Rare Find: 1999 Alfa Romeo 166, Screwball Rally Edition at Scrapyard
In the world of car enthusiasts, stumbling upon a rare gem is like finding a hidden treasure. And that’s exactly what happened when a 1999 Alfa Romeo 166, Screwball Rally Edition, was discovered at Sherburn Motor Spares, a scrapyard in Sherburn-in-Elmet, England.
The Alfa Romeo 166 holds a special place in the hearts of car aficionados, especially those in the United States who have been deprived of its magnificence since 1995. Its predecessor, the Alfa 164, was the last Alfa Romeo model to be sold in the US until the recent arrival of the Giulia and Stelvio. However, the 166 never made it across the Atlantic officially, making this find all the more exciting.
The 166 has always been known for its stunning appearance, despite its reputation for unreliability and rapid depreciation. It seems that even with these drawbacks, car enthusiasts are still drawn to its allure. The facelifted model, featured in a photo above, made its debut in 2003 and won’t be legal in the US until 2028. But fear not, as the first-year ’99 models are fair game for those interested in importing one into the US without raising any eyebrows at customs.
The journey to Sherburn Motor Spares in Yorkshire provided an opportunity to encounter an array of interesting Italian iron. This scrapyard specializes in Italian and French cars and is a haven for dismantlers seeking rare finds. While customers aren’t allowed to pull their own parts without permission, the employees are friendly and welcoming. The location even boasts a delightful breakfast joint just outside, perfect for warming up on a freezing Yorkshire morning.
Inside the scrapyard lies a treasure trove of Alfa Romeos, Fiats, Peugeots, Citroëns, Renaults, and even a few Toyota MR2s. Among them, I spotted an incredibly rare Alfa Romeo Brera S, one of only 500 ever built. It’s clear that Sherburn Motor Spares is a haven for car enthusiasts seeking unique and hard-to-find vehicles.
However, the true gem of the visit was a first-year 1999 Alfa Romeo 166, adorned in a striking racing livery. The car stood out among the tightly packed vehicles, making it difficult to capture its full beauty in photographs. Thankfully, Sherburn Motor Spares has included pre-stacking photos of the car in their eBay store, allowing us to appreciate its racing heritage.
Digging deeper into the car’s history, it was discovered that this particular Alfa Romeo 166 participated in the Screwball Rally. The Screwball Rally is similar in spirit to its American counterparts, such as the Lemons Rally, the Rocky Mountain Rambler 500, and the Gambler 500. It’s a thrilling adventure where participants drive budget-friendly cars on a set course, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
While there isn’t much evidence of this team’s participation in the rally, other than a single Flickr photo, one can only imagine the experience of driving a 15-or-so-year-old Alfa luxury saloon through France and Italy. It must have been both comfortable and character-building, as these vintage cars often require some TLC to keep them running smoothly.
Interestingly, the team behind this Alfa Romeo 166 Screwball Rally Edition appeared to have been sponsored by a repair shop in Leeds. This repair shop specializes in working on Alfa Romeos, Fiats, Abarths, and even Jeeps. It’s an unexpected combination of vehicles, but it’s clear that this repair shop appreciates Italian craftsmanship and isn’t afraid to venture into the world of American off-roaders.
Underneath the bonnet of this rare find lies a 3.0-liter quad-cam V6 engine, capable of producing 223 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While this particular model features an automatic transmission, its top speed is still an impressive 147 mph. For those who prefer a more engaging driving experience, the 5-speed manual variant reaches a top speed of 151 mph, perfect for those seeking a thrilling ride.
As I admired this 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 Screwball Rally Edition, I couldn’t help but imagine the adventures it must have embarked on. From rally courses to long-distance drives, this car has seen it all. It’s a reminder that there’s more to cars than just transportation; they hold stories and memories that make them truly special.
So next time you find yourself in a scrapyard or stumble upon a hidden gem, take a moment to appreciate the history and character behind it. Who knows what kind of adventures await? Drive it from St. Petersburg to Berlin on a spy mission. As one does.