In the beginning, Alfa called it K2. This acronym had no reference to the second peak in the world belonging to the Himalayas, but it was linked to a conventional terminology in which the number two expresseda coefficient proportional to the degree of renewal provided compared to the previous model. Later the abbreviation was changed to 162.
The 90, born with five different engines right from the moment it was marketed: 1.8 and 2.0 carburettors; 2.0 injection; 2.5 Quadrifoglio Oro injection; 2.4 turbodiesel with intercooler, was completely new in terms of bodywork and finish; electronics had entered the on-board instrumentation and it was finally equipped with power steering.
As for the interiors, these are the materials used, according to the different versions: wool tweed, velvet, bouclè fabric and velour fabric.
In the memories of Domenico Chirico, who at that time had coordination functions on all the cars produced, "the many deliberations on this car were not carried out effectively for functional reasons and for the lack of adequate reliability tests due to heavy delays of external supplies, so that the model launched in series in October 1984, a few months before the Lancia Thema, was afflicted by many "infantile diseases" in particular related to the mechanical organs".
It was decided therefore with the engineer Zammarchi, Director of Production, to remedy the inconveniences calling to collection all the men of the Technical Direction which solved the problems, however the car suffered commercially because in all, only 54.500 units were sold.
In 1986, with the launch of the Super with electronic ABS and electronic fuel injection on the 2-litre petrol versions, the 90 became very reliable.
petrol versions, the 90 became very reliable. In addition, all the improvements gradually made were inherited by the Alfa 75, the new car launched in 1985 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Alfa's birth.
The presentation of the 90 to the trade press took place at Arese between 4 and 21 September 1984. From all over Italy and abroad, groups of journalists from the daily and periodical press were able to observe and try out the new saloon, welcomed to the Arese Museum by Nuccio Bertone who answered their questions.
Marketing in Italy started on 28 September, but on 9 September the new saloon tested the Monza track. Before the F1 Grand Prix, an Alfa 90 driven by Juan Manuel Fangio paraded in front of tens of thousands of people as the track opener. It was a beautiful debut.
In the first three weeks of marketing it reached 4500 orders. Of the five versions available, the highest number of orders was for the Turbodiesel (34%) and the 2.0 Injection (36%).
On 21 September, the entire range of its engines was presented to President Sandro Pertini at the Quirinale Palace in Rome. The top management of IRI and Finmeccanica were present and expressed their sincere appreciation. Alfa was represented by Ettore Massacesi and the company's top executives. Nuccio Bertone had the task of illustrating the characteristics of the new car to those present, together with engineer Filippo Surace.
On 27 September the 90 was presented in Naples at Villa Scipioni, to the regional authorities and the Italian press, who took the number 90 as a reference for the decade that was approaching. Many headlined: "L'Alfa degli anni 90" (Alfa of the 90's), Gente defined it: "L'auto del futuro" (The car of the future), Il resto del Carlino: "All'Alfa l'ambzione fa 90" (At Alfa, ambition makes 90), Gente Motori: "Pezzo da 90" (90 piece). Corriere della sera: "E l'Alfa murmured non passa lo straniero"; Il sole 24 ore: "Nella 90 c'è il meglio dell'Alfa"; Il resto del Carlino: "Concepita per primeggiare nella classe 2000". Il Giorno: "The car of redemption".
On 28 September, the day of its marketing, the Alfa 90 was the protagonist of a festive "three-day" event organized by the Rotondi dealership in Milan, which was celebrating its golden anniversary with Alfa Romeo. It was truly a great party in which I had the honour of participating. The oldest Alfa dealer, who sold 1600 cars a year, advertised the event by putting up a poster on the back of the buses with the following inscription: "Big party at Rotondi", inviting people to its premises for a series of shows, games and exhibitions. The inauguration was attended by more than two thousand people who could admire the new sedan surrounded by historical cars: from the 6C 1750 to the TZ of the Scuderia del Portello, to the glorious 1900. There were also the three oldest Alfa Romeos sold by Rotondi, registered in 1938, which received a prize. The rich buffet, with the presence of Ettore Massacesi, was followed by a recital by Enzo Jannacci. The car was also well received by the female public.
At the end of the year, the first Alfa 90s destined for foreign dealers were supplied to the Alfa Romeo Agno dealership in two hundred units that paraded through the centre of Lugano before heading for the Gotthard.
I end by quoting the title of an Autosprint article that I wanted to reserve for the conclusion of this memory of mine because I found it really curious. Do you want to know what he called this car?:
"Ninety!"
