Beschreibung:

A modern classic by Pininfarina, the simple-yet-elegant Spider bodywork that premiered on the 1966 Duetto would prove enduringly popular, lasting into the 1990s. The Spider's mechanical underpinnings were essentially those of the Giulia saloon, comprising independent front suspension, coil-suspended live rear axle and four-wheel servo-assisted disc brakes, while the engine was the Giulia Sprint GTV's 1.6-litre, double-overhead-camshaft four. The Duetto was made for just two years before being superseded in 1967 by the 1.8-litre '1750' Spider Veloce, whose nomenclature recalled that of a famous Alfa of pre-war days. Produced until 1970, the 1750 retained the Duetto's 'round tail' coachwork at first, later examples gaining the 'sawn-off' Kamm-type tail that would characterise the successor 2000 model. Autosport's inimitable road-tester, John Bolster, enthused over the 1750 Spider Veloce when he first got his hands on one in 1969, finding it 'difficult to put into words the sheer charm of this open sports Alfa Romeo. Its appearance matches its performance and its small size is an immense advantage in modern traffic. It is the kind of car that even an experienced test driver will take out for the sheer fun of handling it. Unlike its illustrious ancestors, it achieves a very high standard of comfort and refinement, and it is just as easy to drive as the most unexciting family hack.' This left-hand drive 'round tail' 1750 Spider Veloce is a US-specification model that was delivered new in Frankfurt, Germany to an American serviceman, who left the car behind when he returned home. The Spider was purchased in Bonn by the current owner in December 1990 and treated to a full, bare metal restoration over a four-year period between 1991 and 1995, the colour scheme being changed from red to yellow in the process. Other works carried out included a full engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, chassis strengthening and thorough anti-rust treatment of the bodywork. Originally fitted with Spica fuel injection (standard on US-market models), the car currently breathes via 40mm Dell-Orto carburettors and has high-performance camshafts installed. (The original Spica system is included in the sale). A most attractive and sought after post-war Alfa, this most desirable of the infamous 'duetto' models, is offered with production certificate, bill of sale, sundry restoration invoices and Belgian Carte Grise. Grande classique moderne griffée Pininfarina, la carrosserie élégante et pure du Spider qui apparut pour la première fois sur le Duetto de 1966 allait connaître un succès durable jusque dans les années 1990. Les organes mécaniques du Spider étaient essentiellement ceux de la berline Giulia dont les suspensions avant indépendantes, le pont arrière oscillant sur ressorts hélicoïdaux et les quatre freins à disques assistés, tandis que le moteur était le quatre-cylindres 1,6 litre de la Giulia Sprint GTV à 2 ACT. Le Duetto ne dura que deux ans, remplacé en 1967 par la « 1750 » Spider Veloce 1,8 litre dont l'appellation rappelait une célèbre Alfa Romeo sport d'avant guerre. Produite jusqu'en 1970, la 1750 conserva au début l'arrière arrondi de la caisse du Duetto, les modèles suivants recevant un arrière tronqué type Kamm typique du modèle 2000 ultérieur. L'inimitable journaliste essayeur d'Autosport, John Bolster, s'enthousiasma pour la 1750 Spider Veloce lorsqu'il en prit le volant en 1969, trouvant « difficile d'exprimer par des mots le charme absolu de cette Alfa Romeo découverte. Son aspect est à l'égal de ses performances et sa petite taille est un énorme avantage dans la circulation actuelle. C'est le genre de voiture dont l'essayeur expérimenté prendra le volant pour le seul plaisir de la conduire. Contrairement à ses devancières, elle offre un très bon niveau de confort et de raffinement tout en étant aussi facile à contrôler que la plus banale des berlines familiales. » Cet exemplaire d'Alfa 1750 Spider Veloce à « queue ronde » et à conduite