From the early eighties the European rounds of the F1 championship were supported by a 'Pro Car' series which saw famous drivers battle it out before each F1 race in a heavily modified BMW M1. As the M1 came to the end of its production runs a new car or a new series was needed to replace the Pro Car series as support race. A new series was proposed with cars very similar to the contemporary F1 cars but with a body similar to road cars, a true silhouette series.
Only one car was built for the series as most manufacturers didn't want to invest the money needed. Alfa Romeo's race department Alfa Corse built that one car with a lot of help from the Brabham F1 team. The silhouette built resembled Alfa's top model of the time, the 164. The engine remains completely unique as it is the only Alfa Romeo V10 engine ever built! With a top speed of over 210 mph it was actually a bit faster than the F1 cars as its body-shape allowed for much higher top speed.
The 164 Pro Car was never raced, and now remains as a unique reminder of a wild plan. One of motorsport's best kept secrets and a genuine would / could have been.
Article by Wouter Melissen, last updated before 12 / 01 / 2004
Well, this 'silhouette' is a big surprise to me. What a shame it did not happen. The 164 is a very uncommon sight in the UK, having suffered (unfairly) from the reputation Alfas aquired in the early 1980s for poor bodywork. Having owned 3 of these wonderful road cars, I can say with hand on heart that this is one of the most under-valued and under-rated cars ever built. -None of mine showed any signs of rusting. The two litre is sporty and economical but the 3.0 V6 is a lovely brute of an engine. They compare favourably with the BMW 5 series of the same era but at a fraction of the cost. Therefore they are absolute bargains if you can find them, AND a future classic!
mikeroo 02-08-2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQigN057dMw it is very well known in 164 circles, stuff of legends :)
I am interested...
PTMag 02-07-2007
Hi, I am very interested in this car. I have a tuning,supercars and motor sport magazine in Bulgaria, Europe. I want to place this car in the next issue. Can you please send me more tech characteristicsm car history..etc on my email....
angel_uzunow@yahoo.com
Your father in law name too....I will write about his history too....
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From the early eighties the European rounds of the F1 championship were supported by a 'Pro Car' series which saw famous drivers battle it out before each F1 race in a heavily modified BMW M1. As the M1 came to the end of its production runs a new car or a new series was needed to replace the Pro Car series as support race. A new series was proposed with cars very similar to the contemporary F1 cars but with a body similar to road cars, a true silhouette series.
