Craigslist: World's Quietest Alfa Romeo 164

Eric Rood

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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]

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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.

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The interior looks clean and comfortable and the seller can even row his or her own gears.

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The rear seat features a stitched Alfa Romeo emblem on the armrest.

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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?

 (Permanent link here)

 

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Eric Rood

Eric Rood

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26 responses to “Craigslist: World's Quietest Alfa Romeo 164”

  1. Kogashiwa Avatar
    Kogashiwa

    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.

    Reply
  2. OA5599 Avatar
    OA5599

    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"&gt;

    Reply
  3. Gearhead Avatar
    Gearhead

    One could hope the original powertrain is living comfortably somewhere in a Stratos replica.

    Reply
  4. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    "120V drivetrain" I just need a long enough extension cord to get to work.

    Reply
    1. P161911 Avatar
      P161911

      Actually, if it really is 120v, could I hook up a trailer with a generator and have a hybrid?

      Reply
  5. JayP2112 Avatar
    JayP2112

    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?

    Reply
    1. calzonegolem Avatar
      calzonegolem

      You might find this relevant. http://tinyurl.com/lunu4so

      Reply
      1. JayP2112 Avatar
        JayP2112

        Cool. I figured 1st gear would be a face-ripper.

        Reply
  6. dukeisduke Avatar
    dukeisduke

    I like how all the battery terminals, and even the terminals on the motor, are left exposed and uncovered.

    Reply
    1. mac350 Avatar
      mac350

      Makes it easier to see the sparks.

      Reply
  7. dukeisduke Avatar
    dukeisduke

    It's an Alfa, in Wisconsin. Certainly there's no rust anywhere, right?

    Reply
    1. GianniB Avatar
      GianniB

      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.

      Reply
      1. dukeisduke Avatar
        dukeisduke

        That's good to know.

        Reply
  8. Van_Sarockin Avatar
    Van_Sarockin

    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.

    Reply
    1. dr zero Avatar
      dr zero

      Isn't the arm rest an AC Milan badge rather than an Alfa logo?

      Reply
      1. Van_Sarockin Avatar
        Van_Sarockin

        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.

        Reply
  9. stigshift Avatar
    stigshift

    Some things can remain alive without a beating heart and a lusty soul. Like Dick Cheney. But NOT an Alfa Romeo. What a shame…

    Reply
  10. R Henry Avatar
    R Henry

    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.

    Reply
    1. Van_Sarockin Avatar
      Van_Sarockin

      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.

      Reply
    2. Guest Avatar
      Guest

      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]

      Reply
  11. mdharrell Avatar
    mdharrell

    I just noticed the use of a turnbuckle as a motor mount. Delightful!

    Reply
    1. Van_Sarockin Avatar
      Van_Sarockin

      Restraining the breed…

      Reply
    2. OA5599 Avatar
      OA5599

      <img src="http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2000/04/quicktips/tstrap.JPG"&gt;
      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.

      Reply
  12. FЯeeMan Avatar
    FЯeeMan

    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.

    Reply
  13. limusinas hummer sevilla Avatar
    limusinas hummer sevilla

    Greetings! Very useful advice within this post! It is the little changes
    that produce the most significant changes. Many thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  14. Edge of tomorrow Telecharger Avatar
    Edge of tomorrow Telecharger

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    Reply