1992 Alfa Romeo 75 Delivers More Fun Than You’d Expect

Before crossovers took over the world and “sportiness” came to mean fake exhausts and paddle shifters, Alfa Romeo built something a little different. The Alfa 75, as it was known in North America, holds a special place in the brand’s history as the last new model launched before Fiat took the reins of Alfa Romeo in 1986.

A compact sedan with rear-wheel drive and a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution? That’s hard to ignore. So, when my friend Stelios offered me the keys to his beloved 75, saying no was practically impossible.

I’ve known Stelios for a long time, and his connection with the 75 has always fascinated me. The 1992 example pictured here is actually his fourth 75, a worthy companion to his beautifully preserved 1976 Alfetta. Yes, Stelios has a soft spot for Alfas. Unlike the mechanically related GTV coupe, which mostly sits in the garage, the four-door sedan is preparing to take on daily driver duties.

Classic Review:

When Stelios told me he was selling his NC MX-5 in favor of the Alfa, I became even more curious to find out what makes the Italian sedan so special. Interestingly, both cars are rear-wheel drive and have a similar power-to-weight ratio – two key ingredients in the recipe for driving pleasure. But before we get to the driving feel, let’s take a quick look at the specs.

QUICK FACTS

Italian Quirk

Launched in 1985 as the successor to the Giulietta sedan, the 75 was produced until 1992, just before the brand transitioned to the front-wheel drive 155. After that, Alfa didn’t return to rear-wheel drive until 2015 with the launch of the Giulia, reconnecting with its original roots.

Photo: Thanos Pappas for Carscoops

Although it was aimed at rivals like the BMW 3 Series, first the E30 and then the E36, the 75 went its own visual way. It’s a car known for a style that somehow looks both gorgeous and awkward, entirely dependent on the viewing angle and the viewer. This facelifted 1992 example is one of the neatest versions, with body-colored bumpers, flared wheel arches, and iconic 15-inch “phone dial” wheels completing the look.

Its drooping headlights mirror the shape of the full-size taillights and are positioned on either side of the compact scudetto grille. A black decorative strip runs the entire length of the body, neatly hiding the reused door and window frames from the Giulietta. From some angles, it looks muscular and squat. From others – slightly confused. But there’s no denying it has presence.

Interior: A Time Capsule With Quirks

Step inside the cabin, and you’re immediately reminded that this car was built before Fiat’s influence. The ergonomics are… well, different. The window switches are on the center console, which catches most passengers by surprise, and the handbrake, which wraps around the center armrest, looks like it was pulled from a Cold War-era fighter jet.

The dashboard with its blocky, square dials is pure 1980s, and paired with it on the center console is a diagnostic panel that was considered cutting-edge technology four decades ago. The non-original seats, upholstered in bright fabric, were made by the now-defunct Greek company Monaco, but they are an exact replica of period-correct, well-bolstered Recaro seats.

Photo: Thanos Pappas for Carscoops

While it doesn’t come close to the build quality of a BMW from that era, let alone a Mercedes like the 190E, the 75 still feels quite solid. Aside from the quirky ergonomics, the driving position is well thought out, and the rear bench offers enough space for most passengers. For reference, the Italian sedan is 4,331 mm (170.5 in) long, which is shorter than many compact SUVs that now dominate European roads.

Driving Dynamics: A Sports Car In Disguise

The 75 is based on an updated version of the Alfetta chassis. The claimed 50:50 weight distribution was achieved by placing the five-speed manual gearbox and clutch within the rear differential – a transaxle layout that is anything but typical for an otherwise mass-market sedan.

To further improve handling, Alfa’s engineers settled on inboard rear brakes and a de Dion rear axle. A version of the same platform with a shorter rear overhang and additional reinforcements underpinned the 75-based SZ and RZ coupes, giving 75 owners a legitimate bragging right.

Overview:

This particular car is equipped with the fairly robust 2.0-liter Twin Spark four-cylinder engine, 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 power and a raspier sound, while being lighter and more economical than the range-topping 3.0-liter Busso V6.

Behind the Wheel

Despite 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 use a classic Alfa as a daily driver. The startup noise and the feel of the old-school throttle body immediately set the tone, an analog charm that instantly sparks excitement.

Photo: Thanos Pappas for Carscoops

From the first few turns, it becomes immediately clear that the Alfa has a balanced, neutral setup. The chassis feels stiffer than expected, and the suspension handles bumps with surprising composure. One of the few changes Stelios made to his fourth (and final) 75 is a set of adjustable Koni springs, which give it a sportier, more modern feel than one might expect from a 40-year-old sedan.

Another well-chosen upgrade is a set of Toyo Proxes R1R semi-slicks mounted on the standard 15-inch wheels. They give the 75 a more playful, drift-prone character on winding country roads – exactly the kind of behavior you want in a weekend car. As Stelios notes, the 75 is a car that can be enjoyed at almost any speed, delivering smiles without the high-octane drama of modern performance machines.

More:

Aside from a minor quirk with the power steering, which sometimes 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 provided by the engine and the center exit exhaust adds just the right amount of character at any speed.

As I drove along the narrow, winding roads of the Mediterranean countryside with the warm glow of the setting sun illuminating the hood, I finally understood why my friend loves his Alfa Romeo so much: it’s the type of car you simply want to keep driving. It may not have the steering sharpness of the 156 or the sculpted curves of the Brera, but the 75 has its own unique charm.

Special thanks to Stelios

Photo: Thanos Pappas/Carscoops