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- Chassis # AR664341
- Engine # AR0053613679
- A Beautifully And Thoroughly Restored Example
- Finished In Factory Correct Rosso 95-C-9068 Paint
- Detailed Records Of Entire Restoration Process
- Includes Original Manual, Certificate Of Origin, And Detailed Restoration Receipts
The Overview
Light, nimble, and attractive are some of the words that can be used to describe Alfa Romeo’s roadsters. That philosophy held true from the early Giuletta Spider to the modern 4C Spider. By 1962, the 105 Series Giulia arrived on the scene to succeed the aging 101 Series Giulietta that had been in production since 1954. The Giulietta Spider was then rebadged as a Giulia, upgraded to the 105 Series’ 1.6-liter engine, and sold alongside the Giulia sedan. In 1966, Alfa Romeo introduced a standalone successor to the Giulia Spider with a write-in competition to decide the name. Even though the winning entry was “Duetto”, the manufacturer faced trademark issues and was formed to name the car the Alfa Romeo Spider 1600. The 1600 was a reference to its 1,570cc twin-cam, inline-four engine that produced 108 hp and was backed by a five-speed manual transmission. Stateside, the Spider 1600 “Duetto” had to compete with the similarly-sized Lotus Elan and MGB, the latter of which severely undercut it in price.
The years following saw modified versions of the Spider 1600 appear such as the 1750 Spider Veloce and the lower-priced Spider 1300 Junior. Only 6,324 examples of the Spider 1600 were produced.
This particular example, Chassis # AR664341, is a masterfully restored Duetto that showcases the soul of the sports car that Alfa Romeo created. The available certificate of origin shows that the restoration left the car in the same specification as to when it originally left the factory on March 20, 1967. The engine, gearbox, suspension, and every mechanical component in between were torn down and rebuilt from the ground up to OEM standards. The interior was professionally restored as well and every component functions as it did when it left the factory. The exterior was stripped down to bare metal with proper metalwork being completed as needed before being repainted in the factory Rosso 95-C-9068 color and having all of its relevant trim, brightwork, panels, seals, and gaskets replaced or reconditioned.
The car also benefited from a recent service that included new spark plugs and wires, carburetor tuning, ignition lock cylinder update, and oil pressure sending unit among a few other final post-restoration sorting items.
As it sits, this car is like a brand new 1967 Alfa Romeo Duetto, ready to overcome any winding country road with the top down. Alternatively, it can be shown at events from local shows to Alfa Club events and other Concours type events.. It’s a blank slate for a future owner to use it however they see fit
Upon purchase, the new owner will receive detailed receipts of every part bought and service performed during this car’s extensive restoration alongside pictures showing the progress throughout the years. The car’s original manual as well as a Certificate of Origin from Alfa Romeo Classiche will also be included.
The Details
exterior
body and paint
As a completely restored example, this Duetto shines through and through. It is straight down the sides with consistent shut lines and panel fitment throughout. There are but one or two minor imperfections to be found the most notable of which is on the driers door where two pencil point sized chips were touched up. The color is spot on, and the car is in show-worthy condition.
glass and trim
The glass on the driver and passenger doors are the original Securit panes. While the windscreen is aftermarket and newer. All of the brightwork, rubber trim, moldings, and other such items are all newly refinished, in excellent condition, and were replaced or replated at the time of the restoration.
wheels
The wheels have been correctly refinished in their matte silver finish, the correct hubcaps restored and overall no issues to note.
interior
seats and surfaces
The spartan interior of this Duetto is new throughout. Using correct materials and finishes this car’s interior is without any issues to note. The correct rubber mats, vinyl seat covers, kick panels, and all gauges, knobs, switches, pulls, and escutcheons are correct and in finely restored condition. Correctness was paramount and the interior reflects this. The door jams, trim, rubber, steering wheel are all beautiful. there isn’t an area that did not receive attention and restorative effort.
functionality and accessories
Everything on the interior works as intended. Lighting, gauges, windshield wipers, heater motor, etc… are all in working order. The only item to note that needs attention at some point is the steering column plastic surround is held on by only one bolt rather than two as the second bolt hole we believe is stripped and will not take the bolt. It is fine as is and functions as intended. The key and tumbler are also not original to the car and are modern replacement units intended for this vehicle.
engine bay and trunk
engine bay
The theme of clean and correct continues in the engine bay. Where possible original style equipment was used such as the correct green ignition wires. It should be noted that the hoses have been upgraded and some clamps are technically not correct. However, this car is also meant to be run and these upgrades provide for some upgraded reliability. Otherwise, the engine bay is tidy, in order, and ready for use and servicing as needed.
trunk area
The trunk area, once removing the correct rubber mat shows body number 54785. A matching spare, jack, and tool bag (but without tools) the trunk area has been thoroughly refinished. Any rust repair was completed correctly, and the presentation is factory. There are one or two areas where we can see paint runs but beyond this, there is nothing else that stands out.
Underside
The underside has seen proper attention in the way of rust replacement. The restorer was careful to follow original methods but used modern amenities such as seam sealer to bring the final metalwork to a completed state. At that time it was painted black. The underside is solid, straight, and requires no attention.
notable flaws
Trunk lights are not currently working but have been restored. Minor adjustments may be needed.
mechanicals
engine
The engine starts easily, runs strong, and holds good oil pressure and temperature. Under heavy use, this car performs exactly as intended offering the full rev-range and does not skip a beat.
transmission
The transmission is smooth shifting with no synchro issues noted and the addition of the 5-speed makes this a delight.
brakes and suspension
The brakes are new along with the rest of the car, a nice firm pedal brings the car to a stop as quickly as a car from 1967 can, without any pulling, fade, or pulsation.
tires
There are currently 5 Vredestein Sprint Classic 165 HR15 86H with less than 500 miles on them.
driving experience
This car has been driven at the limit during our test drive and we can report that it is all the things one is looking for in a proper Alfa from 1967. Great power, responsive steering, supple suspension, and adequate brakes. A car that can be driven as a calm and easygoing city car to a country roads warrior. While also being able to compete at any show. A very well-rounded and capable example.