Dealer Car
1971 Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 Veloce $46,950
Hamilton, QLDClassic Cars 1779cc Manual
Convertible 59,383kms
Classic Cars 1779cc Manual
Convertible 59,383kms
Details
The Alfa Romeo story began in June 1910 when A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili) was founded in Milan, Italy. Their first car, the 24hp, was a great success and the Alfa name became synonymous with motor racing in the early years. In 1915 Nicola Romeo took over the company and during war time its focus was on military equipment, however, it wanted to build cars. Soon after the very first Alfa Romeo motor vehicle, the Torpedo 20-30hp, was built.
Through until the 1950’s Alfa Romeo was responsible for some of the most exclusive road cars and most successful race cars ever built. Following the Second World War the company was in financial difficulty and it decided a change in direction was necessary to survive, and rather than hand build luxury sporting cars it decided to focus on mass production. Hence, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint was born. Alfa got the formula right and as testament to the success of this model the car was in production for over a decade from 1954 through until 1965.
Throughout the 1950’s and 60’s Alfa built a number of different models including four door sedans, two door coupes and convertibles, however, regardless of model their cars always had a sporting edge. They were a ‘driver’s car’ first and foremost.
Launched in 1963 the Alfa Romeo 105 Series was introduced to replace the very successful 101 Series Giulietta. Designed by Bertone (Giorgetto Giugiaro) the shape was purely Alfa with many styling cues taken from the Alfa Romeo 2600 and 2000. The first model introduced was known as the Giulia Sprint GT which was powered by Alfa’s proven 1600cc engine. A convertible version known as the Giulia GTC and more powerful Giulia Sprint GT Veloce were subsequently introduced. Other standard models in the 105 Series range that evolved from 1965 were the 1750 GT Veloce, 2000 GT Veloce, GT 1300 Junior and GT 1600 Junior.
In 1966 Alfa Romeo introduced the Duetto, or simply the Spider as it became known, which was a great success and the model remained in production for three decades. The car evolved with technology over time and the engine capacity increased from 1300cc to 2000cc, however, the DNA of these fabulous little cars remained essentially the same.
The first generation cars featured the unique ‘osso di seppia’ or ‘cuttlefish-bone’ design and were often referred to as a ‘round tail’. In 1970 the second generation Spider was introduced. The design was tweaked with the most significant change being to the rear of the car which now had the popular ‘kamm tail’. There were also a number of subtle enhancements to the exterior trim and inside the cabin.
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a lovely 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 Veloce ‘kamm tail’. This model Alfa Romeo Spider was designated as Tipo 105.58 (in right hand drive), the same as its predecessor the Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 Veloce ‘round tail’. It is understood that Alfa Romeo only built 141 factory right hand drive Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 Veloce ‘kamm tails’ from 1969 through until 1971 making this a very rare car indeed.
As confirmed by the Certificato Di Origine on file this particular car was originally delivered new to London in the UK. It is a factory right hand drive example with a production date of the 20th July 1971 that was delivered on the 21st July 1971. The car’s original colour scheme was ‘avorio’ (ivory – which is a very pale yellow) with an ‘amaranto’ (red) interior.
The car’s very early history is not known, however, it found its way to Australia prior to August 1989. It is understood to have come to Australia via Singapore. This car has lived on the Gold Coast for quite some time and was with the same long term owner until sold in c2014. Prior to being sold the car had been in storage for some 10 years. The new owner then spent considerable time and money cosmetically restoring this little Alfa to its former glory. The car was repainted, the chrome replaced, a new interior was fitted and a new soft top was fitted. The car was acquired by its current owner in mid 2018. At that time the odometer was 58,604 miles. He had a local classic car specialist go through the car and spent in excess of $3,000 ensuring the car was ready to be enjoyed on Sunday drives throughout the Gold Coast hinterland. The work done included overhauling the brake calipers, reconditioning the brake master cylinder, the drive shaft was checked & balanced and a service. In February/March this year a replacement gearbox was fitted and the clutch was replaced at the time. A new fuel pump was also fitted. In May 2019 the car was fitted with four new tyres.
This Alfa Romeo joined an interesting collection of cars and only a recent change in circumstances has resulted in it being reluctantly offered for sale. Today the odometer reads 59,363 miles, so in his year of ownership, the car has travelled only 759 miles.
This car presents and drives beautifully. The colour is unique and quite frankly ‘stunning’. It is a refreshing change from the ubiquitous red or white! Overall the paint work is fresh and vibrant with a high gloss and good depth of colour. There are some minor blemishes and imperfections evident in the paint, but overall it is very good. The panel gaps are ‘spot on ‘and the car is as clean underneath as it is on top. All of the exterior trim, chrome, lenses and the glass are also in very good condition. The engine bay and under bonnet are clean and appear original.
We love the interiors on these early Alfa Romeo Spiders and this one features red seats and door cards which complements the black carpets and dash/centre console perfectly. All of the trim is in excellent condition as are the carpets, dash, instruments and controls. The beautiful timber steering wheel, which is also in very good condition, is the perfect finishing touch! The soft top is ‘like new’ and it is a snug fit when put up an. It is water proof as confirmed on a recent trip where the car got caught out in a heavy shower! There is also a tonneau cover but the body was restored without studs so it currently can’t be used.
With any Alfa Romeo it’s all about the drive and that starts once you slip behind the wheel and fire up the 1779cc engine. From cold you need the choke and then with the turn of the key the car starts easily. It idles smoothly and in no time you are out on the open road. The first impressions always tell the story and as with any well sorted Alfa Romeo Spider this one offers a fabulous driving experience. The engine is strong and the refurbished gearbox shifts smoothly up and down the box. The car handles, steers and stops as one would expect. We noticed that the brakes were a little ‘squeaky’ when you pull up slowly, but they work well and pull the car up in a hurry when asked to do so.
Accompanying the car is an Alfa Romeo Certificato Di Origine, some recent service receipts and a spare wheel.
These early Alfa Romeo Spiders are becoming harder and harder to find, particularly a factory right hand drive 1750 ‘Kamm tail’ in this condition. And did we mention the colour . . . we love it, it is ‘stunning’!
This car is priced competitively for a quick sale!
Price AUD $46,950.
Specification
Last Updated: 28th Apr 2020
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