This just about squeaks in here, being registered in 1999, so it's now 21 years old, and might interest some good folk in here. And it's and Alfa, and everybody loves an Alfa!
The 166 replaced the 164 in 1998 as Alfa's offering in the executive sector of the market. This first generation model ran until 2003, and the second generation facelift was available in the UK until 2007.
I have to say, I used to dismiss these as ugly. I now think they've aged and matured well, and I now appreciate the design bravery and quirkyness that Alfa incorporated in the 166, especially in a sector where they were competing with the big Germans. I've had rather a few cars, well over 75 now, and Alfa was a box that I had still to tick. I had always been waiting for the right one to come along - Busso V6, good colour (not necessarily red), low miles etc, and when I first saw this car advertised in this very parish I was instantly attracted to it. It took a while for me to be in a position to buy it though, and luckily it was still available when I could do the deal.
When I got the car, it needed some work. The two front tyres were 5 years old, and the rears were 10, so I replaced all four tyres. We found that it needed a front caliper AND a rear one, plus discs and pads at the front and a new battery!! Anyway, it's a lovely thing and I didn't begrudge the cost to get it right. A wash, clay, polish and wax really had the amazing colour (Volcano Black, which I believe is still available) popping.
I have to say something here. This car makes me feel 'special' whenever I sit in it and drive it, in a way no other car has made me feel, and I've had quite a few Mercs, Audi's, Beemers etc. Everything is just beautiful and classy inside. I only ever listen to Classic FM in this car, as it just feels wrong to listen to anything else. I had a weird goosbump moment the other day in it.....I was enjoying a lovely country road drive, when Rossini's Barbour of Seville came on the radio, obviously sung in Italian. Seriously, it was a chill down the spine couple of minutes. Absolutely perfect. The black leather Momo interior is a retro fit, as it would have originally matched the cream leather doorcards. I personally love the contrast between the black and cream.
Basic details:
1999 Alfa 166
3 litre Busso V6 (225bhp?)
Sportronic transmission with tiptronic
Volcano Black
87k miles
Cruise Control
Aircon/climate control
4 electric windows
Black Momo leather interior
Heated and electrically adjustable front seats
Pics....
Day of arrival after it's run up from Norwich during lockdown...
After a first quick wash...
...and a first glimpse of the glorious Busso 3 litre V6
...that beautiful interior...
I took a moment on my first drive to take a couple of pics...
...any excuse...
Pantograph wiper...
Nice coffee shop....
Fitted my private plate that was on the Maxima for years...
Amazing colour. Looks jet black sometimes, but brown at other times.......
I thought the red lettering was looking a bit dull...
...so gave it a bit of life...
Can't get enough of this engine bay.
I had the aircon re-gassed on Thursday, which was very much needed (30 degrees, 25/06/20). I'm also heading down to Bradford on Wednesday to collect and fit a repaired master window switch from a 166 enthusiast. Another little thing sorted. Love this car. It's a bit of a luxury that I probably don't really 'need', and I won't say it's a keeper, however, for the time I have it I'm going to thoroughly enjoy it, I just know I am. Ciao.
The 166 replaced the 164 in 1998 as Alfa's offering in the executive sector of the market. This first generation model ran until 2003, and the second generation facelift was available in the UK until 2007.
I have to say, I used to dismiss these as ugly. I now think they've aged and matured well, and I now appreciate the design bravery and quirkyness that Alfa incorporated in the 166, especially in a sector where they were competing with the big Germans. I've had rather a few cars, well over 75 now, and Alfa was a box that I had still to tick. I had always been waiting for the right one to come along - Busso V6, good colour (not necessarily red), low miles etc, and when I first saw this car advertised in this very parish I was instantly attracted to it. It took a while for me to be in a position to buy it though, and luckily it was still available when I could do the deal.
When I got the car, it needed some work. The two front tyres were 5 years old, and the rears were 10, so I replaced all four tyres. We found that it needed a front caliper AND a rear one, plus discs and pads at the front and a new battery!! Anyway, it's a lovely thing and I didn't begrudge the cost to get it right. A wash, clay, polish and wax really had the amazing colour (Volcano Black, which I believe is still available) popping.
I have to say something here. This car makes me feel 'special' whenever I sit in it and drive it, in a way no other car has made me feel, and I've had quite a few Mercs, Audi's, Beemers etc. Everything is just beautiful and classy inside. I only ever listen to Classic FM in this car, as it just feels wrong to listen to anything else. I had a weird goosbump moment the other day in it.....I was enjoying a lovely country road drive, when Rossini's Barbour of Seville came on the radio, obviously sung in Italian. Seriously, it was a chill down the spine couple of minutes. Absolutely perfect. The black leather Momo interior is a retro fit, as it would have originally matched the cream leather doorcards. I personally love the contrast between the black and cream.
Basic details:
1999 Alfa 166
3 litre Busso V6 (225bhp?)
Sportronic transmission with tiptronic
Volcano Black
87k miles
Cruise Control
Aircon/climate control
4 electric windows
Black Momo leather interior
Heated and electrically adjustable front seats
Pics....
Day of arrival after it's run up from Norwich during lockdown...
After a first quick wash...
...and a first glimpse of the glorious Busso 3 litre V6
...that beautiful interior...
I took a moment on my first drive to take a couple of pics...
...any excuse...
Pantograph wiper...
Nice coffee shop....
Fitted my private plate that was on the Maxima for years...
Amazing colour. Looks jet black sometimes, but brown at other times.......
I thought the red lettering was looking a bit dull...
...so gave it a bit of life...
Can't get enough of this engine bay.
I had the aircon re-gassed on Thursday, which was very much needed (30 degrees, 25/06/20). I'm also heading down to Bradford on Wednesday to collect and fit a repaired master window switch from a 166 enthusiast. Another little thing sorted. Love this car. It's a bit of a luxury that I probably don't really 'need', and I won't say it's a keeper, however, for the time I have it I'm going to thoroughly enjoy it, I just know I am. Ciao.
