Some people buy an old Alfa Romeo for the driving experience. Some buy it for the looks. And then there is James who bought one to drive 2,500 miles across Europe in a single weekend for charity as part of the Rust Bucket Rally.  

When James’ brother pitched the idea of entering this year’s Rust Bucket Rally, a madcap charity road trip covering thousands of miles through Europe in a budget banger, there was only ever going to be one manufacture of vehicle suitable for the task. Being a keen Alfa fan having owned four Alfas previously it was only right that he completed the Rust Bucket Rally in what would become his fifth Alfa Romeo. 

Fate, as it often does with Alfa Romeos, intervened at just the right time. A friend was parting ways with a 2007 Alfa Romeo 159, and with the rally looming, the deal was struck. What better way to combine Alfa passion with a proper motoring adventure? 

Under the bonnet of this 159 is a 2.4-litre 20V JTDm diesel engine, originally good for 197bhp. With a 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds and a theoretical top speed of 142mph, providing nothing important detaches along the way, it’s not short on capability. 

However, it’s not all about performance when completing a rally, but also comfort. “It’s a cracking place to sit,” he adds. “A definite driver’s car with the dials angled towards the driver. This will definitely help as they undertake the 2,500-mile journey.   

So far, the 159 has seen daily duties and UK road trips to iron out any potential weaknesses ahead of the main event. A recent journey to Wellingborough saw the addition of some rally-ready decals which in James’ own words, help to hide the state of the bodywork!  

Beyond the stickers, the car remains largely stock. But then again, the real modification is the mindset: taking a well-worn Alfa and throwing it headlong into a high-mileage, high-stakes road trip for a great cause. 

From June 2nd to 6th, James and his brother will pilot the 159 across Europe to the north of Switzerland and back again as part of the Rust Bucket Rally. With over 50 teams taking part and a combined mission to raise money for charity, it’s more than just a long weekend on the road. 

James admits that this will be a last hoorah for the 159. The Alfa will likely see its fate after the return from the Rust Bucket Rally and will be off to a breakers yard to help keep other 159s on the road. A noble end, and one befitting of a true Alfa. 

This year’s Rust Bucket Rally is raising funds for Cynthia Spencer Hospice, a remarkable organisation offering holistic, compassionate palliative care for patients and their families. If you’d like to support James and the team, you can donate here. You can also follow their adventure (and mishaps, no doubt) on Facebook: facebook.com/inalfaswerust 

Car Facts: 

Make: Alfa Romeo 

Model: 159 

Year: 2007 

Engine: 2.4 20V JTDm 

BHP: 197 – minus a bit for the 163k miles on the clock! 

Top Speed: 142mph – hopefully bits don’t fall off! 

0-62: 8.4 seconds 

Weight: 1645kg (minus the rust losses) 

Additional modifications: Plenty of stickers!