The Lockdown series continues with me and my 2 driving buddies, Alfred & David, also sharing our experiences, comments and reflections of the different cars we have owned.
David’s 9th car, his third dip into an Alfa Romeo maybe the one that got away. Some relationships, car relationships, which can be passionate like true love, can leave lasting memories. Experiences that leave an imprint that all others, subconsciously, are measured against. Comparing elements that are fundamental to the core of what you value in the driving experience.
David’s Alfa experiences to date have been very positive for him, the bad bits seemed to have faded from the memory. For the vast population, generally, what movie titles or song might describe 1970s & 1980’s Alfa ownership experience- “Fatal Attraction” , maybe, “Romancing the Stone” or “ Bitter Sweet Symphony”.
If this reminds you of a special car you have owned please share your experience or just name it or just “like” ours.
#mynextcarbuying #melbourne #automotiveadvocate #lockdown #carsweowned #alfaromeo #alfa #alfaromeo159 #alfa159
2007 Alfa Romeo 159 JTS 2.2 litre 4 -Cylinder 6 speed manual
Black with red leather seats
136kW 230Nm
0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds
Che bella machina!
Superb to look at – especially in black with red leather seats! Has there ever been a better-lookingsedan? The triple headlights and half hidden triple tail lights. The sweeping bonnet creases and bluff front quarter panels. The classic grille. Nothing over styled, just simple elegance. And it continued inside with the traditional 3 gauges in a real aluminium centre console, aluminium and leather steering wheel and luxurious pleated leather seats that looked and felt like they belonged in a car that was 3 times the price.
A joy to look at and a joy to drive, the 159 stimulated all the senses. A grunty 4-cylinder twin cam engine that would growl encouragingly as it revved to the red line. Very direct steering with excellent feel and feedback. Comfortable driving position with good visibility. Strong brakes. Pointy front end with good traction and still managed to have a lively back end. The 159 positively fizzed with Alfa-ness especially compared to the stodge that was the base BMW 3 series at the time. Reliable too. Again, only left me stranded once in 3 years (loose connection to the starter motor) so not bad…for an Alfa!
The only real negative was the back seat. For some reason it was not a nice place to be. They seemed comfortable enough when you sat in them, there was a decent amount of room and it felt light and airy. But after 20 minutes you just started to feel unwell. This happened to anyone sitting in the back. The front was fine with driver and passenger feeling great after a long trip but anyone in the back would soon start to complain. It was just weird. Otherwise it was a very practical family car with four doors and a big boot that was fun to drive. It was a shame that the rest of the family would always argue about who had to sit in the back.
Usually after 3 years I am ready and eager to move on to my next car. The 159 was different. After 3 years I still looked forward to driving it as much as the first day I got it. I was truly sad to see it go. Owning the 159 I would enjoy looking at it as I walked towards it, be thrilled by the drive and then look back with a smile as I walked away. What more could you ask for?
Richard comment:
The length of the review David displays the depth of the passion for this car from you. Does it make it to your top 3 I wonder? Agree, beautiful muscular design that has stood the test time. Interior photos looked like quality. The desire to want more and to come back for more drives says a lot about the car. How does this stack up in regards the driving experience against the Toyota 86 for you? As it sounds like it ticked all the boxes.
Alfred comment:
Yeah Ok! So I agree it sounds like your most passionate review to date. I would bet it has made your top 3 based on everything you said except for the back seat experience, which you never had to endure.
