertrain is living comfortably somewhere in a Stratos replica.
"120V drivetrain" I just need a long enough extension cord to get to work.
Actually, if it really is 120v, could I hook up a trailer with a generator and have a hybrid?
Wonder what the range is.
I'd like to try out a conversion with a clutch. Couldn't you just leave it in 4th or 5th?
You might find this relevant. http://tinyurl.com/lunu4so
Cool. I figured 1st gear would be a face-ripper.
I like how all the battery terminals, and even the terminals on the motor, are left exposed and uncovered.
Makes it easier to see the sparks.
It's an Alfa, in Wisconsin. Certainly there's no rust anywhere, right?
That stereotype died in the 80's. Modern Alfa's like the 164 are no more rust prone than any other car of similar vintage.
That's good to know.
Interesting project, but probably not worth the asking price, unless that monogrammed arm rest completes you. You lose most of the trunk to those heavy, deep cycle batteries. Those batteries don't hold all that much charge, and the car isn't a featherweight, so I have to think that the range is something like twenty miles on a good day. Less if it's cold out. Still, the 164 is a nice car, so there are some compensations.
Isn't the arm rest an AC Milan badge rather than an Alfa logo?
Maybe. Hard to tell from that angle. Both logos incorporate the Cross of Saint George. Can't really see a green snake on the left, which seems reddish. And the overall figure could be oval. Well, I guess that means I'm out of the bidding.
Some things can remain alive without a beating heart and a lusty soul. Like Dick Cheney. But NOT an Alfa Romeo. What a shame…
Motor and batteries are very, very old tech. Strictly golf cart material. Like most things associated with electric cars, love of this car is like religious faith. Electric car proponents are not interested in rational or objective analysis or pros and cons. Istead, their faith rests on saving the world with banishment of internal combustion engines.
Great first two sentences. We like all sorts of stupid, impractical, and transformative things here. If you have a bone to pick, please be specific. I'm glad to see a vintage Alfa that has a new lease on life.
Do you know how I know you don't understand a single thing you said?
[youtube IElqf-FCMs8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IElqf-FCMs8 youtube]
I just noticed the use of a turnbuckle as a motor mount. Delightful!
Restraining the breed…
<img src="http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2000/04/quicktips/tstrap.JPG">
Turnbuckles are frequently used as torque straps to keep high-torque engines from destroying rubber motor mounts, while also directing slightly more of the motor's output to the drive wheels.
I saw an Alfa on the road here in central Indiana a few days ago. It was actually moving under its own power, too!
An image search indicates it may have been a 164. I only got a quick glimpse if it going the other way, and didn't hear any engine noise at all.
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