The Canadian's name is Carlo Milano... and he's turned an Alfa Romeo 75 into a 400-horsepower monster.

Milano Works was founded in 2017 by Carlo Milano, who was born and raised in North Vancouver. A fitting name to work on the model we're talking about today! After high school, Carlo began working at MCL Porsche in Vancouver while preparing for his technician certification. Once certified, he worked for over five years in a garage, where he gained considerable experience on all types and models of vehicles, before embarking on his own adventure.

75, the last true Alfa?

The Alfa Romeo 75, marketed from 1985 to 1992, is for some purists the last true Alfa Romeo. Alfa Romeo «In 1986-1987, the Biscione was fully integrated into the Fiat Group. It is also the brand's last rear-wheel drive vehicle before the 2015 Giulia. In Europe, it's called 75 (in tribute to the brand's 75th anniversary), while in the USA and Canada it's called Milano to avoid confusion with the anniversary age.

Its architecture is unique: front engine, rear-wheel drive with transaxle (rear-mounted gearbox and differential), resulting in an almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution. De Dion's rear suspension contributes to its balance and legendary handling, often considered one of the best sports sedans of the 80s.

While Europe featured Twin Cam 4-cylinder models from 1.6 to 2.0 liters, as well as Busso 2.5- and 3.0-liter V6s, in the U.S. and Canada almost all cars were equipped with Busso 2.5-liter (154 hp) or 3.0-liter (183-188 hp) V6s. This one, the Verde/Quadrifoglio version, is the most sought-after, with around 900 produced, complete with body kit, limited-slip differential, Recaro seats and Speedline «telephone” wheels.

While the husky, magical sound of the Busso V6, the pure driving experience without intrusive electronic assistants and the precise steering were praised, others were disappointed by the wedge-shaped look, but above all by the marked corrosion (rocker panels, side members, wheel arches), the fragile gearbox synchros and, for the Nord-Am version, the large, unsightly bumpers, as required by regulations.

Turbo preparation by Milano Works

Milano Works« Alfa Romeo 75, originally equipped with a naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter Busso V6, has been converted to a turbo version. Revealed on Instagram from 2021, it's described as an »Alfa 75 3.0 V6 turbo build« and described by Carlo as »one of the most beautiful Milano's“ he's seen. Other Busso ”turbo" preps have been hinted at previously, notably in Time Attack, as the famous V6 engine is known to take turbocharging well.

A massive single turbo was installed, with a polished aluminum compressor visible (probably Garrett GT28/GT30 or equivalent, but information was hard to find). Intake and charging: large K&N-style conical filter, polished aluminum piping and very thick bright blue siliconized hoses (intake and charging pipes), front-mounted intercooler. Exhaust: polished aluminum, custom manifolds (gold/gold color), silver thermal wrap on hot end.

Cylinder head and valve train: reinforced valve springs (visible in gold or chrome). Engine management: standalone ECU (visible housing with blue/yellow/red custom harness), wideband sensor for precise air/fuel mixture adjustment. Cooling: auxiliary tanks, high-performance hoses, probable additional oil cooler.

Overall aesthetics: bright red repainted cylinder heads, dominant blue accents throughout, beige/brown woven thermal insulation, very clean “show car” presentation.

A supertourist look

A fine piece of work! While the “stock” Busso V6 versions were rated at 183-188 hp, this setup is estimated at around 300-400 hp, with torque possibly approaching 400-500 Nm. Reliability is no problem, even for track use, if the boost remains moderate (<1.2 bar), with a high-performance intercooler and reinforced fuel supply. At higher levels, forged pistons and connecting rods are generally required.

The beast has also been “streamlined”, using the design of the 75 WTCC with widened fenders: roll cage, lightened doors, front spoiler and large rear spoiler with QV badges, as well as a specific carbon hood with race fastenings.

This preparation is a magnificent example of what a small, enthusiastic workshop can achieve on the legendary V6 Busso: transform an already racy sedan into a high-performance, visually aggressive machine, true to the Alfa spirit. The video below, shot several months ago, shows engine preparation in the car, before body modifications.