1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 Berlina

Sedan

4 - Cyl.

Manual

AR1555614

Clear

Gasoline

1969 ALFA ROMEO 1750 BERLINA Rare ~ Fast ~ Turnkey Original Owner: 1969-2000 ~ My Alfa: 2002-present No Reserve Auction ~ Total Mileage Unknown Please read this entire listing before bidding or sending queries! You are bidding on the exact beautiful 1969 Alfa Romeo shown in the photos, which I have owned since July 2002. The photos in my backyard were taken on May 27, 2010. Other photos are less recent. I am a lifelong auto enthusiast that has been owning, driving and showing classic cars since 1984 (my girl and I met in the Las Vegas Street Scene VW club in 1988). We have owned many classics and show cars over the years (including a 1964 Type III Notchback S that appeared on the cover of Classic VWs magazine), and I currently drive a 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV-6 every day. I am extremely picky and you can rest assured I will describe the vehicle accurately and answer your questions directly. According to information given to me, information I have dug up, and the original DMV registration cards, paperwork, and repair receipts I have, here's what I can tell you about the provence of this Alfa Romeo: This car was purchased new in 1969 by Kirke Powell, a member of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club (ARoC) and a resident of Oakland, California, where he kept it very nicely, showing it at ARoC events until 2000, whereupon Sergio Salvetti of San Francisco purchased it and started the process of refurbishing the drivetrain. Mr. Salvetti then sold the car in late 2001 to Daniel Cytrynowicz, an Alfisti and lighting company owner in Los Angeles. This awesome Alfa was then purchased by me on eBay in July 2002 from Mr. Cytrynowicz, who, between him and Mr. Salvetti, had spent $22,000 (mostly at Daytona Motors in San Francisco and Alfa Milano Inc in Los Angeles) on proper mechanical (complete engine and transmission rebuild), suspension (total rebuild), paint work and minor interior refreshing of what was already a rock-solid California-only car. As explained to me by Mr. Cytrynowicz, who lived in a beautiful neighborhood in downtown LA but had only a one car garage, he was having an MGA restored and needed the garage space for that next project. As a fan of the boxy European sedan (think VW Jetta Mk I), at the time I was actually scouring eBay for a vintage BMW 2002 when I came across the listing for this Alfa Romeo and immediately fell in love. I was high bidder, so, in the dead of July, cashier's check in hand, I rented a car one-way from Las Vegas to L.A. to drive my Alfa home. I can say without hesitation that this Alfa drove better than the new econobox I rented -- faster, better handling, better performance on the highway -- and without a single twitch from the engine temperature gauge in 115-degree desert heat on the way back to Las Vegas. In fact, the Alfa performed better when climbing the notorious Baker Grade than many newer cars on the road, never running out of torque or showing signs of fatigue. This 105-series Alfa -- a sedan in body style only, since it uses the same 105 series chassis and drivetrain of the 1750 Spider and 1750 GTV coupe -- is one of the tightest and easiest-to-drive classic cars of any I've ever had the privilege of owning or driving. This car was also the cover car of the May 1997 Alfa Romeo Association of California newsletter, "Overhead Cams" (pictured with owner Kirke Powell at the 1986 ARoC Concours d'Elegance) and featured in Vegas Magazine in a full page photo and story of the car and my wife called, "Vegas Stars & Their Cars." When I purchased the car in 2002, Sports Car Market reported in a full-page story, "For an Alfa enthusiast who, for whatever reason, is looking for a perfect Berlina, this was a brilliant buy," and Andrew Watry of the Berlina Registry Newsletter published, "Probably the nicest Berlina in the US ... If any Berlina is worth this much, this is it." To be fair, since then, a small number of outstanding Alfa Berlinas have passed through eBay, commanding values well beyond previous expectations. Why? There are Spiders and Giuliettas and GTVs galore at any Alfa meet. But how many great condition Berlinas do you see? I can count all the ones I've seen that are equal to or better than this one on one hand -- and all of them I saw online and none displayed this classic Italian color combination. If you go to the Vegas edition of Cars & Coffee, you may have seen this car. I also drove it from Las Vegas to San Diego for the Italian Festa in Little Italy a few years back. And those of you who went to the Desert Classic Concours in Palm Springs last year (when Alfa was the featured marque) may remember the car (click here for another photo of the car on the grass at Palm Springs). That was an awesome day. We woke up in Las Vegas at 5am, loaded up the Alfa, and got on the highway. About 8am, we rolled up to Palm Springs after 3 hours of 90 MPH driving and rolled right onto the grass for the Car Corral. Check out the dashboard photo I shot from the driver's seat during this drive: 90 rock-solid MPH, 4400RPM, engine temp just a hair right of center, oil pressure just a hair right of center. Perfection. I would honestly get in this classic Alfa and drive it around the world (with some spares, of course!); it is simply that reliable, easy to drive, powerful, and comfortable. DRIVETRAIN & MECHANICS: You have absolutely nothing to concern yourself with. The car has a 5-speed (plus reverse) manual transmission, 4-wheel disc brakes, and manual steering. The motor, transmission and suspension were completely and professionally redone while under the previous owner. The 1750 motor runs perfectly, is filled with synthetic oil, and doesn't leak a drop (okay, okay, maybe a drop), with dual-overhead, chain-driven cams fed by dual Webers. This beautiful, purposeful, free-revving sporting motor screams from a stainless Ansa exhaust all the way to redline without a stumble or complaint (keep those dual Webers adjusted, though!). The rebuilt transmission shifts effortlessly and flawlessly with two fingers on the lever, without a bump or grind to be had in any gear (yes, even 2nd), upshifting or downshifting. All exterior lights work exactly as intended, the Pirelli tires have plenty of tread on them, the steering is light and precise, and the brakes stop properly and evenly without pulling or vibration. The car was converted by the previous owner from the US-spec Spica mechanical injection (the components of which I will provide if you want them) to European-spec dual Webers; after years of searching, I located and installed a proper European airbox for those carbs. I have maintained the car at Italy Motors in Las Vegas since taking possession in 2002, where I have had the following "major" repairs done over the years: new dual brake boosters (originals were retained for future rebuilding), resealed master cylinder, rebuilt alternator, new water pump, and new fuel pump. There is no "deferred maintenance" to worry about; I'd drive her anywhere today. INTERIOR MECHANICS & COSMETICS: The mostly unrestored factory original interior is beautiful, as you can see from the photos. Dash wood, door panels and console are all original, in excellent condition and only show very minor signs of wear or age. Rear seat upholstery is all original. Front seat backs are all original (driver's seat back has seam-split at the front and has been cleanly Gorilla-taped to prevent further splitting until repairs can be undertaken; see photo). Front seat bottoms were redone by previous owner. Carpet is like new and appears to have been redone by previous owner. Floor mats are in nice shape and appear to be newer. Rubber seals on doors, trunk, hood, windshield and rear window were replaced and are like new. The doors and trunk unlock properly with the key, the locks all work, the interior lights come on (when switched on manually, not door activated), the dash lights work, the horn works and the 2-speed wipers work. There is a crack down the center of the dash, which you can see in the driving photo that shows the dashboard and gauges. The emergency brake boot has a split. The shift lever boot has a split (a new replacement is in hand and will be provided). There is a 2" tear in the headliner that was there when I got the car and has not enlarged any (see photo). The black plastic trim under the steering column needs replacing or repairing (I will provide the original so you know what you would be looking for). The heater works great, but the fan motor is on again/off again, and as of this writing it is "off again." The clock does not work. The original radio remains in the dash but was disconnected by the previous owner in favor of a nice aftermarket remote-control stereo (installed on the parcel shelf) and two upgraded speakers (installed in the factory spots so no new holes). BODY/PAINT/COSMETICS & ELECTRICS: Looking at the photos you can see what a looker my Alfa is. I have never seen any evidence of rust anywhere around the car in the eight years I've owned it. The body is 99% perfect; there are two minor imperfections on the passenger side rear door, as well as two small paint bubbles (that have not changed in 8 years) on the driver side lower rocker that I tried to photograph, so see photos. Panel gap is awesome, and there is no door sag whatsoever -- evidence of how solid this car is. The original stainless bumpers are 99%, with one dent, and the rubber trim on the driver's side rear overrider is missing (recently lost while driving). but can be easily and inexpensively sourced. The metal trim on the roof drip rail is showing signs of age, but I have nice used replacements that will be provided with the car. The paint, a $3000 respray completed in 2001, is still very nice as this car has been garaged during my eight years of ownership. It has very light "spiderweb" marks from washing (like you see on most cars), which barely show when waxed and could be eliminated with proper buffing. The lenses of the all the lights (marker lights, turn signals, license plate lights, etc) -- all of which work properly -- are factory original and show normal signs of age. The engine compartment is clean, but not detailed. When the paint was done, neither the engine compartment, the underside of the hood, nor the inside of the trunk were repainted (although the underside of the trunk lid was beautifully done); the door jambs and thresholds all were painted beautifully. The windshield has a collection of "original" stickers that I thought added to the character of this Alfa, so I left them there. They add a nice patina to this authentic Alfa that spent its entire life in California until I brought it to the desert in 2002. Please examine all photos carefully; I have shown all imperfections noted. MY FINAL ASSESSMENT: I want to provide bidders with as much useful information as I would want myself, so please do not mistake my thorough honesty as an indictment of this Alfa in any way. I'm extremely picky, and this car has been a joy. By the average (non-enthusiast) observer, it has has been described as "like new," so I think if you have a number in mind that you would pay for her, then seeing the car in person before you bid would only encourage you to bid higher. This is a beautiful, excellent running 41-year-old Italian sports car dressed up like a sedan. While Italian cars have a somewhat deserved reputation of being as high maintenance as a beautiful woman, this example is as ready to drive as they come. I'd get in this car today and drive it anywhere in the world, period! That does not mean this or that won't need attending to as you enjoy it, so if you want a new car, then, please, go buy a new car :) This is not a 100-point Pebble Beach Concours trophy restoration, but I'd exhibit it at the Concorso Italiano any day. I am thrilled to drive her and proud of her every time I take her to the shows like Palm Springs Concours, to Cars & Coffee, or just out for a Sunday drive. It is my favorite of all the classics I've ever owned (the runner up being my 1967 Mercedes-Benz one-owner, 60k mile finback that appeared in a Travel Channel documentary about Las Vegas) and is really a very nice example of the world's first sports sedan. You'll enjoy power and agility well beyond its time, and that sexy Italian sound that no other car can match. I just love driving this Alfa down the Las Vegas Strip and watching heads spin around at the sound, and then stop in their tracks to watch me scream by, wondering, "What the heck was that?!" But it's simply time to get her in the hands of someone who can enjoy her more than I can, as I have other cars to play with and other cars to buy. Please inspect the photos and read my listing carefully, ask all the questions you like, and understand what I am selling. I have 100% positive feedback and I intend to keep it. I have purchased many classic cars on eBay for personal use [a 1983 Mercedes Benz 240D, a 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, a 1982 Fiat Spider 2000 (which I sold to an attorney/neighbor who drives it all the time), and a one-owner 1987 BMW E30 325ic], and I've sold two on eBay as well (my 1964 VW Notchback, and, last November, a 1979 triple-white VW Karmann Cabriolet Beetle). This Alfa looks amazing and drives even better, and I really want a loving and appreciative Alfisti to enjoy it immediately so I don't feel so bad about letting her go ... Writing this listing has been a little like trying to marry off a daughter! TERMS: This is a NO RESERVE auction as I trust the market will set a fair price of my beautiful Alfa Romeo. The high bidder will win, so don't be kicking any virtual tires, please, and make sure you have cash money available to pay for your purchase before you bid because I won't even listen to any BS. Winning Bidder will pay a non-refundable deposit of $500 US dollars via PayPal within 24 hours of auction close. Winner then has seven (7) calendar days from auction close to complete the financial transaction via U.S. cash, cashier's check, or wired funds only, and to take physical and legal possession of the Berlina. If these terms are not met, the deposit will be forfeited, the Alfa relisted, and the perpetrator will be reported to eBay. If you need to ship, it's your responsibility but I will do everything I can to assist. I invite inspections from serious buyers, so if you want to inspect the vehicle or have someone inspect it for you, please do! But do so before bidding, because once you place a bid, you are agreeing to buy the car if your bid is high bid at the close of the auction. This auction will not be ended early so please do not inquire about that. If you live in or are visiting Southern Nevada / Las Vegas during the course of the auction, you can look for the car Saturdays at Cars & Coffee, or Sunday at Town Square, or you can arrange with me to see it, as it is garaged when not driven. This car is being sold as-is, and the clear title is, of course, in my possession. Sincere bidders only, please. Check my 100%-positive feedback and bid with the utmost confidence that you will get exactly what I have described, without any BS or weird eBay shenanigans. Happy bidding and good luck on this great piece of Italian motoring history!On Jun-01-10 at 07:25:39 PDT, seller added the following information: * * * ADDT'L NOTE (June 01): There are several queries being presented to me, and I am addressing them publicly in the "Question & Answer" section below. I believe it is worth it for bidders to take the time to read them as they present additional information. You cannot read the questions if you are viewing only in eBay mobile (or the iPhone App), so please view the auction page on a computer if you want to see the Q&A section. Thank you all for your interest!On Jun-02-10 at 16:58:20 PDT, seller added the following information: ADDT'L NOTE (June 02): As a result of several queries being present to me, I decided to address them all with an update here. There will be a lot of information but please read it all carefully and consider it part of the overall description of my Alfa. Also, please read all the Q&A's in the section below this because I have not duplicated those answers here: 1. The title is my original Nevada title issued in 2002. It is free and clear and ready to be signed over to the lucky high bidder. 2. Nevada Emissions Control law requires all vehicles 1969 model year and newer to be tailpipe tested every year for emissions control. This car most recently passed that tailpipe test in December in 2009. This speaks volumes about the running condition of this vehicle, but it does not mean to imply that this car will meet emissions requirements in your locale. Please check with your emissions authority if this is a concern. 3. The tires are Pirelli P4000 195/70R14, which is a little larger than stock. They have plenty of tread and, although they were on the car when I purchased it, do not show signs of age -- perhaps because the car was garaged and covered when not driven. 4. The factory Spica mechanical injection was removed in whole, including the air box, the manifold, the fittings and the pump. The previous owner wanted the car to be able to be returned to factory U.S. spec condition if he or anyone else wanted to do so. The Euro Webers were fitted with a proper carb intake manifold. 5. The carbs do not have a choke connected, but in my warm climate, it was not necessary. I just pump the gas a few times, feather the pedal, and start the car and warm it up in my driveway. Even in winter it was not too difficult here. That said, there is the factory manual choke handle (for Spica) inside in the driver's area that my mechanic stated could be connected to the carbs with a little effort if so desired. 6. Many queries came in about the color cast on the paint. At close inspection in bright sunlight, there is indeed a slight color variation as noted in the Q&A section. I took additional hi-res photos concentrating on the front hood area to try to show this variation. There is absolutely no sign of collision anywhere on this car, top to bottom, so my best guess is perhaps there was an incident with a shopping cart or hand tool. Do remember that the paintwork is nine years old. 7. At a bidder's request I took several photos of the undercarriage today. They show an entirely rust-free chassis and also zero signs of collision repair. 8. There is some interest from several Canadian buyers, so if you want to bid, send me an e-mail and I will review your feedback and possibly put you on the exemption list. 9. I had considered taking this car to the Las Vegas Cars & Coffee this Saturday, but with the extremely high level of interest, I do not want to take any chances. Sorry, but I must protect the Alfa in the interest of myself and the bidders. My apologies, but the car will be unavailable for inspection after Saturday morning. 10. If you are a serious bidder and would like the additional photos e-mailed to you, I can do so in a 107MB self-extracting ZIP file. Good luck, and thank you for your interest!On Jun-05-10 at 09:18:17 PDT, seller added the following information: ADDT'L NOTE (June 5): Two bids have been canceled by me at request of the bidders. I agreed to do so only because I do not want this auction interfered with. It seems some people on eBay cannot read, so allow me to clarify: This is a No Reserve auction. DO NOT BID unless you intend to own the vehicle and have the funds to complete the transaction as stated. Once again, DO NOT BID unless you have cash and understand that every bid can be the winner. Please: Take responsibility for your actions and do not interfere with this auction. Thank you, and good luck to all legitimate buyers!