What’s So Special About Alfa Romeo?
This is a question I get asked often, and it’s one I used to ask myself before I first drove my father’s Alfa GT Veloce 2000, with the plate BU8011, back around 1987-88 when I was about 15 years old.
With a bit of luck and blessings, I now have the opportunity to experience the Alfa 168 Super 3.0 V6 24v.
And here’s the thing about Alfa—it’s not a car you necessarily recommend to others; it’s something you’re drawn to if you carry that Alfa DNA. People with Alfa in their blood will seek it out on their own.
In the Alfa community, conversations aren’t focused on “problems” but rather on “solutions.” We talk about how to fix issues, where to find parts, and who the trusted mechanics are. Are there faster, more reliable cars out there with comfier seats? Absolutely.
But if you ask why I chose Alfa Romeo, my answer is this: it’s about the driving package—the sound of the engine, the throttle response (even if others are crisper), and, most importantly, the “driving experience” that’s intangible and hard to describe.
The connection with an Alfa is something you feel behind the wheel. It’s like love, as Farah (played by Deanna Yusoff) says to her father (played by Rahim Razali) in the film Abang 92: “Abah, what is love?” Rahim Razali’s character responds, “Love is a feeling you know when you feel it.” That’s Alfa Romeo—a love affair between driver and machine.
Yes, the car may have issues. Yes, parts are hard to find. Yes, mechanics can be scarce. Yes, faster cars are out there. But Alfa owners keep coming back because, like love, it’s not something you can quantify; you just know it when you feel it.
If you still have to ask, “What’s so special about Alfa?” then you may not have that Alfa DNA. Those with Alfa in their veins don’t question it; they know each Alfa Romeo is unique in its own way. You can take an Alfa out of someone’s life, but you can’t take Alfa out of their life.
A Note on the Alfa Romeo 164 and 168
For a bit of history, the Alfa Romeo 164 was the model launched in 1987 as part of Alfa’s plan to produce a luxury sports sedan that could rival high-end competitors. Known for its powerful V6 engine, sharp design, and refined Italian styling, the 164 set a new standard in Alfa’s lineup. However, when it was introduced in Asia, the model number was changed to “168” due to cultural considerations. In many Asian cultures, 168 is considered a lucky number, symbolizing prosperity, success, and fortune—qualities that made the Alfa even more appealing in this market.
So, while the 164 and 168 are mechanically identical, the name change brought an extra sense of luck and charm to Alfa enthusiasts in Asia, adding to the appeal of this unique and passionate brand.
Driving an Alfa Romeo isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about a connection, a kind of unspoken language between driver and machine that you feel in every turn, every rev, every mile. When you’re behind the wheel of an Alfa, especially one with the legendary Busso V6 engine, it’s as if the car comes alive in a way that’s hard to explain, but easy to feel.
The Driving Experience: More than Just Mechanics
The moment you start up an Alfa, there’s a thrill that runs through you as the engine purrs to life. With the Busso V6, it’s more than just a rumble—there’s a symphony of mechanical sound, a deep, guttural note that only Italian engineering seems to master. When you press the throttle, you feel the car urging you forward, almost like a dance partner pulling you onto the floor. You’re not just steering a vehicle; you’re engaging with something that feels almost human, like it has its own heartbeat and mood.
The Revving: A Language of Its Own
As you push down on the accelerator, the revs rise, and the sound becomes intoxicating. There’s a point when you hit just the right RPM, and the engine sings. It’s not about going fast; it’s about feeling every note of that rev range. Each time you shift, it’s as if you’re hitting the perfect rhythm in a song, and the car responds with a subtle “yes.” The engine roars and calms at your command, and there’s a feeling of control, of mastery, that’s deeply satisfying.
The Sound of the Busso V6: Pure Emotion in Motion
The Busso engine isn’t just a piece of machinery; it’s an orchestra on wheels. Each rev has layers of sound—the low hum as you ease off, the crescendo as you accelerate, and a warm, almost soulful tone that fills the cabin. Many describe the Busso V6 as one of the most beautiful sounds in automotive history, and it’s true: it’s a sound that’s alive, a sound that inspires. You don’t need a radio or any other soundtrack because the Busso V6 is the soundtrack.
The first time you hear it, you understand why Alfa enthusiasts are so devoted. There’s an instant bond, almost a reverence, for the engineering that went into creating something so evocative. The sound isn’t just heard—it’s felt in your chest, vibrating through the steering wheel and resonating in your bones.
The Bond: Why Alfa Romeo Is Different
Alfa Romeos have quirks, they have moments that challenge you, and sometimes, they require a little extra patience. But that’s what makes the relationship special. Every drive feels like a conversation with the car. Some days, it’s eager and playful; on others, it’s moody, requiring a careful touch.
There’s a genuine sense of romance in this unpredictability, a feeling that every time you drive, you’re building a connection, a trust.
Driving an Alfa Romeo isn’t about perfection; it’s about passion. It’s about the thrill of the sound, the precision of the revs, and the emotion that fills you every time you take a corner.
It’s a bond that you can’t get from most other cars. And once you’ve felt it, once you’ve truly connected with an Alfa, it’s hard to imagine driving anything else.
Jeremy Clarkson, a well-known car enthusiast and former host of Top Gear, has shared some of the most memorable quotes on Alfa Romeo. His words capture the emotional connection many Alfa owners feel and highlight what makes Alfa so unique, even with its quirks.
“You can’t be a true petrolhead until you’ve owned an Alfa Romeo.”
Clarkson’s point here is that Alfa Romeo offers a driving experience and emotional connection that goes beyond performance stats or luxury features.
To him, being a true car enthusiast isn’t about owning the fastest or most reliable car; it’s about experiencing the charm, soul, and unique feel of an Alfa. There’s something almost intangible about the way an Alfa drives and connects with its owner, despite any potential flaws.
“If you don’t look back at your Alfa after you park it, you’re driving the wrong car.”
Alfa Romeos are designed with Italian style, and for many owners, they’re more than just vehicles—they’re works of art.
Clarkson’s quote speaks to the beauty and charisma of Alfa cars.
With an Alfa, it’s not just about transportation; it’s about admiration. Alfa drivers feel compelled to look back and appreciate the design, recognizing that their car is something special, and this builds a kind of bond that goes beyond pure utility.
“In an Alfa, there’s a moment where everything just clicks, and it all makes sense.”
Clarkson’s words reflect the sense of connection many drivers feel with an Alfa—something often described as the “Alfa magic.”
There may be moments where an Alfa can be challenging or temperamental, but when you’re behind the wheel and hit that perfect rhythm with the car, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Clarkson is expressing that moment of clarity and joy that comes from understanding the personality of an Alfa, something drivers may not feel with other brands.
Why Clarkson’s Quotes Resonate with Alfa Romeo Enthusiasts
Clarkson’s quotes resonate deeply with Alfa owners because he captures the love-hate relationship that often defines Alfa ownership.
Alfas are known for being high on character, with engine sounds, handling, and aesthetics that evoke strong emotions. Clarkson points out that while Alfa Romeos may have their flaws, true enthusiasts embrace these quirks because they make the car feel alive.
For Alfa fans, the experience is more than reliability and performance; it’s about a passion that brings joy in a way other brands can’t match.
Alfas have a spirit that makes each drive memorable, and Clarkson’s quotes help to capture why this bond is so special.
My Mantra for Alfa Romeo Owners “Once An Alfa Man, Always An Alfa Man.”
