In this month of April, the old Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 model turns 30, though given it was a complete flop on the market for Alfa, its limited distribution gave it the nickname in Italy of the “stranger”.
The story of the Alfa 6, however, goes back before 1979, when a project for a high-class Alfa sedan, called “Progetto 118″ was born in 1968. The management of the project was difficult from the beginning, and the mechanics of the vehicle were defined only in 1971.
The new mechanics were the new 2.5 litre V6, developed by engineer Satta, and a DeDion autobloc rear differential. The transaxle hypothesis was discarded in favour of better room in the back.
In 1974, the car was already built, but given the period, the managers at Alfa at the time decided to postpone the debut, which finally occurred in 1979, 11 years after the project had initally begun. The Alfa 6 was an imposing car, at 476 cm long, 168 cm wide and 139 cm high, with a wheel base of 260 cm. But in terms of its style, it already looked old and heavy.
The car looked heavy in the rear, with four circular front headlights, a large grill and in the width, it appeared unoriginal, similar to the Alfetta. The rear headlights contributed to the heavy look, with wide horizontal rectangles, in contrast to those at the front.
The interior was comfortable and refined, but appeared anonymous. The additional features, however, were rich with four electric windows, central locking and electronically adjustable rear view mirrors. The Alfa 6 even had front seat belts. The 2.5 litre V6 engine had 158 hp and 224 Nm, which allowed for real Alfa performance and a top speed of 200 km/hr.
A US debut for the Alfa 6 was considered, but abandoned, and then in 1983, it was completely restyled, creating a new series. The task was given to Bertone, directed by Marcello Gandini at the time, and the new look changed the front and the sides, with a chrome finish and rectangular headlights that had wipers and fog lights.
The engine range was broadened to include a 2.0 litre V6 at 135 hp, and a 2.5 litre turbodiesel from VM at 105 hp. The 2.5 litre V6 was updated with direct injection. Despite all this, Alfa 6 sales didn’t improve, and production concluded in 1986 after only 12,070 units equally divided between first and second series. It was left off the Alfa range in 1987, and the appearance of the 164 occurred.
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