Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
The Alfa Romeo 164 Sport Wagon proposal by Pininfarina.
The Alfa Romeo 164 Sport Wagon is a one-off prototype estate car constructed by Pininfarina in 1987. Developed concurrently with the launch of the Alfa Romeo 164 sedan, the Sport Wagon was intended as an exploratory exercise in extending the capabilities of the newly introduced executive saloon. The project was never advanced to production, and only a single example is known to have been completed. The base for the prototype was the Alfa Romeo 164, itself the product of the Type Four joint platform initiative shared with the Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema, and Saab 9000. Unlike its platform counterparts, the 164 was styled by Pininfarina under the direction of Enrico Fumia, who executed a sharply defined wedge profile emphasizing aerodynamic performance and formal precision. The Sport Wagon retained this frontal identity, extending the greenhouse and rear quarters to create an estate configuration. The modifications introduced by Pininfarina included a lengthened roofline terminating in a near-vertical tailgate, incorporating an extended cargo area without compromising the vehicle’s lateral character lines. Glazing was revised accordingly, with additional rear quarter windows and a large rear hatch glass to enhance visibility and continuity. The intention was to preserve the sedan’s styling language while increasing utility, allowing for greater interior volume and load-carrying flexibility. Mechanically, the Sport Wagon prototype is understood to have retained the standard sedan’s transverse front-engine layout and front-wheel drive configuration. It likely utilized the 2.0-liter Twin Spark or 3.0-liter V6 engine options available at the time, though specific documentation is absent. No modifications to suspension or drivetrain are recorded in extant sources. Only a single unit of the 164 Sport Wagon was built. It was exhibited by Pininfarina as an internal study and was not publicly offered. The vehicle’s current location is unconfirmed, and no verified chassis number or ownership history has been published in official records. As a singular exercise in body variation, the Alfa Romeo 164 Sport Wagon represents a conceptual approach to executive estate design. It exemplifies the coachbuilder’s capacity to reinterpret production models with minimal deviation from original aesthetic intent, reinforcing the adaptability of the Type Four architecture while highlighting Pininfarina’s formal discipline and restraint.
Chassis
The Tipo Quattro (Type Four) program was launched in the late 1970s as a joint venture to develop a family of executive-class sedans efficiently. Fiat (including its Lancia and soon-to-be-acquired Alfa Romeo brands) teamed with Sweden’s Saab to share development costs on a new top-range platform.
The story of Pininfarina and Alfa Romeo is one of mutual admiration and a shared passion for innovation in automotive design that spans nearly eighty years. This remarkable partnership, which began in the early 1930s, reflects a continuous journey of creativity, prestige, and performance that has defined both brands.
Discover the fascinating journey of Pininfarina, a name synonymous with luxury automotive design and innovation. From its inception in 1930 to its status as a leader in the industry, this article explores the milestones, iconic vehicles, and visionary designers who shaped the brand’s legacy. Delve into the evolution of Pininfarina, highlighting notable achievements such as the Ferrari 550 Barchetta, the Cambiano concept, and the introduction of Automobili Pininfarina. Join us as we celebrate the artistry and engineering excellence that has defined Pininfarina through the decades.
