Auto enthusiasts are going nuts over the imminent arrival of the breathtaking Alfa Romeo 4C. Bringing its 240 horsepower turbocharged 1.75-liter four and 260 lb-ft of torque, the little roadster promises to be one of the most exciting cars to hit American roads in recent years. To mark this automotive history- in-the-making (take two), we look back at the last Alfa sold on U.S soil, before the brand withdrew in 1995.

The FWD 164 sedan, fitted with a 3.0-liter, 24-valve V6, produced an impressive (for the time) 230 horsepower. In an effort to rewin Alfa's high-end clientele, it also offered a barrage of amenities and safety features. But while the Pininfarina design was hailed by critics, the brand's notorious image of reliability led to lagging sales. Despite promising specs and sharp lines, Americans bought only 500 Alfas in 1995, and parent company Fiat decided to freeze all American operations. Now, with beautiful new performance models, Alfa is preparing to head back over, bringing its racing legacy and attempting to overcome the bittersweet memories of the 164.