If Alfa Romeo is so good, why didn`t Lee Iacocca buy it instead ofLamborghini or Maserati?
We test drove the `87 Alfa Romeo Milano Platinum, one of a trio ofMilano sport sedans that includes the base Silver and midrange Gold.
Platinum comes with four-wheel antilock brakes, a big plus that helpstake the mind off the styling. An exotic Countach it is not. The bulgy reardeck, in fact, is reminiscent of such early Japanese cars as the old Datsun B-210.
The rear-drive Milano is built on a 98.8-inch wheelbase and is 170.5inches long, dimensions that fit like a glove–providing you wear a sizepetite.
The Platinum is powered by a quick 2.5-liter V-6, teamed with asometimes temperamental 5-speed manual. Automatic transmission isn`t availableuntil 1988. A 3-liter V-6 model, called the Verde, is coming out later thismonth.
The Platinum offers lots of goodies: leather and suede upholstery,electric steel sliding sunroof, power steering, antilock brake system andlimited slip differential, 15-inch steel-belted radials, spoiler-mountedfoglights, power seat backrests, power radio antenna, air conditioning, dualelectric outside mirrors and AM-FM cassette.
The Platinum starts at $20,350.
In late 1988, Alfa Romeo will bring out the 4-door 164 as an `89 model,a more luxurious sedan in the $23,000 to $28,000 range, designed to rival the smaller BMW and Mercedes. It probably will offer the 3-liter V-6.
The Milano can be fun to drive in that it`s different from most cars onthe road. Owning one is the question, since with the low volume you probablywill be a captive of the dealership when it comes to parts and service.
