Youngtimers: Alfa Romeo 75 Twin Spark

With so much scrapping plan, which they say is for our safety and for the environment, our cars from the '80s are being scrapped massively and quietly.

But we too, with that fear that the neighbors will point the finger at us for having a car without a catalyst, we can fall into the trap and end up at the wheel of any insipid modernity governed by electronics.

For this reason, it is very pleasant to discover examples like this Twin Spark, registered in 1988 and beautifully maintained. Both Ángel - its first owner - and Álvaro, its current owner, deserve congratulations for their state of conservation.

Starting from this base, we go with what concerns us.

After having started its commercial career with the traditional bi-shaft engines, powered by two double carburettors and that in the 2.0 version obtained a meritorious 128 CV, in the Alfa Romeo 75 versions with more character were needed.

With the aim of setting distances within the hard-fought 2-liter sedan category, Alfa Romeo launched the 75 Twin Spark.

This model not only obtained a maximum power of 148 hp, uncommon at the time in an atmospheric engine and two valves per cylinder, but also achieved an almost constant torque around 19 mkg from 2.500 to 5.500 rpm.

To obtain such a result, Alfa Romeo turned to their veteran all-aluminum bi-shaft engine, in which they installed a double-ignition cylinder head, a Bosch Motronic ML 4.1 electronic injection and a distribution with a phase variator.

The completely new cylinder head had the valves angled at 48 degrees, instead of the 80 degrees for conventional bi-shafts.

This is how it was possible to leave space for the second spark plug, while achieving a much more efficient explosion in the hemispherical chamber of each of the cylinders.

And not only this, but also the Twin Spark has a much lower gas consumption than its range brothers.

A change of era

Equipped with a double-ignition cylinder head, this Alfa Romeo It belongs to the last time when the Milanese brand manufactured rear-wheel drive sedans. And not only that, but it employed such attractive techniques as variable valve timing or an effective DeDion bridge on the rear axle.

In 1985, Alfa Romeo commemorated the 75th anniversary of its creation, so its leaders chose to name their new sports saloon 75.

Instead, the signature of the biscione was about to be absorbed by Fiat, something that ended up making the 75 the last Alfa Romeo sedan with a rear axle transmission. In fact, the firm was about to lose yet another part of its identity, with 1985 being its last year of participation in F1.

Three decades later, we are already distant enough to appreciate the value of this model.

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The personality of the house

In addition to the power obtained, the way it is transmitted to the rear wheels is characteristic of the brand. This is done by a DeDion bridge, that always keeps both tires upright on the asphalt.

And in the front suspension, double wishbones and torsion bars are responsible for guiding this frame, instead of the typical McPherson turrets.

As if that were not enough, the body distributed its weights practically 50% on each axis, which contributes to its basic behavior being healthy and easy to regulate based on the steering wheel and accelerator.

Also, this version has a 25% limited-slip differential, which mechanically avoids those traction losses that are now solved with electronics.

Along with increased power, the 75 Twin Spark features accessories that reveal its sporty approach. From the start, some front bumpers with a lower spoiler, aerodynamic running boards on both sides and, finally, a rear spoiler.

In the tested specimen, already benefited by the makeover which hit the range in September 1987, you can see these added details. And to them is added the newly designed grille, with a more aggressive style than the initial one.

Curiously, the use of this type of accessories ended up becoming general. In fact, even simple diesel sedans that did not exceed 150 km / h came to have their corresponding spoiler as standard.

Maybe for this reason, the rear wing would lose its differentiating appeal and the sportier models phased it out.

Inside

A common element in the Italian saloons of the '80s is the dashboard with abundant information. In its design, rectilinear lines were abused and the excellent state of conservation of its plastic material is striking.

In the central area, a then novel digital clock and the Alfa-Control, an electronic control unit that warns of incidents such as that a door is not properly closed or that there is no water in the windshield washer tank.

On the dash, a passionate red instrumentation, whose speedometer is graduated to an exaggerated 260 km / h. The lap counter, meanwhile, has a green zone between 1.000 and 3.800 rpm to indicate how to consume less gasoline.

And next to the gas level and the coolant thermometer, an oil pressure gauge, meter that has practically disappeared in today's automobiles.

Although it goes unnoticed at first glance, the Alfa 75 has a glove compartment on the right side, where all the documentation, insurance papers and the lamp box fit.

On the other hand, it has a second space next to the striking handbrake, ideal for accommodating more objects.

Bruuum, Bruuuuuum!

Now settled on the velvet upholstered seat, I proceed to find the most suitable driving position, including the height adjustment of the steering wheel. But it is an impossible mission, since the backrest is slightly more inclined than ideal and the bench needs to be brought closer than it should.

On the other hand, the support for the left foot is excellent, which contrasts with the friction suffered by the right leg due to the excessive proximity of the air conditioning controls.

When engaging first gear, a whole day came to mind enjoying a 1979 Alfetta GTV, and also equipped with a gearbox on the rear axle.

And is that the steering wheel that transmits our order from the lever to the gearbox is too long, which translates into a somewhat slow and imprecise process.

Once up and running, immediately notice the extraordinary thrust of the engine, that from 2.000 rpm pulls with energy and progressivity up to its maximum speed.

As long as the road is straight, the Twin Spark has poise and goes fast at German speeds. When tackling the first few corners at a slow pace, the optional power steering is appreciated.

In tourist driving, as we become familiar with the car, it is noticeable that the suspension is not hard and provides enough comfort.

But it is striking that, when taking the curves calmly and with retention, the front axle shows a slight roll and understeer. And that's despite wearing fairly new Koni shocks.

Repeating that same curve again, but giving good gas in second, the front axle obeys what is asked of it, aided by a rear bridge that remains entrenched.

As his confidence grows and his way of being is accepted, the Alfa 75 Twin Spark ends up convincing those of us who like these games of understeer, rocking and oversteer.

As much as in today's cars that is left in the hands of electronics and a theoretical prudence, In this contact between the machine and the person driving the steering wheel lies the very foundation of driving.

At this point, our protagonist must be forgiven for the fact that, in the tacked areas, the gasoline needle goes from side to side. Or some taxi-style windshields that we would never have installed come standard.

A complete equipment for its price

When compared to other cars of its time with similar power, the Alfa Romeo 75 Twin Spark It was among the most competitively priced.

For around 2.400.000 pesetas, including the optional power steering, there was access to a spacious saloon equipped with the appropriate equipment: electric windows, central locking, check control, headlight washers, fog lamps ...

A similar or close power and equipment, in brands such as Audi, BMW, Lancia, Saab or Volvo forced to pay more than an additional million at least.

Puts to look for, only the Opel Ascona 2.0i and the VW Golf 16V came close, but without the huge 520-liter trunk that our Alfa offers.

For this reason, the Alfa Romeo 75s had good sales in those years, although they were soon affected by the typical black legend that - like the Citroën - brands that deviate from the general trend suffer.

Range 75: An à la carte choice

When it appeared in the spring of 1985, the Alfa Romeo 75 revealed its kinship with the Giulietta saloon that had preceded it. Both coincided in their wedge line, which allowed good aerodynamic penetration and a large boot.

Body design was carried out by Alfa Romeo's own Style Department. Ermanno Cressoni was the designer who drew its lines, as well as those of the Alfa Romeo 33.

The initial range consisted of models equipped with the traditional bi-shaft engine, in displacements of 1.567, 1.779 and 1.962 cc, with powers of 110, 120 and 128 hp. And next to them, a turbodiesel supplied by VM of 1.995 cc and 95 hp, plus the musical V6 of 2.492 cc and 156 hp.

In March 1986, the offer of the Alfa 75 gains in mordant with the arrival of the 1.8 Turbo, of 155 CV and equipped with a limited-slip differential.

However, in 1987 two other new versions would see the light that increased the appeal of these sports saloons: the 2.0 Twin Spark and the 3.0 V6 America. The latter, with its 185 hp, became the top model of the 75 series.

Twenty-five years is nothing. The good state of conservation is incredible
of this unit, thanks to the constant care of its two owners

From then until its cessation of production in 1992, injection was applied to the 1,6 and 1,8 engines, while the turbodiesel variant gave way to a 2,4-liter 110 hp. And since 1990, the 3.0 V6 America went on to have 193 hp and was equipped with a catalytic converter.

Double ignition: an advantageous technique

Thanks to the use of double ignition, Each explosion chamber has faster combustion and better performance.

In addition, the double spark enables the engine to have a higher compression ratio by making harmful detonation much more difficult to generate.

This technique began to be used around 1910 in large displacement engines, as it helped to increase power and decreased the chances of being pulled due to a misfire.

Double ignition: faster combustion and better performance

In the same way, its use in aircraft engines was generalized until the arrival of reactors, also for the same advantages.

In the case of Alfa Romeo, its models destined for competition used to carry a double-ignition cylinder head until the XNUMXs, with the Giulia GTA and Giulia TZ being the last to incorporate it.

The surprise came in 1987, when the Milanese brand launched the Twin Spark engine in a street saloon. Likewise, the upper range, formed since 1987 by the 164 model, also featured a Twin Spark version.

In fact, gasoline engines equipped with dual ignition began to occupy a space in the more sporty Alfa Romeos of the '90s and the first decade of this century.

Even knowing how to enjoy it, the owners of this Alfa 75 have known how to take care of it with care

Ideal existence

Always kept in a garage, this Alfa Romeo 75 is not for sale because it has an owner who is totally enthusiastic about it. Fortunately, its first owner treated it with undoubtedly exceptional care.

For example, Angel never took it out of the garage when the asphalt was wet. Every weekend, he made sure that the car was immaculately clean and the maintenance was carried out by the reputed official service of his city.

He also liked the little preventive jobs, like fastening the plastic hubcaps with a clamp, so they don't get lost at the slightest occasion. And the best thing is that Álvaro follows his example.

To finish, it only remains to point out how good it would be if copies of the '80s were preserved like the one we show. And if possible, without having gone through a stupid previous destruction that requires its subsequent restoration.

Meanwhile, we can enjoy cars in danger of extinction, old-fashioned but full of charm and usable almost daily.

At this point, we are supposed to be learning from past mistakes and we know how to swim against the current.

INFORMATION

75 Alfa Romeo 1988 Twin Spark

• Engine: 4 cylinders in line, four-stroke cycle. • Displacement: 1.968 cc • Power: 148 DIN CV at 5.800 rpm • Gearbox: Manual, 5-speed. • Traction: Rear • Brakes: Discs • Tires: 195 / 60-14 • Fuel tank capacity: 49 liters • Length / width / height: 4,33 / 1,66 / 1,40 m. • Roads / Battle: 1,396 / 1,382 / 2,510 m. • Weight in running order: 1.120 kg. • Maximum speed: 205 km / h. • Average consumption: 10,5 l / 100 km.