25 Years of Alfa 156: Is It The Greatest Modern Alfa?
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- čas přidán 20. 08. 2022
- Presented in October of 1997 to near-universal acclaim, the Alfa 156 can be considered the culmination of a creative process during which De Silva's small team dug deep into Alfa Romeo's history, looking for the "essence of beauty," the semantic ingredients that made Alfa Romeos unique and recognizable. And boy, did they find them. #alfaromeo #alfa156 #classiccars
Gone were the marked wedge profile and almost brutalist edginess that had previously characterized most of Alfa's output, replaced by a harmonious and sophisticated shape of almost feminine seductiveness.
The Alfa 156 conveyed the brand's traditional sporting message through a welcome return of the values of elegance, refinement, and eccentricity stemming from the cultural breeding ground that generated the revered GTs of Alfa's more distant past. All while remaining a resolutely contemporary design that didn't mimic any older model.
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My automotive books:
Lancia Gamma Berlina & Coupé 1976 - 1984
www.amazon.com/dp/B09TN45L8Q
Six Appeal - The Story Of The Alfa 6
www.amazon.com/dp/1793931046
Alfa Romeo Giulietta - The Story 1977 - 1985
ENGLISH: www.amazon.com/dp/1983393746
ITALIAN: www.amazon.it/dp/B098GVJ7RK
Alfa Romeo Arna - The Full Story 1980 - 1987 www.amazon.com/dp/1656632500 - Auta a dopravní prostředky
A truly beautiful car, from an era when cars didn't need to be full of odd edges and unnecessarily aggressive lines to look interesting. I wish we could go back to that design language! The 156 didn't look angry: it looked confident and ready for some fun.
When the 156 came out in the UK, it changed the public perceptions of Alfa Romeo to such a degree that there was a long waiting list for the car, and the first batches of UK cars had to be rushed out. I was a member of the AROC at the time , and I believed the membership even increased dramatically around the same time. This was quite extraordinary for a mass produced car at the time. The 155 had proved itself in the UK saloon car championship sales and although this helped sales , the 156 gave Alfa such a huge sales boost , but did it on looks alone. There was some glitches of quality in the first cars such as the windscreen could make squeaky noises due to the metal heat expansion rates of fastenings, and the the four cylinder 16v engines were far better off with far more regular oil changes than originally prescribed by the service intervals , but that aside the model has stood the test of time and now deservingly has a classic car status . I agree with you Matteo , my taste says the series 1 cars are easier on the eye.
Was it the same in the UK when the 159 came out?
@@ofirs5830 When the 156 came out , around 1997, it literally made people take notice of Alfa Romeo , when they might have not done so before. When I was a teenager in the 1970s , owning an Alfa was something very special indeed but they were considered a smaller independent specialist manufacturer , albeit state owned in the time . To the un wary , they may have been considered too highly strung , highly tuned and possibly unreliable as a result . To those that knew, that was far from the case. Even when Fiat bought them out , these views still persisted from the main stream , including some motoring media, quite unfairly of course. With the 156 , Alfa gained new friends and owners , the 159 continued the theme , being an evolution of Alfas resurrection, although may not have been a game changer as the 156 was originally. Still nice car though
The original design has aged so well. It’s hard to believe it’s 25 years old. I’m lucky to own one so I’m off out for a drive in it right now. Thanks for the video
Considering the price of the car I'd say it definitely looks like alot of other cars that are 25 years old with a simular pricetag.
Right on! Thank you!
A true timeless masterpiece of the Italian design. Walter de Silva never reached such peaks of mastery in his following years at Audi, at least in my opinion.
Yes, I agree too.
My favourite comment! So true!
I think he did well with Audis too, I’m particularly fond of the first A5 coupè.
@@Matteo_Licata De Silva himself claimed the first generation Audi A5 was his masterpiece, if i'm not mistaken.
@@rollotomassi4815 I recall an interview after his retirement, where he said both the 156 and A5 were particularly close to his heart, because they both were instrumental in reviving the design language of the brand
I've still got mine after over 8 years of ownership. Sleeps in a garage these days and I only drive her once a week when it isn't wet outside. Busso powered of course...
Welp, I'm off to browse the classifieds again... seems to happen every time I'm reminded of the 156!
I LOVE the 156. One of my favourite cars. I had a 1999 2.5 V6 many years ago, and although it was cool to have one when I was about 24, it was too early - I didn't appreciate it, and sold it after a few months. It's not a case of regretting selling it, as I wouldn't have appreciated it if I'd kept it another two years. It's only when you're older and you know a bit more that you can look back and think "Wow, that was a really cool car!"
I still think the original 156 design is the best-looking 4-door saloon (traditional three box shape) ever made.
Indeed. You definitely need some maturity to appreciate the finer things in life. Had I owned a 156 V6 when I was 24, I would have probably driven it like a boy racer, endangering myself and others. Agree on the 156 being the best three-box shape ever, too! V6s were always rare here in Italy, due to our infamous punitive taxation on over-2L cars... And it's a pity!
That 156 looks brand new. I wish my 147 looked that good
Thank you. I'm the owner of the 156 Sportwagon of the video. :)
@@audiman63 congrats on a great car :-)
@@thanasisk Thanks ;) It's a 2000 model with only 95000 km on the clock.
@@audiman63 That's a keeper for sure. Future classic (or rather already a classic)!
@@thanasisk I don't know if it's a future classic or not, but to me, it's my car. I use it as a normal one, even though I take some precautions 🙂 And I will keep it, surely !
Design elements from the 156 could be seen on cars from pretty much any manufacturer in the years after its release. The deep gauges, the hidden door handles, the climate controls, the pronounced bonnet shape, there are probably plenty more.
The thing I remember most from my 156 SW is the delicacy of the flanks. From the front and rear it looks like a (__) shape (if you know what I mean). The sides weren't flat, but round. It compromised head space a bit, but the result was an elegance that has so for only been matched by the Maserati Quattroporte from around a decade ago. That car used the same trick to achieve the elegant light-on-its-feet effect.
A well respected Dutch car journalist once said the 156 is the best car of all-time. He claimed it changed the automotive world forever by bringing innovation, real design and true pleasure of driving to the masses. A visual and technical masterpiece for a price that made it accessible to almost anybody.
Easily the best car I've ever owned.
Totally agree!!!
SWEET VALIDATION! I bought my 156 earlier this year because I thought it was the best thing Alfa's done in the last 30 years. It's hard to explain the excitement that comes from picking up those keys and knowing I'm about to see, drive and experience that magnificent beast.
Cool, congratulations on your purchase!
In my modest opinion, with the first 156 Alfa reached it's top in terms of design. This car caused an impact hardly seen even in other brands, because it wasn't a niche car - it was a daily driver with the elegance and refinement only seen in much more expensive or exclusive cars. It's the only car I wasn't able (and still not, 25 years before) to see some room for improvement in the lines. Totaly agree that the stage 2 didin't get the car to look better. Simply perfect.
I worked half of my time in Milan at that time when the 156 came out and I saw one passing over a bridge in Rho one evening. Seen from slightly below and with the sunset lighting, the car looked so fabulous that it is still in my memory!
I see one every now and again being driven.
I just smile at it, it's so stylish in such an understated way.
Da Vinci would have been pleased with its lines ...
Had my 156 2.0 TSpark Veloce for 8 years, miss that car, still puts a smile on my face thinking about it! 😀
Yes definitely is: i had it and it was the perfect synthesis of a family car and a sportscar. As italians, we enjoyed so much travelling around Europe with wife and kid and what a driving pleasure! Then we had the 159, bigger, heavier, not the same level at all.
159 was a much better car overall, but Alfisti were not impressed as it was much heavier than 156 and petrol engines were nowhere near TS's magic, although themselves being far from perfect. I believe Alfisti missed the point as 159 was great to drive as well, so much more mechanical grip due to rigidity and weight, and it was much more compliant on every surface, light years away in how it was put together. Its size and weight asked for a different driving style than the 156, and this was I believe the main reason why Alfisti did not like it at first.
I am on my 4th 156. My first was a lusso 1.8. I fell in love with its looks and in lust with its drive. I have tried each engine. Whichever 156 you buy it will always put a smile on your face.
The original is nothing short of lovely, and it’s a shame that Alfa pulled out of the US market before it could be sold here.
I do like the Giugiaro facelift, as well, even if it ended up with a bit less character. It did, however, provide a logical visual transition between the 156 and 159.
I have two 166's...but they are the same blood type...amazing machines!
In Turkey also , the 156 is the most sold car of Alfa Romeo. And each 156 owner considered it like a member of the family. We have a small but helpfull Alfa Romeo community. And I share this beautiful video with them. In the name of 25th anniversary of Alfa Romeo 156 " Cuero Spotivo " and "Forza Alfa"👍
Thanks for sharing, thank you!
I like the belt line of the 156 which is pronounced in the front then fades then reappears again towards the end of the car is genius design.
Overall the design was so refreshing in that era. I waited for the GT though which I fell in love with!
for me, the facelift sedan is the best looking 156. a subtle suspension lowering and larger 18" wheels make it breathtaking design.
My hart is crying when I see this, Alfa really had a good concept with the 156 and in my opinion the 159 was a spectacular successor for the 156 range. All the press may have talked like parrots after each other about the heavy weight of the front end of the 159, I never had a better Diesel saloon car. So sad that some people at Alfa thought they had to re-develop the wheel and take far too long to come with the successor of the 156 & 159, the Giulia which is not a very big commercial success.
But here is the FIAT group for you, we have a very successful Punto but do we have a successor NO of course not, we have a very successful Panda, do we have a successor NO of course not we have a very successful 156 and 159 mid size FWD range do we have a successor, NO of course not .
It's the cardinal sin of Italian endeavors: lack of consistency
This is what I never understood. Fiat had its incredible peak around 1970 when literally all of their models were best in class - and then came the decline of the 70ies (and a partial recovery with the Uno and the Punto in the 80ies/90ies). Lancia was somehow unexpectedly successful with the first Delta, the Thema (in fact, the entire Tipo 4 platform was very successful and highly acknowledged) and the Prisma in the 80ies and everybody would have expected they knew how to continue - but no, they did not. The Alfa 156 seemed to be unbeatable and combined with leading edge technology - the Fiat group (again) was pioneering technology. And then? The rest is (sad) history.
Now i own my 5th alfa 156 and 2 at the same time, both 2.4 jtd 20v! I love that car, its an amazing car!
Cool! 👍
I own the facelift model 156 TI with 2.0 JTS engine. Still after all these years I must to admit, that this car is the best looking and charming car. :)
Love it.
Cool! Wish you many more miles and years of driving enjoyment from it!
My first Alfa Romeo. The 156 Veloce was and still is an incredibly beautiful car. A true timeless classic.
Here in my city I see a lot of 156's and now I can see why
I have had a 156 GTA Sportwagon and loved it wholeheartedly.
Thank you for this great video. I have an Alfa Romeo 156 1,6 Twin Spark from 2005 with only 27.000 km in mint condition
that's amazing!
how's it going? I'm considering myself to get one 2.0ts, but I found great looking one in my country's ads with 1.6, same like yours
cheers!
@@duleopasni It is a great engine and the gearing is quite low. As long as I use the gears, there is enough power.
Wow, that's a seriously low mileage! Must be a stunner, congratulations!
@@Matteo_Licata Thank you 😊
The 156 JTS in our garage was bought new and is still much loved. Great video Matteo, thanks for bringing this Alfa story.
That's awesome!
Great and very unique looking car it was when released and still looks great today. Nothing else looks like it, the original version is best.
Couldn't agree more!
Absolutely! This is one of the two reasons I sold my facelifted JTS and bought a 3 years older V6. You can guess the other reason... :)
Yes, I still have it. No, it isn't for sale.
When you see an 156 on the road, you see a modern car.
I was a previous and proud owner of a Bertone GTV 2000 (105) '72 for 10 years.
That was my every-day basis car. Forced to sell it in 2007....at the same time I bought my 156 '03....own it since then...only Alfa on my hands since I got my driving licence...
That's my answer to your question!..
And a very clear answer indeed! Cool 👍
I owned a 156 SW face lift ,what a car :)
I am driving a 159 TBi TI SW but 156 had a better handling
I think 156 is one of the best looking cars ever made!
SIMPLY TIMELESS !
Yes, well, my favourite Alfa anyway. Still miss my facelift Sportwagon. I know that many prefer the series 1, but I think that ItalDesign did a great job in updating the front end. The series 2 dashboard is superior in my opinion. Good luck to anyone looking for a decent example now though, the only decent ones I ever see for sale seem to be Japanese imports. However, I’d have another one in a heartbeat! The Sportwagon featured here is gorgeous!
It is indeed. It actually belongs to a subscriber to this channel, who’s taking excellent care of it. It’s the best one I’ve seen in quite some time.
still one of the best looking car
What a great video! There was nothing that even came close in terms of design when the 156 was introduced. It highlighted the Alfa Romeo's design language to a whole new level and "showed the midle finger" to the competitors! We are Italians! We ARE design. Nimble with sweeping lines. the shield, missing the door handle on the back door! The proportions! And the Busso!! Giulia in all its glory but 156 has its own identity. Giulia has looked way too much at her sister from Bavaria! The 159 i wish not to mention.. Alfa almost managed to establish a dealer network in an Alfa hostile territory like Sweden, with the 156.
💚🤍❤️
Aww the 156... I have a long story for this car maybe my favourite Alfa Romeo
I had a 156 2.5 V6 Sport Package 3 back in 2005. It was truly a joy to drive, it felt like it had the same eagerness as a fast sports bike. Fast revving engine that slammed into the limiter in first and second haha Truly amazing handling with good tires. It didn’t feel like a FWD even under hard acceleration while turning.
Still the favourite car I’ve ever owned. Absolutely love these cars
Still fantastic design. Would still want one now decades later.
I am glad that i have enjoyed and experienced so much if this legend , Not only with work at Portbury Docks Nr Bristol driving these cars in all combo’s during the winters of 99/00, 00/01, 01/02 .
Then from 06 owning several 156’s over the years with the 2.4 JTD being my engine of choice & what a sound from that 5 Cylinder unit .
That's cool! Thank you for sharing!
Linea sempre attuale...stupenda Alfa Romeo, cuore sportivo ❤👍
As an owner of one I can not wait to go and drive it after watching this. Great video, I would dare to say a truly romantic one...
Thank you!!!
Wonderful Alfa Romeo, they really continued the tradition of the many Alfa sedans that had come before it. How many of us, our families, and friends had these over the years - lots! It’s very sad that they never sold them, and the 916 series coupes and spiders, in the US.
When the Italians made true cars for us mortals... Unfortunately, those times are well gone now...
After mx6 mazda 2.5 V6 the 156 2.0 Twinspark sedan was the second favorite car which sparked my alfa enthusiasm. Now the 2007 GT 1.9, but I often think about how it would be cool to find a good 2.5 V6 or 2.0 Twinspark again. 156 is really comfortable, economical and I loved the door handles.
I am a huge fan of Giugiaro facelift, to me it is more agressive and mean like alfa romeo should be than pre facelift version which looks a little outdated now and showing its age, but I have no doubt that it was way ahead of its time when debuted in 97. Giugiaro gave the car what was necessary for a perfect look and it still turn heads. Bought myself a 2005 Sportwagon, packed with sport package, multispoke wheels, series 2 tan interior which was a massive improvement inside, and with wooden steering wheel its just a masterpiece in motion. Alfa Romeo has always been the best combination of sport and elegance and there are few who can pull that off succesfuly.
Cool! Congratulations on your Sportwagon, it must look great indeed!
A 156 with a 1.8 Twinspark engine was my first Alfa Romeo. Loved that 156 with it's 1.8 free revving engine, had a real buzz about it, and handled pretty well too. I currently own a 916 GTV with the 3.0 V6 engine, have owned in the past another 916 with a 2.0 TS, and early 916 Spider with phase 1 2.0 TS. The 156 started my love affair with Alfa Romeo.
That’s great! Thank you for sharing
@@Matteo_Licata Thanks for your great videos, always a pleasure to watch.
l had a 156 Selespeed for 13 wonderful years, she was a blast to drive. I still miss her. Even today when I see one I still think it is timelessly beautiful, certainly more so than the rather flabby Giulia.
If I had the space and money I certainly would have another........a GTA Sportswagon please
The current Giulia is a great car with a wonderful chassis, and that's precisely why I was so disappointed with its design when it came out in 2015. With such a good platform and proportions, the design team really should have tried harder.
One proud owner of 2002 2.5 V6 here. In my hometown (Hong Kong) where most cars are BMWs, Mercs, Japanese and Teslas, my Alfa 156 stands out like a star.
I bought my 156 second-hand. I wanted it in red and I ended up having it in silver. Since Alfas are not common in HK, I just had to take what was available at the time. Although silver wasn't my first choice, it really grows on me.
Of course it would be even better if the 156 is in RWD, but then I don't have too much chance to drive it flat-out so its benefit would be less relevant.
One of the few complaints I have against the 156 is its weak air-con. I have already replaced the A/C compressor, as well as having the windows tinted as much as the local legislation allows but the cabin is still hot during the summer months. I've heard it is because the insulating material inside the dashboard has worn over the years, and as with many other old cars I don't fancy taking the dashboard off to repair it. This, and the funny idea of not placing the ECU away from the heat (thus the constant worry of ECU being damaged beyond repair) are my only gripes about the 156.
Wow! Its easy to understand where your heart lies!!!! The Brits and the Italians invent..........the rest follow and or refine. My heart is twice in Torino and once in Bologna. For your info, I have just bought another spaghetti plate on 4 wheels. That makes 3 🙂 Pictures available in person in Roma 4-8th September. Grazie my friend.
You're absolutely love 156. I was looking to buy one this year, as I believe prices are at lowest point here and good example can be found. But some other things have crop up and money is needed for something else. Dream will have to wait for a year or two unfortunately... I remember first time seeing a 156, with those wheels and that color. It was really special experience.
I've lost count already of the times that life got in the way of my Alfa purchases...
We'll make it someday! Here in Italy, prices for good 156s are firming up a bit, but only for the most desirable engine/trim combos. Most diesels are already gone, and those still around are on their last legs.
I just bought one. Well, a few months ago. Unregistered ex demo car from a former Alfa dealer in the North of Thailand. Stored in what is now a Kia showroom for the past 20 years. Yes, I now have a 2022 registered 156 selespeed!
Wow, that’s amazing, a true time warp car! Well, what can I say, congratulations!
Still have an 1998 V6 in 130BB Alfa Red and Leather black. Dream car and like the author said, the early ones!
Wow, an early V6 in Alfa Red? That's super cool, congratulations!
@@Matteo_Licata I attached 17" BMW Steel Rims as a reminiscence of the 60s Alfas and lowered the car a little, thats it.
The face restyling is even better, I had one the berlina in black 2004 model year with sport pack and alcantara beige interior. What an absolute beauty, I really miss it.
Excellent tribute to this magnificent car! 🍀🇮🇹😍❤️
Thank you!!!
Still a great looking car today. A true classic.
Indeed 👍
In recent times of marketing-oriented world we've almost forgotten that before the modern Giulia it was the 156 which really paid the greates tribute to the original Giulia.
Indeed. The 156 was the best "reincarnation" of the original Giulia we've ever got, and its success only confirms that!
BRAVO!!!
Great content as usual !
and I quote
"but even for the most outstanding automobile designer in history improving on perfection is a tall order",
JUST TELL ME THAT THIS PHRASE DOESN'T ENCAPSULATE THE ESSENCE OF ALFA ON ITS WHOLE...
I am a huge fan of 156
My first one bought in 2004 was 1999twin spark in fantasia blue,
Traded in for 2003 jts selespeed, then traded to 2005 jts ti manual, then I bought 2000 sportwagon selespeed then traded on 2004 jts then traded to v6 2.5 auto
And I bought another 2000 v6 manual still have and again I bought 1999 twin spark in fantasia blue last year manual still have
Beside of the 156 I own 2 159 one 2.2 jts black 2008 and one 1750 ti 2012
red
147 gta 2005 black selespeed
Spider 916 2004 jts grey
2020 stelvio ti red
Alfa 75 2.5 milano black 1988 quadrifoglio oro
I had one for 5 years and over 150,000kms. Beautiful!
I have a 156 1.9 liters JTD 16v multijet, and that guigiaro lines are amazingly beautiful. I love that car really loved.
Giugiaro did the 159, not the 156, which was done by Walter De Silva.
@@santoprattico6027 The secund fase of the 156 was designed for guigiaro.
@@zarizard that's true, sorry. The second series wasn't as well loved as the first series though. De Silva's absolute masterpiece, although he considers the Audi A5 coupé as his favourite.
When I had some financial problems in 2020 I have sold my 2017 Renault Clio and bought a 1999 alfa 156 2.0 ts. It was shock for me. I said 'what, is it better than a new car?' Now even if I can buy a totally regular new car I never change my 156. Wooden steering wheel, white clocks, momo leather seats, the driving joy.. I think I am an alfista now.
That's great to hear! Yes, these cars do tend to be addictive... Welcome into the Alfisti club :)
Yesss! Another fine video featuring a great AR. Thx again.
Thank you!!
Congratulations Matteo, for another awesome vídeo.
Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!
Currently own two 156 sport wagons ,a 2004 1.9 JTD facelift and a 2003 GTA , both still get comments on there still modern looks and both still a pleasure to drive daily, cant wait for the GTA video
Thank you for yours videos!
Glad you like them!
beautiful video!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!
Another fabulous video of a fantastic car brand...
Glad you liked it!
Just excellent bravo grazie grazie Mille ciao
I had a silver 156 TS Sportwagon and it was one of the best looking Alfas I have owned. It was simply gorgeous to look at and a pleasure to drive. No negatives were the turning circle and the crashing of the suspension over larger bums in the road. Over 100k kms of trouble free ownership.
Very nice, thanks for sharing!
Another excellent article on Alfa Romeo! Keep up the good work. 🍀
Thanks, will do!
Only an Alfa Romeo can make an estate car look classy !
Beautiful, beautiful cars Matteo ...especially as you point out in series 1 guise ...
Alfa really hit the sweet point with this one ...but unfortunately never again ....although in my eyes the 159 was a very pretty and worthy successor ...
The 156 has aged wonderfully too ...Still looks as fresh today ..
Great film as always 👌 👍 👏
Love the video, love the car , I consider it one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
Thank you!!!!
Now I have to buy 156 again thx a lot 😂
Great video - I love my 2.5 Facelift 1 with the old nose and wood steering wheel but the limousine is the masterpiece. This sound with a ragazzon is so sexy. Your videos and storytelling is amazing
I cannnot imagine the grip of wooden steering wheel was that good.👍 👍 👍
Thank you very much for your kind words, much appreciated!
Congratulations for your videos. They show perfectly the 'cuore sportivo' and inform correctly about what Alfa truly is. Keep doing them!
Thank you!!!!
The 156 is a great car. Especially in its GTA form.
But for me, personally the Best modern Alfa was the GT.
An absolute beast of a car, Alfa got this car so so soooo right! The little car that could. A car that still garners looks from people to this day and a car that still looks far better than some of the new stuff on the roads today.
Its stylish, sleek, and them curves... 😍😍
Although it never got a GTA spec, it did, however, get the Almighty "Busso" It wasn't just an engine, its a heart.
Not taking away 1 but from the 147, but for me, it has to be the GT, all day, everyday! Then maybe the 4C, that is just a pure work of Art. 😍👌After all, it's an Alfa, it commands respect!
🇮🇹🍀🏎️
Never used to like the 155 but after some years it looks very cool design !
Very beautiful car !
Rented one in Napoli in 2000. Great car. It was a 1.8TS (144ps) needed a sixth gear though for a more relaxed Autostrada travel
Had two of them, a 1.6 and a 1.8 in LHD and RHD configuration. I have also driven and tested almost every version available, not to mention restoring an original RHD manual GTA. Style and handling were best in class at the time, lacking in build quality and interior space. It was destined to save the brand, and did so in spades, reversing in part the known reliability misconceptions with Italian cars (the 1.6 survived for 19 years and 120.000km without needing to replace the front upper suspension arms - a common 156 failure). The Sportwagon was the best looking car in the segment (Catherine Zeta-Jones helped a lot in that). The GTA needed to rival the E46 M3 though, in power and handling dynamics, and not the 330i. The lack of a high performance AWD GTA was a missed opportunity for ALFA, and when it - somewhat - came with the 159, it was too little, too late. Still, a modern ALFA icon, deserved to stand alongside the incomparable 105 Giulia.
Once again, thank you Matteo!
This is the car that made me in Alfista when I first saw it in the Venice advert. Bought one new in 1999, still have it and will never sell it. Should never have been "facelifted"; you don't facelift perfection.
Wow, that's cool! Congratulations!
Bellissima!
Many thanks for that video. I knew all about the facts you mentioned, because I am owning a 156, 1.9 JTD since 22 years now. I will never sell this car,because it is the nicest car I ever owned. Of course, I spend some money over the last years, to keep that car on the road, but every Euro I spend was good Euro.
That’s great to hear. Diesel 156s were the majority, but they have been disappearing fast, so well done for preserving your one!
Yes she's a real "looker" and went well too. One I missed out on for a 205Gti
A very handsome modern classic! Unusually I like the looks of the saloon and the estate equally. As a aside I think the Mazda 3 that is in the background of your video is a brave and good looking car, especially in that deep red metallic that Mazda do.
I totally agree!
Great video again, Matteo. 👌🏻
I compare the pre facelift with my Gt Junior stepnose, and the facelift with the slantfront.
I actually see a bit of the stepnose in the first 156.
Fun fact: i am now in Thailand, and the other day i discovered they made the 156 here some years (sorry if i destroyed some of your future «5 things you did not know about the 156»😆).
But what about the Crosswagon? A 4x4 that really was standing out from the rest, at that time.
Or maybe thats a story for another video..😉
I did include the Thailand assembly in my “5 things you didn’t know” I made a while ago :)
The Crosswagon duly deserves its own video, indeed
Nice car. Great story 👍
Thank you! The beautiful 156 in the video actually belongs to a subscriber, it's a perfectly preserved example
I agree 100%, the original is definitely the best. A 2.0 Twin Spark with no spoilers or bodykit and in silver or nuvola blue with a leather interior and 15" 8 hole alloys is the classic for me.
This car marked a before and after in the history of Italian manufacturing, the quality of the finishes, they were very close to the Germans
I’ve had a 156 SW 2.5 V6 for many years, it was such a great car. Stunning design, one of most beautiful Alfa Romeo of all times, and a great driving car.
The design of the original 156 was so perfect that the restyling was disappointing.
Timeless car. Nowadays the Alfa Romeo Giulia is also stunning.
Very nice! Thank you for sharing
I have two 156's here in South Africa, a 2.5 v6 and a 2.4 JTD. The JTD has a tune and will outrun the V6 but the V6 is my favourite. I would not trade either of them for anything else! Both are exceptionally reliable as they've been maintained well.
Cool, congratulations and wish you many more years of driving enjoyment with these cars!
Such a beautiful car, unfortunately heavy rusting so not many have survived. My favourite is the first series saloon. Approaching 20k subscribers, maybe this cool video will make it happen. Ciao 🙋♂️
The top ! I owned 2, both 2.5 v6 24
Thank you for this excellent video. You make we want to go out and buy one. Interesting that the diesel models sold so well. Here in South Africa the diesels were not popular. The 2.0 TS model was most popular, but the 2.5 V6 also sold very well here. Sadly, very few remain on the road today, such is the destructive nature of society. By the way, the Sportwagon in the video is in beautiful condition!
It is indeed. A low mileage example kept with real pride by its owner, who’s a subscriber to the channel, by the way :)
Diesels were all the rage in Europe until a few years ago, sadly. Now they’re going the way of the dodo, and I won’t shed a tear…
Having owned a 156 2.5 V6, a GT 3.2 V6 and driven a Brera 3.2 V6 and a GTV 3.0 V6 (plus some 146's and 155 V6), my honest opinion is that the 156 was the greatest. However, I'm very aware that I haven't driven a 159, Mito, Guillietta or, and this is the big one, the Guilia bi-turbo. But out of the cars I have owned or driven, the 156 was the best for sure.