1976 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider Veloce

Lot details
Registration No: ODH494P
Chassis No: 2472640
Mot Expiry: April 2012

The Spider first broke cover at the 1961 Turin Motorshow, but a combination of Italy's economic problems and Alfa's ongoing success with its existing models meant production was delayed until 1966, and the official launch took place at the Geneva Salon of that year. The pretty two-seat Roadster then known as the 'Duetto' is said to have been the last project with which 'Pinin' Farina was personally associated, and it was his company that produced the monocoque body at its plant in Grugliasco. Just one year later the model was immortalised by the Dustin Hoffman film 'The Graduate'. The chassis was based on that of the Giulia 105 and the Series One examples were powered by a 1570cc version of Alfa's sonorous four-cylinder twin-cam unit. The car boasted a sporting specification, including independent front suspension, disc brakes all round and a five-speed manual gearbox. In 1967, the Duetto was replaced by the 1750 (1779 cc) Spider Veloce. Though the new version's looks were relatively unchanged, useful upgrades were made to the suspension, brakes, electrics, wheels and tyres. The Series 2 Spider arrived in 1970. The rounded tail was replaced with a distinctive 'Kamm' design and a year later engine capacity was increased to 1962 cc, prompting the name to be changed to 2000 Spider Veloce. With 131bhp on tap, this was the quickest Spider yet and capable of over 120mph. From 1975 the interior was modified to include a pair of occasional rear seats.

The very pretty right-hand drive Spider being sold is a 1976 example that has remained in the same ownership since 1988 and seen little use for the last twenty-five years. It sports Red coachwork and a Black vinyl interior and has apparently benefited from over £10,000 worth of restoration including new body panels, a respray and rechrome. The vendor tells us 'ODH 494P' has been regularly serviced and comes complete with large history file including all the bills, old MOTs etc. He considers the classic two-seater to be "very enjoyable to drive with excellent engine, gearbox, steering and brakes" and feels a close inspection is required "to appreciate the quality of the restoration". The Alfa is MOT'd into April next year.