1991 ALFA ROMEO 75 2.0 Twin Spark

1991 Alfa Romeo 75 2. 0 Twin Spark

As a long-standing and committed Alfisti. the opportunity to collect the last “real” Alfa from its former home over 60 miles away and drive back to West Wiltshire was just too much of a temptation. It brought back many happy memories and the principle reason why I became involved in this game of old cars in the first place. The little 75 is the perfect example of the “car you must drive before you die”. Near 50:50 weight distribution. a ground-breaking suspension set-up and modern (it was then!) twin-spark technology made for a hugely enjoyable driving experience. Twenty-two years on. the experience is still the same. Couple this with a car that has had just 3 keepers (1 for 18 years). carries just 57. 00 miles from new and had considerable recent investment by marque specialists. Veloces of London. Come and prise the keys of me if you can…!

So named to celebrate their 75th year of car production. the Alfa Romeo 75 was introduced in May 1985 and became the last model to be released before the company was acquired by Fiat. Offering rear-wheel-drive and a transaxle set-up with the standard 5-speed gearbox rear-mounted and connected to the rear differential. perfect balance was achieved aided by an inspired suspension choice of front torsion bar and shock absorber assembly and rear de Dion tube and shock absorbers. With an initial choice of 4-cylinder engines from 1. 6 to 2. 0 litre and a 2. 5 V6. a turbocharged unit was available for the US market as well as a 2. 0 turbo diesel. From 1987. engine choices increased further with the introduction of a classic 3. 0 V6 and for the first time. a 2. 0 litre engine featuring 2 spark plugs per cylinder: the Twin Spark was born. With fuel injection and variable valve timing (the first on any production car). this new twin cam produced 148BHP. Many will agree that this engine choice suits the character of the car best of all. Indeed. track days at the famous Nurburgring still feature Alfa 75 2. 0 Twin Sparks in “Ring Edition” livery alongside much more modern offerings from McLaren. Porsche and Lotus.

Our car was first registered in August 1991 to Ford New Holland Ltd. as a company car. supplied through Alfa dealers. Franklins of Bishops Stortford. In January 1994. it was sold with less than 26. 00 miles recorded to an Italian gentleman living in North West London who continued to cherish and enjoy the car up until March 2012. During this period. the car was used sparingly. taken for an MOT inspection annually and serviced regularly. A trail of MOT Certificate going back to August 1994 records the light use of the car and the original Maintenance Schedule records 5 services up to 42. 00 miles. After 18 years of ownership and 30. 00 miles. the car was sold to an enthusiast and major collector also living in North West London. Recognising just how good the car was. he subsequently decided to undertake. with the help of Veloces of London. a sympathetic re-commissioning exercise. This included a full fluids service of engine and gearbox. new engine mounts. new drive belts. full Ansa exhaust system. overhaul of front brakes and full re-spray in original Alfa Red. A total of £4400. Since this investment. the car has spent a recent spell at the Classic Car Project Shop in Oxfordshire where the rear brakes have been completely re-built. the original 15” Valbrem alloy wheels refurbished and new Toya rubber fitted.

As one would expect. the car today is in remarkable condition and must be one of the very best survivors. Mechanically. it feels crisp and precise with eager acceleration. a great gear-change and wonderful handling. Structurally it is excellent with super-straight panels and nice paint-work. The interior is amazingly original with no evidence of wear to the trim and everything in working order including the roof-mounted electric windows. sunroof and the quirky handbrake!

The car comes with the full Dealer Pack including Handbook. stamped-up Service Book. European Service Guide and even an Accessories Price List! In addition. every MOT Certificate from 1994 is there. all contained within the original tan-coloured folder with spare set of keys. The car will come with a fresh MOT Certificate upon sale.

A rare sporting saloon with real pedigree and great provenance. Come and fight me for it!

Viewings are welcome. Please call 01985 841104 or 07968 005037.

Cash please upon collection within 3 days of the Auction finishing.

For lots more interesting cars. please see www. cranborneclassics. com

Also published at eBay.co.uk

Want to buy this car?