1969 Alfa Romeo Spider

VELOCE 1750 Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

Gasoline

A Classic Alfa-Romeo Spider "Duetto" You are bidding on a fully restored, low mileage, 1969 Alfa-Romeo Spider Veloce 1750, which has a full history and just three owners in its 42 years. It was a rotisserie restoration, with complete body and mechanical work completed. Two of the photos included show the underside of the car. I have many more photos if the 24 shots included here are not sufficient. These photos were taken in late October of 2010. As it is still winter here, there is no opportunity to take any newer photos. The car has been in winter storage since then. Note that I indicated the odometer reading in miles - not kilometers! See Below: The car is for sale by me, acting as agent for its current owner. He has decided that he doesn't use it enough to justify the cost of storing it and asked me to sell it for him. The vehicle is open to offers but if you are serious, and don't want to miss it, use the Buy it Now price. This is an exceptional car and very fairly priced. The Duetto Controversy - Is It Or Isn't It? Does It Matter? The famous Alfa-Romeo Duetto was introduced in 1966 to replace the earlier Giulietta Spider and the existing Giulia Spider. What evolved was a combination of the two ideas. The shape changed rather dramatically from the older car, and was done by Pinin Farina, based on the design of the earlier Disco Volante, and released in 1961 as a prototype. It was the famous designer's last personal, hands-on design. The shape was characterized by extreme curvature to the front and back, as well as the sides, with their deeply dished horizontal bars. It quickly became known as the "round tail". The bodies were built by Pininfarina through the entire run of this classic sports car, ending decades later. The car and Dustin Hoffman were immortalized in the 1967 Hollywood classic, "The Graduate", for those old enough to see it then and subsequently. The Duetto name was the result of a naming contest. It's a diminutive of "duet" and perfectly captures the idea of two people in a cozy conveyance. The Duetto featured the excellent 110 hp, 1600 twin cam four and five speed transmission with disk brakes in front. the car was very popular with Italian sports car lovers and far superior in design sophistication to the ruling British sports cars, except in price. However the usual demand for more power was soon to be addressed. The last of the Duettos was built in 1967, thus it enjoyed a very short, 12 month production run. It was replaced in late 1967 by the 1750 Spider Veloce, however externally the two cars remained nearly identical. The enlarged engine was fitted with dual, twin choke Weber or Dell'orto carburetors. Note that this is one of the few times that an engine was advertised as being smaller than its actual displacement - which was 1779 cc. It probably should have been called the 1800, but a famous pre-WWII Alfa was also a 1750 and heritage is important to the Italian soul and good business. Modifications were also made to the suspension, brakes, electrical system, wheels and tires. Though called 'Veloce' the looked just like the Duetto so it was still called that by most people, including the dealers who sold them. Visible differences were tiny and limited to the rear-view mirror repositioned to the door, and different badging on the tail. During the production run, the front signal lights were moved ahead of the wheel openings. Aside from being very quick, the car handled beautifully. This flew in the face of the then-current movement to individual suspension on all wheels. The Alfa used a live axle, but brilliantly anchored with trailing arms and coil springs rather than the archaic leaf springs used by so many rear wheel drive vehicles to this day. Of course, it had independent front wheels. Each wheel also boasted a disk brake - a relatively unusual situation back in the mid-60s, as few cars had such important devices. In the US, there was apparently no import of the new Spider Veloce 1750 during 1968. However the European carbureted version of the car was imported to Canada, in small quantities. In 1969, cars were imported to the US, and these used the SPICA fuel injection system. Canadian cars were European models with carburetion, and did not receive fuel injection through the run of the round-tail car. Of interest is that the Euro cars boasted the same horsepower rating as the US version. There were no cars sent to the US in 1970, but imports did return in 1971. By then the cars carried the new Kamm-back design, that would remain with Alfa until the end of production in the 1990s. Early cars of this series were built in, and dated, 1970. Note that car model changes were not based on the US pattern, where a new model would be introduced in the fall and sold with the next year's date. Model changes on Italian or other European cars occurred when they were ready. Model year designations were unimportant especially if the appearance did not change, so a car made in the fall of 1969 was not automatically a 1970 - far from it. European cars have a tag which shows the date of manufacture. That plus the appearance of the car decides what model it is. The date is not relevant to the design at all, so saying that you own a 1970 Spider Veloce could mean that you have a round tail, or a Kamm back. History of the Car This beautiful 1969 Alfa-Romeo Veloce Spider 1750 started life with a body that was built in September of 1969, as shown by the body tag. According to an Alfa-Romeo letter in the records, It was assembled on December 2 of 1969 and and sold to the Canadian distributor for Alfa-Romeo on December 10. The car was then delivered to the local dealer here and sold as a 1970 model, which was common practice in North America where model years were determined by the calendar and not by the date of manufacture. It was purchased by a father here in Edmonton for his graduating daughter in the spring of 1970. She kept the car through her eventual marriage and the births of her children. At some point it was sold to another owner here in Edmonton, probably in the early 1980s, but I don't know when this occurred. The new owner had some work done on the car subsequent to his purchase. In 1996, he had the car appraised by Ital Motors, the local Italian car specialists, probably to establish a sale price although I'm not certain about this. The appraisal, done at 49,000 miles, showing numerous "extras" the car was equipped with, as well as mention of an earlier engine and transmission overhaul done at 28,000 miles. The husband of the first owner, who was now living in Calgary, decided to surprise his wife by re-buying the car for her. He tracked down the then-owner and purchased the car, Probably in '96. A total restoration was undertaken at some point after this and was very professionally done. The entire car was stripped to a bare body, likely placed on a rotisserie, and repaired where required, then fully repainted inside, outside and underneath. All of the mechanical components were gone through and repaired/replaced as necessary, then the interior was re-upholstered and a new top installed. All bright work was replaced or re-chromed and weatherstrip, seals etc. replaced as well. It was thorough, very professional job. It also cost a great deal of money, undoubtedly far more than the car was worth at the time, but it was done as a labour of love. She drove for some time then decided again to sell it - the magic was probably gone by then and she may have felt "too old" for the car. The present owner, who lives on an acreage near Edmonton, bought the Alfa in 1999, in Calgary, and drove it back to Edmonton. He had an appraisal done for insurance purposes, then mindful of the gravel roads that he lives on, arranged for storage in the underground parking of a condominium. And there it has been kept, being used for a few "nice outings" each summer. He has driven it another 2,000 miles since the purchase. He also maintained a complete dossier on the vehicle from before his ownership of it. It has now accumulated just over 70,000 miles and done approximately 5,000 miles since the total restoration. The car is still immaculate and must be among the finest examples anywhere. The owner paid more than $19,000 for it. The original ad is included in the records binder, and the asking price was $19,900. In 2006, he took it back to Ital for a maintenance session, which cost him some $3228 to freshen it up, according to the work order. The work consisted of replacing belts and hoses and doing a major tuneup. It has done few miles since then. During the restoration, some changes were made to the interior. The original owner had always disliked the seat fabric as it was black vinyl. On a hot day, you know the problem. Thus she had the seats professionally re-done in a high quality automotive fabric, and the result looks absolutely correct, unless you know that it's not. The entire interior was redone and re-carpeted. I think the door panels are original. The rest is excellent as is the glass. The top is cloth in the best European tradition. It fits well and looks new, but there is a bit of lifting at the leading edge of the 'B' pillar to body on the driver's side, probably through a bit of age-related shrinkage, or something which holds it is not holding. Tops for these are available and quite inexpensive. They are also easy to install. This one is still perfectly serviceable. There is also an original half-tonneau to cover the folded top. You can see it in the pictures, but it was just laid on top of the folded roof, not completely attached as it was getting late, and cold when I took the last photos. Chrome and finish outside is excellent all round. The headlight covers are correct and are new correct replacements. The paint is extremely well done and the sheet metal is perfect. Everything under the hood is sanitary, as is the underside - see photos. The car has dual Webers, as this is a Canadian-market car - and is identical to the European version of the car, other than the speedometer. Canada had not then converted to the metric system, so it reads in miles. It indicates that the car has gone just under 77k miles. (Note that Canadian eBay demands that the mileage be indicated in kilometers. I have not done this as it's confusing for many people who think in miles.) The distance in kilometers is just under 124k km. The Alfa also has a very nice set of Momo wheels, Baby Toronando mirrors, Ansa exhaust, and other pleasant improvements like a hidden sound system. Included in the service history are two original brochures (both different) invoices,and various other pages of information, insurance statements, storage statements, etc. The owner has kept meticulous records. Note that two of the photos included here are scanned from photos done after the restoration, to show the underside. There is no apparent difference in the car since these were taken, other than the inevitable bit of road dust and grime. Here it is! They're not making them anymore and haven't since 1970. If you want one this is about as nice as they get. For this same price, you could get a nice used minivan, or a new base-level Ford Fiesta here in Edmonton. What'll it be? If you really wanted the Fiesta you wouldn't be looking here.... ABOUT ME I have been a collector, restorer, buyer, seller and appraiser of cars, motorcycles and many other collectables, for more than 40 years. I have written extensively about vehicles, shown them and studied them nearly all of my life. As a result, I have been heavily involved in numerous clubs, activities, tours, promotions, displays and events for every kind of wheeled vehicle and for many other kinds of 'toys'. I take pride in what I do, and fully expect that when I sell something it will be as described. I protect my reputation and expect you to be able to depend on it. However, I'm not infallible or omniscient. I do my best to describe what I am selling but cannot be sure that I've caught every little flaw. Please ask questions! THE FINE PRINT The vehicle is sold without warranty or guarantee and is free of all liens and encumbrances. This is not a forced sale. Payment from Canadian buyers must be in $CAD, and by bank to bank wire payment, or direct account to account transfer. PayPal may also be used with prior arrangement and it can be used for the deposit. Do not make such a payment without confirming the final costs with me by email: collectables@shaw.ca Non-Canadian buyers will pay, in $CAD or may use $US or Euros. The exact amount will be determined after the sale. All payments are to be made with bank to bank wire payment in this case. PayPal may be used for a part or all of the transaction but please confirm this with me by email, prior to, or immediately after the sale in order to set final costs and exchange rates. My email is: collectables@shaw.ca SHIPPING The buyer is responsible for all aspects of shipping. There are specialized firms handling this business that may be found on the internet. I can provide assistance if necessary. There are trucking firms that specialize in moving cars and there are also facilities here for containerizing vehicles for shipment by truck, rail and/or ship. As a rough rule of thumb, the cost is about $1/mile for truck shipping but that's only a guess today and depends on fuel prices. The vehicle is perfectly capable of being driven and would make an excellent trip for someone living within a reasonable distance of Edmonton. You could certainly fly in and drive home. IMPORTATION I have sold many vehicles to the United States. These vehicles may legally enter the US and may be titled there. However US buyers must contact their US Customs information office for information about the process, so that there are no problems when the importation occurs. Note that Canadian vehicles use a provincial registration document in lieu of a title. Only real estate has a title in Canada. The provincial document is accepted by all Motor Vehicle offices and is used to title the imported vehicle when the proper import documents are presented. Because of the age of the vehicle it isn't required to meet modern EPA standards in the US - but check with your local authorities on this as it may vary from state to state. The car was legally imported to Canada and sold as a new vehicle. It met the standards of that time. The car is dutiable in the US as it has a non-North American origin, but the duty rate is low. Your customs office will give you all of the necessary details. Note it is cheaper and easier for you to clear the car at the border yourself, by driving it or hauling it. Please check the rules on all of this. Note too that I or someone else cannot drive the vehicle across the border for you! You would be unable to title it or license it, in that event and would be illegal. PAYMENT DETAILS and VIEWING Following the completion of the sale, the buyer will provide an immediate, non-refundable deposit of $1,000. by PayPal. The final balance, by wire payment from bank to bank as described above is due within 7 days of the conclusion of the sale - unless other arrangements are put in place prior to the end of the listing. I will not accept personal checks, promises to pay when the vehicle has been viewed, or payments in currencies other than those indicated. I will not take trades or other non-currency payments. The vehicle will not be released for shipping until the entire amount is confirmed as fully paid, with no strings attached. All sales are final. NOTE TO POTENTIAL LOCAL BUYERS: Viewing the car is not yet possible as our current heavy snowfall has prevented access to the storage building by car. As well, the vehicle is located some 110 km from the city and it cannot be removed or driven until the snow melts - hopefully by the end of April. We have experienced a near record snowfall this winter and much of it remains. THANKS FOR LOOKING!