166 Notes

[AMGALFA@domain.elided]

Greetings All,
Just returned from 2 weeks with a 166 2.5 V6 24V, after seeing one in NYC the 
day of my departure (Mich. plate similar colors as CT. and it had an Alfredos 
of Larchmont lic. plate frame where it had been taken for service). Again 
photos do the car no justice, for its size and "luxury", it really has a 
sporting heart "Cuore Sportivo". Nimble handling, great stability (compared 
to 156), incredible brakes, power to cruise easily at 112mph@5000rpm in 5th 
gear (and feel totally comfortable and relaxed). The car has a really sloping 
front end and is very curvaceous (makes 164 look boxy). The Swiss prices 
excluding VATaxes range from $27597 for 2.0 TSPARK to $35660 for top of the 
line 3.0 with Sportronic automatic. It has side air bags in front seat backs, 
elec. headlight leveling, rain sensing wipers are std. on 3.0 versions, $220 
option on all others and the navigation system is $1690 on all versions. A 
small nagging flaw, night driving instrument cluster light reflection in 
windshield similar to my Milano.

The 156 & 166 Centro Stile, in house designs, are absolutely beautiful and 
establish a contemporary Alfa Romeo identity (look). This is not intended to 
spark a lot of controversy, but the worst downfall and  plaguing memory of 
Alfa Romeo to non-Alfisti owners was service and badly executed affected the 
true experience. If Alfa & FIAT would even consider returning to these 
shores, they would have to dispel the "reliability" question in a big way. 

Alex Gouras
GTV 2000 USA Register
PS: 1972-74 GTV owning digesters if you have not done so already, can you 
please email me your Year, Ser #, Color Ext/Int & manufacture date (from D/S 
door jamb plaque) and your name and state of residence. I am making a try for 
2000 to get more participation in the register. Thank you very much.

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