Alfa Romeo 75 (1987): The Saloon That Marked the End of an Era with the Soul of a Sports Car

With its legendary Busso V6 engine and innovative transaxle layout, the Alfa 75 combined engineering brilliance, passion, and perfect balance like few others of its time.

In 1985, Alfa Romeo celebrated its 75th anniversary with a creation that went far beyond being just another sporty saloon. The Alfa Romeo 75 was both a birthday present and a farewell, as it became the last rear-wheel-drive model developed entirely by the Italian brand before Fiat took control. For many Alfa enthusiasts, it remains “the last true Alfa Romeo”. Designed by Ermanno Cressoni, its sharp, wedge-shaped profile embodied the essence of the 1980s—bold, angular, and unmistakably full of character.

Engineering passion beneath its elegant design

Under its classic silhouette lay an ingenious technical layout: the transaxle system, with the engine at the front and the gearbox and clutch mounted at the rear axle, connected by a driveshaft. Together with the De-Dion rear suspension and torsion-bar front setup, this architecture achieved an ideal 50:50 weight distribution, delivering remarkable precision and agility—a level of balance unmatched by most of its rivals.

The engine lineup ranged from simple four-cylinders to the legendary 3.0-litre Busso V6, producing 189 hp and a soundtrack that still gives goosebumps today. In 1987, Alfa introduced Twin Spark technology—two spark plugs per cylinder—to enhance efficiency and performance. The 2.0 Twin Spark, rated at 145 hp and capable of 205 km/h, quickly became the sweet spot of the range.

An icon that still feels alive four decades later

Driving an Alfa Romeo 75 today is like travelling back in time. Its 145-hp Twin Spark engine still performs beautifully, even after hundreds of thousands of kilometres. The long gear lever, connected to the rear-mounted transmission, offers a delightfully mechanical feel, while the well-balanced chassis provides impressive stability and comfort, even after nearly 40 years. Inside, the velour herringbone seats, low driving position, and flat pedals perfectly capture the sporting DNA of 1980s Alfa Romeo.

Alfa Romeo: a legacy that never fades

With quirks like the power window switches mounted in the roof and a handbrake lever resembling an aircraft yoke, the Alfa 75 epitomised an era of individuality and character rarely seen today. In 2016, Alfa rekindled that same spirit with the Giulia, once again embracing rear-wheel drive and pure performance—reminding the world why Alfa Romeo has always been synonymous with passion. Now part of the Stellantis Group, the brand continues striving to balance heritage and innovation, honouring the legacy that the Alfa 75 turned into legend.