Альфа Ромео 75 1992 року викликає більше задоволення, ніж можна було очікувати

Before crossovers took over the world and “sporty” meant fake exhausts and paddle shifters, Alfa Romeo was building something a little different. The Alfa 75, known as in North America, holds a special place in the brand’s timeline as the last new model launched before the took the reins of Alfa Romeo in 1986.A compact sedan with rear-wheel drive and a near-perfect 50:50 weight balance? That’s hard to ignore. So when my friend Stelios offered me the keys to his cherished 75, saying no wasn’t really on the table.I’ve known Stelios for a long time, and his connection to the 75 has always fascinated me. The 1992 example pictured here is actually his fourth 75, a fitting companion to his beautifully preserved 1976 Alfetta. Yes, Stelios has a thing for Alfas. Unlike the mechanically related coupe, which mostly stays tucked away in the garage, the four-door sedan is about to take on daily driver duty.Classic Review: When Stelios told me he was selling his NC in favor of the Alfa, I was even more curious to find out what made the Italian sedan so special. Interestingly, both cars are rear-wheel drive and share a similar weight-to-power ratio, two key ingredients in the recipe for driving fun. But before we get into how it feels behind the wheel, let’s take a quick look at the specs.An Italian OddityLaunched in 1985 as the successor to the Giulietta sedan, the 75 remained in production until 1992, just before the brand transitioned to the front-wheel-drive 155. After that, Alfa didn’t revisit rear-wheel drive until 2015 with the launch of the , reconnecting with its original roots.Despite being aimed at rivals like the , first the E30 and then the E36, the 75 went its own way visually. It’s a car known for styling that somehow manages to look both gorgeous and awkward, depending entirely on the angle and the viewer. This facelifted 1992 example is one of the tidiest versions, with body-colored bumpers, extended fenders, and iconic 15-inch “phone-dial” wheels completing the look.Its droopy headlights mirror the shape of the full-width taillights and sit on either side of the compact scudetto grille. A black trim strip runs down the length of the body, doing a neat job of hiding the reused Giulietta door and window frames. From some angles, it looks muscular and planted. From others, slightly confused. But there’s no denying it has presence.Inside: A Time Capsule of QuirksSlide into the cabin and you’re immediately reminded this car predates Fiat’s influence. Ergonomics are… well, different. The window switches are on the , which catches most passengers off guard, and the handbrake, which wraps around the center armrest, looks like something pulled from a Cold War fighter jet.The instrument cluster, with its blocky, squared-off dials, is pure 1980s and is paired with a diagnostics panel on the center console that was considered cutting-edge tech four decades ago. The aftermarket seats, upholstered in vibrant fabric, were made by a now-defunct Greek company called Monaco, but they’re a faithful replica of the period-correct, well-bolstered Recaros.While it doesn’t come close to the build quality of a period BMW, let alone a like the 190E, the 75 still feels pretty solid. Quirky ergonomics aside, the driving position is well judged, and the rear bench offers enough space for most passengers. For context, the Italian sedan measures 4,331 mm (170.5 inches) in length, which is shorter than many of the compact SUVs now dominating European roads.Driving Dynamics: A Sports Car In DisguiseThe 75 is based on an upgraded version of the Alfetta’s chassis. Its claimed 50:50 weight distribution was achieved by mounting the five-speed manual gearbox and clutch within the rear differential, a transaxle setup that’s anything but typical for an otherwise mainstream sedan.To sharpen its handling even further, Alfa engineers went with inboard rear brakes and a de Dion rear axle. A version of the same platform, with a shorter rear overhang and additional bracing, underpinned the , giving 75 owners a legitimate reason to boast.Review: This particular car is powered by the fairly reliable 2.0-liter Twin Spark four-cylinder, producing a respectable 146 hp (109 kW / 148 PS) and 186 Nm (137 lb-ft) of torque. It’s a clear step up from the base 1.6-liter, offering more punch and a throatier sound, while also being lighter and more efficient than the range-topping 3.0-liter V6 Busso.Behind the WheelDespite having 150,000 km (93,200 miles) on the clock, the engine still sounds and feels great, making a strong case for the 2.0 Twin Spark being the smart choice for anyone looking to daily a classic Alfa. The startup noise and the feel of the old-school throttle immediately set the tone, an analog charm that sparks instant excitement.From the first few corners, it becomes immediately clear that the Alfa has a balanced, neutral setup. The chassis feels more rigid than expected, and the suspension handles rough patches with surprising composure. One of the few Stelios has made to his fourth (and final) 75 is a set of adjustable Koni springs, giving it a sportier, more modern feel than you’d typically expect from a 40-year-old sedan.Another well-chosen upgrade is the set of Toyo Proxes R1R semi-slicks mounted on the stock 15-inch wheels. They give the 75 a more playful, tail-happy attitude on twisty B-roads, exactly the kind of behavior you want in a weekend car. As Stelios points out, the 75 is a car you can enjoy at just about any speed, delivering smiles without the high-stakes drama of modern high-horsepower machines.More: Aside from a minor quirk with the hydraulic steering, which occasionally feels heavier than it should, the classic Alfa proves to be a genuinely enjoyable car. The naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine has more than enough power for relaxed highway cruising and the soundtrack, courtesy of the engine and center-mounted exhaust, adds just the right amount of character no matter the speed.As I was driving on some tight twisty roads on the Mediterranean countryside with the warm glow of the setting sun lighting up the hood, I finally understood why my friend loves his Alfa Romeo so much: it’s the kind of car you just want to keep driving. It might not have the razor-sharp steering of the 156 or the sculpted curves of the Brera, but the 75 has a charm all its own.Special Thanks to Stelios