The Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione is quietly making waves in Australia’s classic car scene. This Italian beauty from the late 1980s represents everything that made Alfa Romeo legendary – stunning design, passionate engineering, and that unmistakable soul that only comes from Milano.
While most Australian car enthusiasts chase after the usual suspects like Ford Mustangs or Porsche 911s, smart collectors are turning their attention to this overlooked gem. Here’s why the Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione deserves a spot in your garage.
What Makes The Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione Special
The 75 Turbo Evoluzione wasn’t just another sports sedan. Launched in 1987, it was Alfa Romeo’s answer to BMW’s M3 and Mercedes’ 190E 2.3-16. With its aggressive body kit, lowered suspension, and that distinctive rear spoiler, this car meant business.
Under the hood sat a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower. That might not sound like much today, but in a car weighing just 1,200 kilograms, it delivered genuine thrills. The rear-wheel-drive layout and perfectly balanced weight distribution made it a joy to drive on winding roads.
Performance That Still Impresses Today
The Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione could sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds – impressive for its era. More importantly, it handled like a dream. The combination of MacPherson struts up front and a sophisticated De Dion rear axle created a chassis that rewarded skilled drivers.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Power | 155 hp @ 5,300 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 2,500 rpm |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 218 km/h |
| Weight | 1,200 kg |
Why Australian Car Importers Are Taking Notice
Several factors are driving increased interest in the Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione among Australian collectors:
- Rarity Factor: Only 500 Turbo Evoluzione models were ever produced, making them incredibly rare
- Appreciating Values: Clean examples have doubled in value over the past five years
- Right-Hand Drive Availability: Unlike many Italian classics, some 75s came in right-hand drive from the factory
- Motorsport Heritage: The 75 dominated touring car racing in the late 1980s
- Practical Classic: It’s usable daily transport, not just a weekend toy
The Investment Potential Of Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione
Classic car investment experts are increasingly bullish on 1980s performance cars, and the Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione ticks all the right boxes. Its combination of rarity, performance pedigree, and distinctive Italian styling makes it a compelling proposition.
In Europe, pristine examples now command between €25,000 and €40,000, depending on condition and provenance. Australian buyers willing to import these cars could still find good examples in the €15,000-25,000 range, though this window is closing fast.
What To Look For When Buying
If you’re considering importing an Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione to Australia, here are the key areas to inspect:
- Rust: Check the rear wheel arches, door frames, and sills carefully
- Engine Health: Turbo motors need regular maintenance – look for service records
- Transmission: The five-speed manual should shift smoothly without synchro issues
- Suspension: Original Koni dampers are expensive to replace
- Interior: Recaro seats should show appropriate wear for the mileage
The Future Of Classic Alfa Romeo Ownership In Australia
As emission regulations tighten globally, cars like the Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione represent the end of an era. These were the last naturally aspirated, rear-wheel-drive sports sedans before electronic aids became mandatory.
For Australian enthusiasts, this creates both opportunity and urgency. The window for importing affordable examples is shrinking as European collectors wake up to their significance. Smart buyers are acting now, before prices climb further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione legal to import to Australia?
Yes, the Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione can be imported to Australia under the Personal Import Scheme or as a classic vehicle over 25 years old. However, you’ll need to ensure compliance with Australian Design Rules.
How much does it cost to import an Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione to Australia?
Total costs including purchase price, shipping, compliance, and registration typically range from $35,000 to $60,000 AUD for a good example, depending on condition and import method chosen.
Are parts still available for the Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione?
Yes, most mechanical parts remain available through Alfa Romeo specialists and classic car parts suppliers. Body panels and interior trim pieces can be more challenging to source.
What’s the fuel consumption like on the Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione?
Expect around 10-12 liters per 100km in mixed driving conditions. The turbo engine is relatively efficient when driven gently, but consumption rises quickly under enthusiastic driving.
Should I buy a Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione as an investment?
While values are rising, buy it because you love the car first. The investment potential is promising, but classic cars should always be purchased with passion rather than purely financial motives.
How reliable is the Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione for daily use?
With proper maintenance, these cars are surprisingly reliable. The key is finding one that’s been well cared for and staying on top of regular service intervals, particularly for the turbo system.
Conclusion
The Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione represents everything great about 1980s performance cars – pure driving enjoyment without electronic interference. For Australian enthusiasts willing to look beyond the obvious choices, it offers a unique combination of rarity, performance, and Italian passion.
As values continue climbing and good examples become scarcer, now might be the perfect time to add this overlooked classic to your collection. Just remember – buy with your heart, but inspect with your head. The Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione rewards those who choose wisely.