Alfa Romeo 155

For us, the 155 is probably the most influential model in terms of us inheriting the “Alfisti” virus. Memories of our father running an Alfa Romeo dealership during the launch of the 155 came at pretty formative times in our automotive life. The sheer operatic excess of Tarquini and Simoni’s BTCC 15’s rolling into the paddock in those huge Alfa Romeo trucks really struck a chord. So much so we had to reference this racing highlight when we developed our own 155 track-car.

Alfa Romeo 155 2.5 v6

The best trackday car we’ve yet built, this 2.5 V6 155 was just planted. Plenty of torque and enough usable power to be competitive on most straights, but thanks to its Koni suspension set-up it felt like it cornered by psychokinesis. The last iteration of the sublime 12v 2.5 V6 Busso, it was almost a shame to have prepared this car for track use. The body was so straight and the underneath so solid, it could have been easily been a road-going show winner. We did consider putting it back to stock, but the sheer pleasure of hearing that peerless V6 bellow on the back straight at Snetterton soon changed our mind. We still miss this car a lot, and it’s nearly five years since we last drove it now.

Alfa Romeo 155 2.0 8v

Another 155 that sticks in our memory was this 2.0 8v powered example. It wasn’t a particularly interesting spec (although we do think black suits the intimidating lines of the 155) but, wow, is that engine a masterpiece. The same unit as found in the 75 range and what Alfaholics et al use when creating their GTA-R retromods, its free revving enthusiasm turned every B-road journey into a rollercoaster ride (see Youtube video below). The car had received some minor modifications from a previous owner which, although we’re sticklers for originality, really had brought this 155 to another level. Sold to a very well known member of the AROC, this car was seen repeatedly at shows for many years. We’d love to find another 2.0 8v 155 to enjoy once again, but they’re fast disappearing - if you know of one hiding up somewhere, drop us a line!