a proposed alternate terminology (was: Define transaxle Alfa)

["John Hertzman" <johnhertzman@domain.elided>]

Russ wrote:

"The 'Transaxle' Alfas are the Alfetta in sedan and coupe versions, the GTV-6
and the Milano.  The 164 may have a transaxle, but it is WRONG WHEEL DRIVE and
therefore, deserves a different designation.  <GRIN>

"There were other 'Transaxle' Alfas not imported here.  The short trunk
Giulietta sedan comes immediately to mind.  I am not sure where if the SZ and
RZ had a transaxle or not, but I think they must have as they did have a
DeDion rear axle.

"I guess the 'Transaxle' Alfas might have been know as the 'DeDion' Alfas just
as easily."

And Richard Welty poked a hole in the proposed transaxle/DeDion equivalency by
adding the DeDion/non-transaxle Alfa 6, often called the Alfa Sei to avoid
confusion with other six cylinder Alfas. (The "6" in the Alfa 6 probably
referred to the six cylinder engine originally, but there was also a five
cylinder version). Another possible objection to equating transaxles with
DeDions is that some of the most famous Alfas had transaxles and swing axles,
not DeDions.

The distinction Russ draws between the proper "Transaxle" Alfas and the "WRONG
WHEEL DRIVE" Alfas is also troubled, as the Alfa Romeo tipo AR 1090 of
1959-1964 had a correct-end transaxle coupled directly to a wrong-end engine.
I don't think we want to go there. (Many people don't consider it a "real"
Alfa despite its name and badge.)

I have long felt that it was reasonable to use Alfa's type numbers to
distinguish the 105/115 cars from the 750/101 cars, as well as from each other
in both cases. If that is accepted as reasonable, the analogous term for the
correct-end engine, correct-end drive, transaxle cars would be the 116/162
cars, as the Alfettas, Giulietta Nuovas, and GTV 6 were all tipo 116 while the
Alfa 90, 75, Milano, SZ and RZ are all tipo 162. (the Sei, and only the Sei,
is a tipo 119).

John H.
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