Alfa Romeo 156 - The Forgotten Masterpiece!
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- Опубліковано 30 бер 2019
- It's not every day that you make something that is voted "The Best in The World" by almost everyone! It's even more unusual for that masterpiece to be almost completely forgotten within 2 decades..... This is the story of that masterpiece - the Alfa Romeo 156 and why it won so many awards.
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Brilliant video and very inspiring! My recently acquired 2.5 V6 SW goes in Monday to Graham at Alfatek in Yorkshire for it's 'medical'.....My wallet is trembling and the credit cards look like they're about to melt :) I'm right with you though, these V6's need preserving because they're very special. Keep the super videos coming please!
Cheers Jon and congrats on your 156 purchase! Check the floorpan, wheel arches under the liners and suspension turrets very carefully, these are the worst areas. My car comes back from the spray shop tomorrow - I’m excited!
I have a 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 2.0TS and still have it till today. Looking sweet and still runs strong including hill climbs/runs!
It’s so great to see someone restoring and giving these cars the attention they deserve instead of just letting them go to scrap.
Thanks Paul, it’s such a great driving car and looks gorgeous on the road. It’s been a long road to restore it but I’m collecting it next week from the paint shop so expect another vid soon. 👍🏻
Thank you for saving that poor Alfa....156 was one of my first cars to own..Miss her so much!
Thanks, watch out for the update video soon 👍🏻
@@TheAlfaNut I can't wait !!!
Need to do it now before it starts raining! 😉
Looking forward to seeing the finished paint job
Hi Cuz Me too! Bit nervous about it as well though. I’ve been waiting quite a long time to do it so fingers crossed it will be good 🤞🏻
Takes me back. I ran a black gloss 2001 2.0 with the selespeed transmission and red (tarts boudoir) momo leather interior plus the rear hoop spoiler for 18 months as a company car. Loved it.
Wife at the time got a speeding ticket at 97mph on the M4 the very morning we took delivery....!
Loving the blog, keep it up.
Oh and just to say I own a 1995 LHD V6 12v Spider 916. Owned it since 1999. Still got the Alfa bug after all this time.
Thanks for the comments Mark and glad you are enjoying the vids. A ‘99 v6 Spider eh? Thats a very rare car indeed! My Spider is a 2002 but I would never sell it - they’ll have to bury me in it! 😬
Black & red? Mmmm nice
A black 156 as a company car? What class!
Lee’s old 156 mate cracking car and great video as always
Cheers for the comment and for watching! I've done a lot of work on this car, all floorpan now sorted, upgraded brakes all round, engine stripped and rebuilt with upgrades, also got a correct '98 tan interior to go in when it's finished. Then another vid to show it off! ;0)
My now 15 yo 2004 156 Sportwagon still feels like a new car. Best car I've ever had. Not the car I've had the most fun with, that probably was my 1976 Alfetta, but my 156 have been incredibly reliable. The 2.5l Busso is probably one of the best engines ever produced, it just runs and runs as long as it gets serviced. I've done some mods, lowering it and such and now it's time for some new side skirts since the original ones got to beat up last winter. Besides that she's in perfect condition with everything working as it should.
I love my 156! 😄
I loved my 156 a lot. Beautiful car.
Greetings from Japan. Still running my 2001 156SW 2.0TS. No rust and no worries. Best car I’ve ever owned.
Good car, happy that you are still enjoying it!
I am now driving my second 156 Sportwagon. This is my ninth Alfa Romeo, starting in 1963, with the prettiest car of all - the Giulia Sprint Veloce 1600 by Bertone. It was a revelation. The 156 Sportwagon is great, with plenty of room for a travelling photographer, fun to drive, and beautiful Giugaro design (the later front end). Idiosyncratic yes, like all Alfas. If the windscreen wipers stop working don't do anything. They will come back in a week, just like that! (OK, slight exaggeration). You have to look after them; keep putting the oil in. The previous 156 collapsed at 16 years old, but gave me 9 years of fun and practicality. Also very cheap.
Hi Tim, yes and there are fewer and fewer of them every year!
Finally a good Alfa Romeo channel
Keep the good videos coming
Thanks for watching Freddy, hope you stick around for more?
@@TheAlfaNut i sure will
I have a 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 and I love it there are some things that need to be done like re paint as it faded, and it needs a service
There will always be something to do! ;0)
The Alfa Nut they are a nice car but atm for me I have no money to get it serviced and I’m afraid if I do it will cost me more then just the service as it says abs failure and things like that but only started since the service has been overdue. Is that a thing that happens a lot like when you over due for a service dose it normally say this wrong and this wrong to get you to service it?
Just keep checking the oil level! I had a 2004 Sportwagon and now have a 2 litre 2005. Number Nine!
@@pugestpug5879 Just keep checking the levels, although the Service reminder is useful, it is automatic. These cars can get expensive when things go wrong - it will happen the older they get - like us! If you can find a keen mechanic I have tended to avoid the Alfa agents.
Yep I agree Tim - the Alfa independents are a mixed bag to say the least and some are unscrupulous and pricey!
you've been very lucky to find such a rare sport pack 2.5 v6 version, I haven't been able to find a similar one in Italy, totally worth saving it, I own another forgotten Alfa, a '04 GT 3.2v6, bought a few years ago in terrible conditions and now restored to its original beauty, I'm really enjoying your channel!!
Grazie Massimiliano! Thanks for watching - you must pay very high taxes for your 3.2 GT car? The Veloce versions of the 156 V6 are very rare in the UK too now - not many were sold here it seems, most were Twinspark, or diesel for company car drivers. Thanks again!
@@TheAlfaNut yes in Italy we have to pay a property tax for our cars simply based on kilowatts produced and emissions category, that's why I pay almost 700€ tax per year for a car worth less than 8000€, this property tax forced many owners to get rid of their beautiful v6 in the last few years, that's why they're pretty hard to find in Italy
@@maxcore88 Ouch - that is a lot of money! My 156 V6 costs about 300 Euros in tax a year.
Hi Chris, I just saw this video and it’s brilliant. Nice tribute to the 156.
I have the 2.0 TS Selespeed for 20 years and I love it.
I had a little fear last month when the gears wouldn’t engage at all! I was thinking, well it’s over...
A day later I found the problem, it was the break pedal switch that got dirty and didn’t make contact so that the break lights didn’t lit up.
So I just replace the switch and it worked!!!
In many forums people say it’s the pump or the pump relay, but sometimes it’s much easier, sometimes...
Keep up with your videos they are very entertaining!!
Can’t wait to see the 156 hacks.
Cheers!
Thanks Boris - glad you enjoyed it. I have a 156 "Hacks" video coming up soon - keep an eye out for that!
Great video, look forward to the next instalment!
Thanks for watching David - much appreciated! Do you drive an Alfa at the moment?
@@TheAlfaNut no but worked on Alfas' for years back in the 70-80s , have owned about 8 Alfas inc. Suds, 1750 and 2.0 GTV a Spider. My son has a Alfa Guilietta 2.0 about 4 years old and my wife used to have a couple of Suds' so we are real Alfa fans!
I’ll be there racing in the Alfa Romeo championship next year, the twin spark cup...
And my car will be .....
A 156 !
And of course we’d like an update !
Wish I was doing that mate - the very best of luck!
I’ve got the 2005 model selespeed and man that front grill the way it drops right down
Yours in Rosso Red, with the whale tail spoiler looks superb.
Thanks a lot - I love it too, although some people think the spoiler ruins the lines of the car. It's a factory fitted spoiler, so it's staying put!
Hey thats an amazing Video about the 156, Thank you very much for it!!! :)
I'm an great expert 4 the 156 and im working in those beautiful 4dr Saloon sportscars since 2004, i'm from Germany & i modyfied the 156's since 2004 too :)
So it's so great to see your Video about the 156
Thanks very much for4 watching Tilli - your 156 sounds pretty special - I think the 156 is a fantastic car and I'm hoping to make an update video about my own 156 V6 soon. Just got to get it finished first! ;0)
I had one (admittedly the Giugiaro facelift) - a Sportwagon! My word, I loved it!
Thanks for watching Simon - still a great car, even with a longer nose! 😉
Hello. I have been the owner of a 156 1.8TS for eleven years and of a 156 2.0TS with big rear spoiler, sport line and black leather seats for another nine years..........and I have enjoyed and suffered both of them......those five minutes that everything in the car work perfectly are awesome.....but after that little moment your mechanic becomes your best friend or may be you become the best of him......you know what I mean.....twenty years driving daily an Alfa Romeo..........and now sometimes I miss it.....although it was most of the time inside my mechanic's garage while he was trying to fix strange issues........anyway for my it is the most good looking car inside and outside, even when you open the hood it is nice finished......time goes by and I am recently driving a brand new SUV.........what the f.....lol......who knows......may be one day.......
Yes I know what you mean! Still we love them though don’t we? Most modern cars are boring
hi chris,great video,i love alfas ive had three over sixteen years,first a 156 tspark then a gt coupe 1.9 jtd followed by a 159 1750 tbi,i am now looking for a giulia 280 veloce.the best cars i have ever owned.
Excellent choices Howard but then I have to say that, as I own a 156 & a GT as well! My next car will be a Giulia too. The Veloce is the sweet spot in the range but I'm very tempted to get a Quadrifoglio!
Looking forward for the result. You seem well prepared & the shop too. Good luck from me for the paintjob in any case!
I can't recall ever having seen one with that big oem spoiler/SP3 on the road. That is a very rare spec car.
Thanks for watching and the comments - yes it's certainly not a common sight, I've seen the spoiler on a Twinspark but never another V6. I just love the shape of the 156, it's a fave of mine!
Oh, well, I can hardly disagree - I got mine (156/Busso) in 2006 and did not manage to part from it to date :)
About spec: The moment of you shuttling the bumper inside the cabin also looked very familiar, as the backseats of bella machina here don't fold either. 😅
@@IceAce1 Yes, it's a shame because although the boot is a good size - folding rear seats would be very useful!
I agree that conceptually the 156 was the best main stream car Alfa ever did. It was stunningly beautiful in both saloon and sportwagon, it was accessible, not too big or small and affordable and it was/is nice to drive. Negatives were that the suspension component quality was mixed and the TS engine was not good enough. It took the FIAT cast iron block a step too far and failures were many. The 2.5V6 is lovely but expensive to maintain properly and cam belt failure kills it stone dead (I had a V6 24 Valve 164, so I know what is involved) The best engines were the 1.9 Diesel and the 2.4 10 Valve diesel. Quite why they didn't repeat the car I will never know. I did over 100,000 miles in a 2.4JTD 10 valve 156 Sportwagon. It proved an excellent car and I still miss it.
Thanks for the input Tim and yes I agree that it was rather amiss of Alfa not to follow it up with a more delicate car. The 159 is also very pretty but not in the same timeless & elegant league as the 156 in my opinion. I have pre-emptively stripped & refreshed my 2.5 V6 with all new service items, inc. plugs, filters, seals, gaskets, cambelt and all associated hardware but it still needs careful monitoring for peace of mind. I love it though - it just feels so right to drive.
I have a 2 litre twin spark 156 which I bought new in 1998. It's looking a bit tired but still gives me loads of pleasure. Still on the original exhaust after 21 years !!
Come on Dave - buy the poor old 156 a new exhaust! ;0)
@@TheAlfaNut It ain't broke, so no need. If it manages to scrape thru the next MOT I'll get cambelt done, then might spend a few quid on cosmetics. The paintwork on one wing is dodgy (this was "professionally" resprayed after an idiot reversed into the wing), but the rest looks pretty good considering its age. Alloys (teledials) could do with a refurb. Then.......I can see my entire savings disappearing !! Still love my 156 though !!
@@savamac Haha well I drove my 156 around for a couple of years with it looking like a "rat" project! I didn't really mind 'cos it still made me feel good to drive it!
You are amazing mate thats really good to see someone loving 156 like me its been 10 years i've my own 156 i cant drive another car 156 = addiction
Hi Mavi, thanks for watching! Yes the 156 is a car that gets into your heart! ❤️
The Alfa Nut yes bro 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Great discovery Alfa nuts!!!
Cheers Tim - Just dropped it off to be MOT'd this morning! (Fingers crossed...)
Bravo,muito bom vídeo!Abraço de Portugal
Olá! Obrigado por assistir, eu aprecio.
Greetings from Turkey. İ used to have a 1.6 2000 model on my 19 years old, i am using a 2005 sw jtd version currently.
It is very important part of my life having a 156.
Hi Efecan, thanks for watching !
I haven’t forgotten about it 🙂 I have 3 haha
Good man, you obviously have excellent taste! 👍🏻
I owned for 7 years a ‘03 156 Sportwagon JTS. Such a great car in so many ways, practical, economical, comfortable and handled well, plus it had the Bose hifi system.
But it had its faults, the suspension is prone to failing. I rebuilt it completely, went through two lots of timing belts, water pumps etc, plus had to replace all the Lamda sensors. I sold it a few years ago at 150km on the clock and got so little back for it, even though the body work, trim, mechanicals and electrics were all perfect. When I sold it, I was going to have to replace the front suspension arms and shocks for a second time. I just couldn’t justify the expense. Sadly, a year later the car was written off. I was really disappointed about that.
They sure are disappearing fast off the roads out here in Oz as well. Rust isn’t an issue here with these Alfa’s.
Hi David, thanks for watching. Yes its a shame how this depreciation / scrapping / appreciation / restoration curve works - most cars disappear forever.
Hello, I have a 156 2.0 JTS TI from 2004. I know the pain with the suspension, it’s really poor and it was costly ti fix. Other than that the idle is rough on my car. Placed NGK platinum spark plugs and replaced ignition coils. (The connector quality and the yellow lock are also such a bad quality that I broke 1 lock and 1 connector in half. Got another job on my hands now). After these replacements the car drives better but still idles rough. Someone told me to maybe replace the timing belt. I can’t find when it was done anywhere on the car. Any way to check the belt for wear or bad function?
@stefancgxz7799 not really, without paperwork its impossible. How long have you had the car?
@@TheAlfaNut I have had it for 8 months now. I found a washed away marker on the timing belt cover saying either “2013” or “2018”. It’s impossible to see which of the two it is. I’ll just go ahead and replace it to make sure my engine doesn’t die.
@stefancgxz7799 Hi Stefan, yeah that’s the sensible move - best not to risk it! 👍🏻
Mine is a 2.5 V6, SW, fucking great car, so beautiful body and engine, thanks for this video, hello from france !
Salut Christopher! Thanks for watching. 👍🏻
I have Alfa Romeo 156, and i like it no matter what
Good choice - I love my 156!
I have mine 1.8 ts 144km 9 years, and im still happy :)
@@Gienek_CPU Thanks for watching!
I have four 3.2 GTA and an 1.9 JTD. Masterpieces in every detail.
The 1.9 JTD with over 410.000km.
@@gianmarcoventuri8991 Awesome ! I have 1.9jtd remaped with sport suspension, and it is very fun to drive on every road. (*only offroad is unavailable haha :D )
Awesome video. Proud owner of a 156 GTA, 28k original kms and 6 speed
Ooh, you are lucky - that will be worth a fortune one day! 👍🏻
Nice rare car. You’re right regarding the boot spoiler, it’s mahoosive. I personally never liked it, spoils the clean lines of the 156.
Yeah, fair comment - it's a bit "Marmite" for sure but it's original and the plan is to restore the car to as close to factory spec as possible (apart from the wheels, suspension, engine, interior and exhaust of course!! ;0)
@@TheAlfaNut mine had the rear spoiler too. It may be original but it's not worth keeping on. I removed it before the respray and put on a bootlid with no holes in it.
D each to their own! 😉
New subscriber here, really enjoying your content.👍
I owned an alfa 75 in gleaming red many years ago, absolutely loved that car (apart from the electric gremlins it had).
Seriously considering a return to alfa ownership...
I think it'll be a good time to buy when things go back to the status quo.🤔
Hi Al, thanks for watching and yes I agree - there will be some great bargains to be had later in the year, no doubt at all! I’m looking out for an immaculate Montreal for 500 Quid! 😉
@@TheAlfaNut For £500!!😯
Good luck...😊
@@Althemusicman1 Well, I can dream!
Love the 156.
I can remember seeing an interview with someone senior at Alfa at the time in 98, and he mentioned the optimistic number of cars they planned to produce per day, I can't remember the exact number but it was far too much and unrealistic.
This might explain why so many had teething problems from the factory, I've heard of seat belts missing or wrong belts completely, cars with half the underseal not applied, airbag lights, radiator hoses blowing out and wrecking the engine just because the hose clamps weren't tightened fully, etc etc.
Souch a shame, it was the last thing alfa needed, especially on souch a special car. It seems even today they haven't got the quality control sorted out yet.
I agree - if they sorted out quality control and focussed on improving customer service, they would transform their image and market share. Just look at Skoda now, compared to what a joke they were 20 years ago. It can be done.
It amazing how british weather destroys cars. I had a 164 QV12v, a 164 24v, a 156 2.0 TS, now a 166 3.0 V6 and none of them had any rust anyware. The 166 looks as new as my wifes Giuletta QV, you dont have too much snow, so I asume no salt on the road...I live in Argentina by the way...
Hi Sebastian, our roads are salted in the Winter I’m afraid, so that, along with wet weather soon turns our poor Alfas brown! It keeps us busy though 😄 Thanks for subscribing! 👍🏻
@Farina Marcini That's the only way to prevent it I'm afraid...
I live in the northwest US (Seattle) which has a similar climate and cars don't rust nearly as badly. No road salt is used though. Nasty stuff.
Salt is the enemy for sure! You also have the Crocodile cafe and the “Experience Music Project” I liked Seattle a lot, also visited Jimi’s grave. (I’m a big fan)
6:27 I didn't even notice the mint Audi sitting there for some reason. :p Mint Alfa btw. Haven't seen one of those in New Zealand. Love the wing and the wheels on it.
Haha yeah, eye candy isn't banned on my channel, just have to restrict it cos the Wife watches the vids too! Cheers for watching mate, appreciate it.
@@TheAlfaNut haha fair enough mate. I have been looking at 159's but I'm starting to think maybe the 156 is a better choice. Tough decision :/
Sorry, I’m still waving my arms around in this video too! I’m going to try handcuffs in my next video 😉
The Alfa Nut keep em waving nothing like a good bit of gestation
Thanks Robin - I can't seem to help it I'm afraid!
I think it's an Alfa thing, they bring out our inner Italian.
Greetings from Portugal. I am the owner of a 2004 156 sportwagon jtd, it is my first car after getting the driver's license. I still laugh when I remember my friends telling me buying it was suicide... 5 years later and some money well spent taking care of issues that the original owner neglected it's my friends who want to suicide when they go for a ride with me saying they can't believe how much good it is. Fast, comfortable, safe, economic, and my God it is beautiful.still think about getting a 156 sedan with a busso...
P. S. How do you fitted those wheels, they are from a 166?
Hi Pedro and well done for keeping the 156 - it’s a great choice and a very pretty car too. My wheels are 166 copies, designed specially to fit a 156 - pretty rare 👍🏻
Ainda bem que estás contente, tenho um alfa 156 de 2005 sedan preto e tou muito contente, infelizmente é um 1.6. Adorava ter um 3.2 v6
3:05 ... you're welcome!!! fark
Erm...thanks I think!
I collected the 156 from the paint shop today and I have to say I’m very happy - it looks great! Who’d like to see an update on this car? Comment below and let me know 🙂
yes please. Also, are your wheels 166 Supersports?
Hi there, good question - these wheels get a LOT of questions asked about them! They are actually 166 Supersport replicas, designed & made by an aftermarket company, (long gone I Believe) but they have the correct offset and pcd for a 156. I’ve never seen another set anywhere andnwould be interested to know more about whomproduced them and when etc. Did you see my update video?
@@TheAlfaNut Yes, just looked it up by clicking your username. It's a shame about that MOT, hope you have the time, money and energy to get her fixed - especially after the full respray, they really did a good job.
I had those wheels on my 166, they are the most beautiful wheels ever made (I think), and they suit your 156 well too.
Best of luck, Alfa ownership isn't without it's ups and downs as you know yourself, but whenever they work, they do make you feel good. And that's what life is about:)
@@AlfaRomeoV6 I couldn't agree more mate and don't worry, the 156 will be back on the road soon enough.
Alfa Romeo cuore sportivo!
Hi Daniele!
I got myself a 2001 156 TS with the SP3 spec, but over here in Sweden there were no spoiler, but we got black background on the dials, and the 16" Teledial wheels. I drove it for seven years and if it had still been in production in -08 I'd gotten another one. Instead I got a Saab.
I still think the sedan is the most beautifull four-door built, especially the GTA model.
Hej Torbjorn! Thanks for watching. I agree it’s one of the best looking 4-door cars ever. It’s a shame that SAAB are not in business any more - I liked the way they always did things their own way 😎👍🏻
I got a free 156 in combi and silver color, i liked it, though it drowned in high water and is getting scraped sadly
Thats a shame - not many left now 😕
Everything great about the car then, is still true.
Its still absolutetely beatiful (mk1 !!!).
It still drives great, like real great.
Engines ???
I have two accidents to really HATE the idiotic 2.0 shitty designed engine 😤
Talking 4-cylinder, the 1.8 is the one to go for.
But..., the Busso brings out all the sex in the 156.
Yes it looses a little agility, but the character of the engine, the elasticity, the sound, the comfort (lack of vibration and resonanse), its all just like a bite of heaven.
Driving the car is like a date with a girl you really love.
And every time i park it and get out of the car, I look back at it, smiles and feel happy ☺
And looks forward to go driving again.
(please loose that ugly big cheese grater on the back of the car).
Just remebered: Twice I've had to replace a broken rear door handle. They dont do well with Nordic winter temperatures.
Should be made out of metal instead !!!
Haha - I'm using the rear spoiler to iron my shirts on! It's very useful ;0)
Problem is, when they go to get mended the bill is more than they're worth. My 147 was just the same. I p/x'd mine but most get scrapped.
Yeah, that is the bottom of the depreciation curve, although because they are now getting to be a pretty rare sight, the prices have started to firm up again. Same cycle that the GTV is currently in. This happened with the Alfasud and the 105 Giulia in their times too.
That would be the 2.5 V6. Either a good early one (97-98) or an excellent late model, like a ti. The pre facelifted cars are always going to be worth more, as most people feel that Guigiaro messed up the redesign, making the nose too long and spoiling the proportions.
It’s all personal taste though of course ;0)
Veloce spec was more sporty, Lusso means “luxury” and those had wooden steering wheels & trim and a more comfort bias.
Other packs offered clothing, winter options, different seats etc
Love my 156 in black nero 🍀
Sounds nice Peter - look after it, there are not many 156's left
@@TheAlfaNut yes I know Ill Do, its a great car with much Character, and of couse I wasnt looking for it, the alfa found me, I will keep it as long as I can! :)
Poxa! Tenho um desse para venda em Curitiba
In Brazil, 156 has not rust problems.
Sadly, 156 and 147 were the last Alfas sold here, and none of them was a GTA.
Hi Marcelo - thanks for watching! England is cold and wet compared to Brazil I’m afraid and here, they put salt on the roads in the Winter! 🙄
In general you don't see that many "old" cars on the road any more. Thinks like scrappage schemes and costly MOT failures get them put off the road.
An unfortunately the 156 had it's head gasket issues and to a lesser extent under carriage rust issues. Like alot of Alfas, they depreciated like a stone. A really good car, don't get me wrong, but they needed more TLC then its German or Japanese equivalent.
Hi Colm, thanks for your comments - yes the typical Alfa depreciation curve hit the bottom for the 156 a year or two ago and is now bouncing back: prices are on the up again as there are hardly any left now. Shame!
Bought a 156 1.8 t-spark as my first car 6 years ago its now 21 years old spend (in some eyes) way to much money on it but its in my eyes worth every penny and yes it had rust and parts were going bad but its still driving as good as the day it left the factory now has 250xxxkm on it and i dont ever think about selling it
Hi Robin, thanks for watching - there will be an update video on Sunday on my 156. 👍🏻
@@TheAlfaNut will be looking out for it cant wait to see the results
Tomorrow morning at 10am! 👍🏻
In similar time Opel Astra coupe was voted the most beautiful car in the world :)
I like the Opel Coupe too!
@@TheAlfaNut thats ok but no comparison in terms of design
My first alfa
First love?
The Alfa Nut yes :)
@@davidalexandreg Excellent. I'm sure it won't be your last Alfa! ;0)
The Alfa Nut indeed I own a Giulia quadrifoglio , a gtv61981, a montreal and an SZ
Now i'm regretting selling my 156 2.5 V6...
Sorry Michael... :0(
Those are 166 wheels, a different bolt pattern than the 156. Are 166 knuckles fitted?
Hi Jonka - the wheels are 166 replicas, specially made to fit the 156 hubs! They were made in small numbers by a long-gone British company I think. I have only ever seen this set. 🙂
@@TheAlfaNut well that is cool! Would love a set on my 2005 156 SW.. Great looking wheels
Thanks. If I ever sold my 156 I would have to keep the wheels! 😄
"How could it fade into obscurity?" Good question. I had a 156 2.5 V6 for 11 years and loved it to bits. Best car I have ever owned by far and I have owned some fun cars - the Alfa GT 3.2 being one example. But ultimately the 156 did what everyone predicted and fell apart with rust. It was an awful moment, but even I couldn't deny what the mechanic was showing me - a floorpan that was literally disintegrating in front of my eyes. Alfa need to get back to making affordable, fun cars and they need to sort the rust issues. I love the Giulia bi-turbo and the 4C, but used prices are silly. £40K is not an option for me for a used car and it isn't for most sane people.
Hey Phil - yep sadly I agree with you about the rust. My 156 has just passed its MOT this week after many months of work. I have sorted all the rust now and resprayed, so hopefully she will be ok for a while! 🤞🏻. However, I’ve just bought a 1988 Alfasud Sprint and its back to the welder we go! 🤣
The Alfa 156 is I a gorgeous car, shame that it has been already forgotten and many have probably end up being written off. You do see many on Italian roads still. The only thing I do not like about this alfa is the rear spoiler, far too big. The Alfa 156 is a very elegant car and at the same time quite sporty.
Ciao Roberto - thanks for watching! My 156 is very rare now. There are only 3 like it left in the UK 🙁
@@TheAlfaNutOne of my favourite Alfa is the Alfa GTV of the 90s. It has in my view of of the sexiest and more beautiful 3/4 end ever. Very elegant and sporty. Look after your 156, beautiful car, I think it will be a classic in the near future, for those who understand the meaning of it.
Now we talk the same, that car i believe will stay on a lot of people minds for many many years more. From now on who ever buy this car I believe is investment
Yes indeed - they are very rare in the UK now and prices are increasing. Do you have a 156?
@@TheAlfaNut yes, i have the GTA 3.2 1998 model and I'm not going to change it ever. I'm in love with it from the first day i see that car, it's so difficult for me to say my feelings when I drive my alfa but for those who know my smile on my face saying everything. I believe your face is smiling ☺ like mine 👍
What do you think about 159 TBI with 200 HP?
I like the 159 tbi - its a car I would buy myself. Very similar engine to the 4C - can be easily tuned too.
@@TheAlfaNut Thank you. That is the spirit! I drive a 159 TBi; and wanted to know the view of an expert. Believe me i always drive german or japanese cars; nice cars too, but since 2 years i drive the159 TBI, and never want another car! Cuore Sportivo! It's interesesting that the engine is similar the 4c! ...it would be a dream for me to drive the 4c.
Alfas really do have something that most of the German cars dont have - a big personality! The 4C is a pretty amazing car to drive and sounds fantastic - get a free flow exhaust and your car would sound very similar 😄
I always loved my 145's and I had a 147 gta I probably wouldn't save a front wheel drive alfa, but who knows?
They are going up in value, so are worth saving. The 156 also is a great handling car for FWD.
156 was a first car whit common rail.its true?
Yes it is, the first diesel engine with this spec. It won engine of the year 🙂
I still have 156 SW 2.4 jtd in the sport pack version and I will never sell it. Now I also have 159 2.4 jtd SW. I think 156 is better in every way
Hi, thanks for watching - the 2.4 jtd is the best engine for sure!
@@TheAlfaNut ..from diesel engine of course ;)
How much was your car?
£900 two years ago but I have spent 5 x that on restoring it so far! 😄
Strange headline. I owe my third. There's another one around the corner. There are over 3000 in Holland on the road. This one in the video look great, except for.the spoiler.
Hi Dick, thats good - there are less than that in the UK sadly 🥺 The spoiler was part of a sport package, fitted by UK dealers
@@TheAlfaNut Hello. don't worry, I'm just as British as Dutch. I did notice when in the UK, one didn't see many. Here, it's been a popular lease car. Only my second 156 had minor rust problems. Like the saucers under the rear springs. I was happy I was doing only 30 when they broke. Just came from Germany, doing average 150 km. I knew they needed to be replaced. Mechanical I never had huge problems. My present, which I have now over 2 years, just came from it's under law yearly check, all was ok. It's a 2005, 2.0 JTS, in mint condition. No oil use, to my surprise low fuel consumption as well. What the spoiler concerns hahaha, it's a matter of taste. Personally I think it spoils the lines of 'Bella.'regards Dick
I remember being wow’d when I first saw this car, and it is still Walter da Silva’s greatest design. It’s a pity he moved to SEAT and VW; the Alfa Romeo brand is best suited to his creative talent.
Hi Michael, thanks for watching. Yes the 156 is a timeless design and Da Silva has never bettered it in my opinion. 🙂
Never seen 156 in condition this bad. Never even seen rust on 156. English weather maybe.
Hi Bojan - yes, almost all 156’s in the UK are like this! 😢
@@TheAlfaNut Very strange. How BMW's look if Alfa is this rusty. Here where I am from almost all 156 are still rust free, but all E46 have rusty wheel arches and some other parts around windscreen and roof.
@@BojanBojovic Maybe it is because in the UK, they put salt on the road in the Winter?? There are rusty BMW's here too! ;0)
@@TheAlfaNut I believe the salt is everywhere in the winter time. :)
my 156 crosswagon is good!!
Hi Alessandro - the Crosswagon is very rare!
@@TheAlfaNut molto rara anche in italia!
No exageración, as the 156 was introduced the a lot of Alfisti had tears in their eyes. Most shouted the real successor of the original Giulia. I saw the car before introduced, I was living in Greece, and 4vroxi(the Greek 4 ruote=4 wheels) the tester had zero idea of cars, like most of them, seen that they are all bought by German car lobby and Japanese car lobby. I sayd straight away as ex Alfa seller: " This car will sell new records". On which the tester answeted"" I don't think so, I don't like it, it looks like an Italian Audi A4". Ha ha ha change your job I told him. Excusing him in my mind, that he was Greek and had anyway no fucking idea of cars. On the 147, and 156 I said the sales numbers exact and missed under 5000 on both cars, the in it's days FIAT Ceo Paolo Cantarella failed for a quarter million cars. But I was abituated to have hate on Alfa Germany and Fiat Italy headquarters. St least within 1 year they all knew my name, I sold Alfas in Stuttgart, in Mercedes territorium, and like in Britain, in 1988 with the 164 the once original Giulia driver came out in high numbers from theyr bunker. As thanks for the high sales numbers I made(best sales records with 75) Alfa Germany sales manager of my zone told me to lie to the Alfa CEO(former Ferrari Italy CEO, Giovanni Razzelli), as he came to Getmany's Auto Motor&Sport to collect the price for the nicest non Gen car, the 164. I didn't lie, I told him that Alfa-red was a joke and that I was selling from 10 Alfas 8 in black, 1 red and 1 metallic green mostly. I sold in years only 2 white ones, one to s Pizzeria and the other to an Ice-coffee owner. With the 156 finally they solved the red color issue, due to painting the body without plastic protection in red till below. The 75 was a fifty fifty in black or red, maybe more red. I sold the last Spider, the last 33 and as I saw cars like the 147, 156 I always thought, man this would be so easy to me to sell those pretty things. You are absolutely right, the 156 has the touch, from the body design, that can be compared easy to a classic Alfa in all good feelings. It was a bit strange to accept the V6 being now a 2.5 liter. Anyway great channel and I give you one suggestion, Alfa 164 3 Liter V6 Automatic. If you never tried one, don't be stubborn like I was. I was vomiting as the only one ordered arrived in the dealer(even the V6 characteristic go perfect with a ZF 4 gear Automatic) when I drove it and pressed the kick down, I got addicted to the damn thing. I sold it with 10.000 km so my good sales numbers pushed my chief to let me the cars until reached the KM I sold them. I drove the car not under 15-16 liter per 100 km. THE KICK-DOWN.
Thanks for watching and commenting Nino - the 156 is a modern classic and well worth restoring. In the UK there are not too many left now. Mine is a very rare model, with a factory fitted large rear spoiler. I have been told that I shouldn't drive in the South of Italy with this, or they will "modify" my bodywork!
...still love my alfa ...but damm 😳 New tyers and M.o.t over a 1000 pound
Oh dear, thats quite a lot of money just to stay on the road! 😱
@@TheAlfaNut I now but she word it Brand New again now 😚💪👍
Thanks ...I am Just crazy for the Alfa romeo Never again a other car I drive a pice of Historie 😉💪❤.
Forza Alfa! ✌🏻
@@TheAlfaNut ✌💪👍💚
Suspension was utter shit, even the dealers did not know how to fix it and oh yes the bonnet flipped up on the motorway doing 70 nearly killing me. Not to mention the buttons falling off. What a cool car though, engine would have lasted 3 x the rest the car. When will the Italians make something decent quality, where is the large saloon? Nothing since the 166