The history of some cars goes far beyond mechanics. They tell the story of a passion, a journey and sometimes even an obsession. This is exactly the case for Jeroen Westerhuis, a 46-year-old Dutch Alfiste who, after thirteen years at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo 75 1.6, finally found the ultimate version of the model: an Alfa Romeo 75 3.0 V6.
A story told by Autoweek, a perfect illustration of the attachment some enthusiasts have for the Italian sports sedan... and for its most legendary engine.
Thirteen years with an Alfa Romeo 75 before aiming for the ultimate version
For thirteen years, Jeroen Westerhuis drove an Alfa Romeo 75 equipped with the modest 1.6 engine. A car he enjoyed immensely, but which didn't quite represent the pinnacle of what the 75 could offer. Over time, the idea of acquiring the ultimate version took hold: the 75 equipped with the famous 3.0-liter Busso V6.
But finding the perfect one was no easy task. Jeroen didn't want just any car. He was looking for a model in impeccable condition and as close as possible to the original. After inspecting several Alfa Romeo 75 V6s, including older 2.5 versions, he finally came across a very special example, delivered new in the Netherlands in 1987. It was love at first sight.
The car originally belonged to a car enthusiast who kept it until 2010. It was then taken over by a family member who pampered it for almost fourteen years. Finally offered for sale by a specialist Alfa Romeo in Nunspeet, it was only in the showroom for a short time before Jeroen showed up. For him, it's clear: he's found a real gem.
A passion for Alfa Romeo born... in front of the television
Contrary to what you might think, Jeroen didn't grow up in a family of Alfa Romeo enthusiasts. His father drove a Fiat Uno, a much more modest car.
However, his passion for Italian cars began at a very early age. As a child, he remembers seeing a red car on television that made an immediate impression on him. Later, he would discover that it was an Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT. The seed had been planted.
In the 1990s, he particularly admired the Alfa Romeo 155 and the Fiat Coupé, already dreaming of a 155 «wide body» as his first car. At the same time, he also began collecting 1/43-scale Alfa Romeo miniatures, a passion he maintains to this day.
His first real Alfa was finally an Alfa Romeo 146, bought after he had obtained his driving license and saved enough money. Since then, he has never really left the brand: MiTo, Giulietta and today a modern Giulia serve as everyday cars.
Just one Alfa Romeo that disappointed him
Not all models, however, left a lasting impression. Of all the Alfa Romeos Jeroen owned, only one did not convince him: a type 916 Spider equipped with V6 and front-wheel drive.
On paper, it had everything to please. In reality, the disappointment was swift. In his opinion, the car was too heavy and the rigidity of the bodywork left something to be desired. As a result, he had to part with it after just three months. But his attachment to the brand has not waned.
An almost perfect Alfa Romeo 75
The 75 V6 he owns today is in remarkable condition. The exterior, interior and even the underside of the car are virtually impeccable, as if it had just come out of the catalog.
Jeroen has nevertheless made a few discreet modifications. In particular, he repainted the side mouldings to a deep black, a meticulous job carried out without dismantling the parts to avoid breaking the original clips.
The rims have also been replaced by a faithful reproduction of the famous Ronal A1s, which are very hard to find today. The original wheels are carefully preserved in his garage. Another difference with his old 75 is that it remains on its original springs. In his opinion, it's a wise choice.
The car's roadholding is more balanced, thanks in particular to the famous transaxle architecture, with the gearbox and clutch positioned at the rear near the differential. This configuration, inherited from the Alfetta, ensures excellent weight distribution.
The last «real» Alfa Romeo?
Introduced in 1985 to celebrate the brand's 75th anniversary, the Alfa Romeo 75 is often considered the last true Alfa Romeo before the Fiat era.
Based on the Giulietta platform, it retains the transaxle architecture dear to the brand's engineers. Over the years, it will be offered with a wide range of engines: four-cylinder models from 1.6 to 2.0 liters, a diesel, as well as several V6s.
The most emblematic version is of course the 3.0 V6, developing up to 188 hp. In the United States, it's even sold under the name Milano Quadrifoglio.
The 75's career came to an end in 1992, when it was replaced by the front-wheel-drive Alfa Romeo 155. A total of 386,767 examples were produced.
Almost 40... and still ready for Italy
Today, Jeroen's 75 V6 has clocked up some 132,000 km and has required virtually no maintenance since its purchase in 2024, proof of the care taken by its previous owners.
Next year, the car will turn 40, making it exempt from car tax in the Netherlands. But for its owner, the most important thing is elsewhere. The plan is already in place: to set off for Italy, the country where this cult sedan was born. And with the song of the Busso V6, the journey promises to be a memorable one.
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