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- Chassis # AR663582
- Engine # AR0055103115
- An Inviting Driver Quality Example
- Upgraded To A 1750
- Offered Out Of Long Term Alfa Romeo Enthusiast Ownership
- A Smart Entry Level Alfa Romeo
The Overview
Since its founding in Milan, Italy in the early 1900s, Alfa Romeos has been a constant presence in racing and a well-known manufacturer of sports cars. Their Spider models, initially derived from the Giuletta lineup of cars and later from the succeeding Giulia lineup, are great examples of light and nimble Italian two-door roadsters. The early Giuletta Spiders were introduced in 1955 with a Pininfarina-styled body and lasted until 1962 when they were rebadged as Giulia Spiders and given a 91 hp 1.6-liter engine in place of the 1.3-liter engine of the Giuletta Spiders. This iteration was further upgraded in 1964 as the Spider Veloce with the 110 hp engine from the Giulia Sprint Speciale and TI Super. Alfa Romeo then spun off the Spider into its own series of roadsters in 1966 that was initially dubbed the Alfa Romeo Spider 1600. The 1600 was named after its 1,570cc twin-cam, inline-four engine that put out a respectable 108 hp through a five-speed manual transmission.
The Spider 1600 had its own successors, namely the upgraded 1750 Spider Veloce and the lower-priced Spider 1300 Junior before the redesigned Series 2 of the Spider was introduced in 1970. Alfa Romeo only produced 6,324 examples of the Series 1 Spider 1600.
This particular example, Chassis # AR663582, is a driver-quality Duetto that is not afraid of a few dings and scuffs. Offered from a long-time Alfa Romeo collector from Pittsburgh, PA who this example for decades. The whole family has been behind the wheel and it has served as a reliable driver over the years! This Duetto had its original 1600 engine swapped to a 1750 engine a few decades ago, thereby making it non-matching numbers, but also slightly peppier. A slight mishap during an oil change some years later prompted a full engine rebuild of the 1750, further adding to the powertrain’s freshness. Improvements on the remaining systems should be considered, and inspected for safety prior to use. This little Alfa has undergone many road trips in its lifetime and was one of the vendor’s most driven cars. The transmission is as eager as the engine but the suspension, tires, and brakes could use a refresh to be considered safe and reliable. The interior is largely original with the exception of aftermarket seats, a wooden steering wheel, and a cassette deck. However, its worn outward appearance does not reflect on its capabilities or the excitement it will provide to its next owner.
This example presents the perfect opportunity to enter the exciting and beautiful world of collectible Alfa’s. As it sits, this Alfa is an excellent example to drive and enjoy without the fear of damage, and with some sorting will be a vehicle that is as stunning to look at as it is to drive.
The Details
exterior
body and paint
Purely as a driver quality example, this Duetto presents consistently but not without a flaw on every panel of some kind. There are areas below the beltline that are starting to see rust bubbling and corrosion. With the worst showing through on the passenger rocker front and rear. Otherwise, chips, scratches, and inconsistencies are present elsewhere. However, this is the worst condition this car has been in from new. It does not show any signs of major accidents or rust repair and has simply remained a scruffy driver.
glass and trim
The driver and passenger side glass is all Securit, while the windshield has been changed at some point. The windshield does have issues including stone chips and some scratching. The exterior trim is a mixture of faded, corroded, or workable, while some areas still hold a bright finish. Various rubber components are a mixture of good original to cracked and deteriorated, such as around the rearview mirrors. The tail light lenses are faded but the bumpers are dent free. The grill does have a dent at the bottom, all coming together nicely with the overall character of the car.
wheels
The wheels are the correct kind and are believed to be original to the car and in good driver quality original condition. The hubcaps do show some denting but are the correct originals.
notable flaws
There are a variety of flaws that are best understood through the detailed photo set that has been made available.
interior
seats and surfaces
The seats are a set of incorrect (but comfortable) later Alfa seats. The steering wheel is a period wooden aftermarket upgrade (which looks great) but otherwise, the interior is highly original and well preserved. Original rubber can be found throughout the interior and the jams are clean and untouched as are the door panels. With no rust or overspray noted on the door bottoms or jams. All of the original equipment with the exception of the ashtray is present. The gauges and other brightwork are all flawed whether pitted or faded.
functionality and accessories
The lights, gauges, and turn signals work. The windshield wipers, heater motor are not working, nor is the aftermarket radio.
engine bay and trunk
engine bay
The engine bay is that of a driver, matching the presentation of the rest of the car. Functional, but not technically correct or up to date service-wise. A well-used but highly functioning powerplant is present, that could continue on or is the perfect base for restoration as is the rest of the car. There is a wide variety of technical flaws or issues to note, please refer to the photos for a detailed review.
trunk area
The trunk is solid and presents as a driver with the jack relocated to accommodate stereo equipment. The original spare is present and structurally everything appears to be in order and solid.
mechanicals
engine
The engine is snappy, runs strong, and feels like it could be used for years to come. It holds good oil pressure, doesn’t smoke excessively, and does not overheat. A reliable and usable unit.
transmission
The transmission has a nice used feel to it with synchros working best once warm.
brakes and suspension
The brakes function as does the suspension and steering system. However, these areas should be reviewed to be made certain they are reliable and safe for use. There are likely many aged components that would not pass an inspection.
tires
The tires are Dunlop 185/70 SR14 Radials that appear to be from the 1980s. While supple and not cracked we recommend replacement before using this vehicle.