• Full-service history with a recent cambelt change
• Well presented inside and out
The Background
Alfa Romeo's combination of driving passion and raw performance is still very much part of their character, having established their origins in racing competition. The well-equipped Alfa Romeo 166 introduced a genuinely soulful dimension to an otherwise conventional array of large saloons when it was released in 1999, and it went some way to re-establishing the brand into the deep end of the executive car industry, where the competition was razor-sharp.
The well-balanced styling of the car garnished the 166 with plenty of attention, but there was also a considerable amount of talent, quality and confidence under the skin.
This 2000 model year example of a phase one 166 comes with the revered 220bhp 3.0-litre 24V V6 engine, mated to the Sportronic gearbox and comprehensive state of the art driver aids. Furthermore, it has had just one previous owner, with under 41,000 recorded miles and full-service history.
The car has recently seen some significant investment, making it one of the most original, low-mileage, and well-cared-for examples of the 166 currently available.
The car was originally registered new at Perry’s in Amersham, and it remained in the area for much of its life, under the attentive ownership of its first owner for exactly 20 years. The current owner came across the car earlier this year, tempted by the promise of a comfortable luxury V6 cruiser, but also swayed by its decent paperwork and positive ownership profile.
After addressing a handful of issues, the owner has stated that they have not really been able to make the most of the car's abilities, and its lack of use has prompted its sale. He willingly suggested that such a low mileage example deserves to be taken on by someone who appreciates these distinctive cars.
The car comes with a good body of provenance, with service records, invoices, previous MOT’s as well as a full complement of its handbooks in its original wallet. Other original items including the build sheet spec, Navigation CD’s and original sales brochure are also included. It’s also worth mentioning that it comes with three keys, including the important red key.
The car has full-service history, carried out by the main dealer up to 23K and subsequent servicing and repairs at an Alfa Romeo specialist. The cambelt and tensioners along with service were carried out earlier this year.
Other invoices also document the replacement of a rear exhaust, 4 sets of brakes, discs and tyres, alternator, a refurbished Integrated Control System, battery and suspension components. There are also MOT documents that go back to 2006, with the latest ticket lasting to November 2022.
Sold new with the optional ‘Elegant’ interior trim package, some of the soft-touch interior plastics have suffered from the typical ageing process, for example, the glove box has a slight ‘sticky’ feel but the rest of the facia is in very good shape with the quality still holding up well. The centre console, binnacle and switchgear are well above the expectations of a 21-year-old car, and there were no significant suggestions of careless use or damage noted on the facia.
All of the instrumentation is said to work, with a refurbished Integrated Control System being a recent acquisition and therefore is fully operational. The steering wheel is blemish-free, with no issues noted on the stalks, switches, gear knob or vents.
The beige leather seats have worn well, with the driver's seat in line with a low-mileage car of this age, all are free from damage or rips, both sets of front seat electric controls are functional. The owner suspects that the back seats have never been used for significant periods of time. The door cards are good with no scuffs or damage, just the lightest wear noted on the leather padding on the driver's door.
The headlining is in good shape, with no marks or dampness. The carpets are in good shape and bone dry, with recently fitted mats simply to preserve their condition. The boot carpet is in good condition and looks like it hasn’t been overused. It also comes with its original tool kit intact.
The panels fit is excellent throughout the car, with equal panel gaps observed; the metal is nicely presented with no immediate signs of dent or blemish damage. The main areas such as the wheel arches, sills and wings are solid, with no suggestion of neglect on the bodywork thanks to the galvanised process helping to preserve the exterior from the damp British climate.
The structure is generally in good shape with no issues noted on the boot floor or inner wings, which still retain their special sound-deadening material. There is corrosion noted on the lower radiator support and around the off-side rear jacking point but these have yet to be noted as advisories on the MOT.
The subtle Ontario Blue finish complements the elegant styling and certainly seems to add a touch of class to the design. The finish of the paint has an even lustre with just the odd signs of age on flatter surfaces. The front end of the car, especially on the lower front edge of the bonnet and wings have a handful of minor stone chips, but none of which have penetrated too deeply into the paint.
A few minor chips were noted on the off-side front door. The front and rear bumpers are generally free of any blemishes, but the paint finish is somewhat flattened. The windscreen has a small crack which has been documented as an advisory issue on its last MOT but does not impair the driver's vision. All of the other glass is good, with no signs of lamination damage or misting.
The trim, including the glass and door rubber, retains its integrity with only some light damage noted on the boot well rubber but nothing to suggest water ingress. The nearside door mirror function will need a repair as it currently doesn’t operate but is still in place. The light lenses are in good condition, with no damage or cracks.
The 16” alloy wheels are in excellent shape, with no suggestion of wear or damage having been subject to a recent refurbishment. They are complemented by a full set of new Goodyear tyres.
The car has seen regular mechanical attention over the years, and as result, the charismatic 3.0-litre V6 engine still produces its perfect notes in harmony. The car starts up instantly, with no recorded issues being flagged on the dashboard on the day, the unstressed engine ticking over without any undulations, knocking or tapping.
The engine presentation is good, with typical signs of the ageing process, but aesthetics asides the owner has said the actual engine has proved to be reliable. The electronically controlled Sportronic automatic gearbox works well and is said to function perfectly. The car has recently seen a set of new discs and pads, and therefore it stops with no juddering or fading.
The car absorbs the road well, with no impediments with its ride or cornering. The steering operates well, without any knocking or noises from the power assistance. The suspension didn’t produce any knocking over bumps, although the actual springs show a coating of surface rust which have been flagged up as an advisory.
As a flagship model, it is brimming with a sophisticated array of technology, including traction, brake and ABS controls, all of which are said to be functional.
Something of a well-kept secret in many respects, Alfa’s past reputation may have not done the 166 many favours, but the Alfa’s natural ability, comfort and finish took on the competition, with a little added flair.
Alfa Romeo's by definition, have always jumped ahead when qualifying as classic cars, thanks to the unique appeal of the V6 engines and that balanced driving experience. As a modern executive classic with low miles and full history, now could be the best time to see what all the fuss is about.
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2000 Alfa Romeo 166 V6 24V Sportronic
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