Alfa Romeo Spider

Manual

AR170763

Clear

GAS

This car was built during the most optimistic epoch of the 20th century. The new President, John Kennedy, was stunning the world, the Beetles were looking to release their first record, and Italy’ was reasserting itself as the only legitimate source for romantic, stylish, supercars, with Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lancia, and of course Alfa at the lead. The Giulietta Spyder’s exquisite good looks and performance heritage made it a celebrity favorite, with owners including Sophia Loren, Diana Dors, Gina Lollobrigida and Esther Williams. This example is believed to have left the factory in San Giorgio Canavese, Italy, on August 23, 1961 and has survived in surprisingly original condition for the last half century. It is not now in show condition, but certainly could be, with only moderate investment. The hood, truck and doors line up, fit, and close properly. There is no rust anyplace, and while there are bumps and small scratches, there are no indications of a prior collision. The exterior brightwork and wheels are in excellent shape. The convertible top is a replacement, obviously, but fits as it should and the rear window is clear. The interior is becoming, with red piping accenting the black seats, and no tears or excessive wear. The carpet has no problems. The gauges appear to be original, and the tach, speedometer, oil pressure, and temp gauge all work. The fuel gauge is imprecise but seems to generally go lower with consumption. There are no leaks or drips under the hood, and I believe the engine is original as is most everything else, except for two modifications made by an earlier owner that are unfortunate, but reversible.First, they installed an aftermarket FM radio that includes a tunnel mounted speaker. It is all out of place and useless, and should never be turned on anyway, since the engine sound is so utterly beautiful. The second is that the original carburetor was replaced with a more modern one with an automatic choke. The engine is now difficult to start cold, and idles too high after it does start. While I do understand that the original carburetors on these cars were not optimal, this solution unquestionably is not the right one. Again, both of these modifications are reversible if the new owner desires. It was originally imported through New Jersey, but made its way to Coastal California, which is where we found it, in the hands of a loving owner who delivered it to us with her original service records indicating faithful maintenance and restoration back to 1997 at Alfa Milano in Los Angeles, and from there back to 1983 with a prior owner whose repairs were principally at a shop called Weber and Weber, also in LA. She also provided a collection of period advertisements, her handwritten supplemental starting procedures, and operating instructions for the tricky roof that were greatly appreciated. She also had documented a solid attempt to reconstruct the car’s history, although it is still not complete, and some of it is hard to reconcile. There is a documentary indication that it was originally painted white, although there is no sign of that in the engine compartment or undercarriage. The Alfa has spent the past 6 years serving as the mascot for the Tre Amici café in Ybor City, and has lived almost entirely within the 5 square miles of this historic district, with the top almost never up. I had a new clutch and battery installed, and had the brakes and wheel bearings rebuilt. Other than that, she stays at the ready, dependable and guaranteed to bring a smile every time the garage door goes up, and you see that beguiling Alfa grill, inviting you to stop all the work and just come play. This has been my first Alfa, and owning it truly been a glorious experience. However, it deserves better than to be driven only 700 miles in 6 years, left in the purgatory of good, but not great condition, while being used, but not really. Please advise of any questions in advance of bidding, and good luck!