Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce 1750 ‘Duetto’ 1969
- Originally delivered in the Netherlands
- Only 3 Dutch owners since new
- One of 1,114 European examples delivered
- 1750 engine (most popular engine with 118 hp)
- Executed in beautiful green colour ‘Pino Verde
- Overall very good condition
- Extensive maintenance documentation available
- Carefully overhauled in 2023 including engine, gearbox and clutch (worth over € 8,000)
HISTORY/DOCUMENTATION
Just imagine: an Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce ‘Duetto’, one of the most iconic Alfa Romeo's ever built, equipped with the most powerful and beloved 1750 engine, a stunning eye-catching colour ‘Pino Verde’, originally Dutch delivered and recently carefully overhauled (worth over € 8,000. We are convinced that you will not find a second one of these. On 2 April 1969, this beauty was delivered new in the Netherlands. This makes it one of 1,114 European copies delivered, of which, of course, only a small number are in the Netherlands. In 1980, the car came into the possession of an Alfa Romeo specialist, who carefully maintained the car for almost 30 years until 2009. The third and last owner since 2009 has also continued this careful maintenance and ownership. This owner is an enthusiast pur sang with several Alfa Romeo's in his possession. The maintenance invoices have been kept with the car.
EXTERIOR
The paintwork was repainted in 1980 and has been well-preserved ever since, with only a few signs of use. The Cromodora star rims are made of ultra-light magnesium and are still in clean condition. The bodywork has good fits of seams and is rust and damage-free. The rubbers are also cool and the lighting is fresh. The round headlights have sleek front lenses. The convertible top is very cool, free of cracks and opens and closes properly. All in all, an overall clean condition, especially considering the age of the car. The first generation Spider like this one was nicknamed ‘Osso di Seppia’, referring to the skeleton of a squid, because of its appearance. This name was chosen from over 100 entries in response to a competition held by Alfa Romeo, just after the model's unveiling in March 1966. The model was designed by the renowned designer ‘Pininfarina’, whose logos show off on the side of the car.
INTERIOR
The beautiful black interior is also a true work of art and is in very clean condition. The interior features beautiful counters and a dashboard painted in the body colour. The seats and doors are upholstered in black faux-leather. The seats are originally European without headrests, unlike American models. The car is steered by the handsome wooden 3-spoke Hellebore steering wheel. The interior is free of damage and is in overall clean condition. All counters are working. The authentic radio/cassette player is still present and the interior has heating. The boot is surprisingly spacious and is also in clean condition. Neatly covered under the boot mat is the spare wheel.
TECHNICAL
Extensive (maintenance) documentation is present with the car. It has been carefully and passionately maintained, mostly by Alfa Romeo specialists. In 2008, the rear exhaust was replaced, as well as all 4 shock absorbers. In 2013, the 4 tyres were replaced (Uniroyal 185/70/R14). The drive shaft was also overhauled and bearings and seals replaced. In 2017, the steering box was overhauled. Even very recently (November 2023), a major overhaul of the engine, gearbox and clutch was carried out. No less than 74 hours of labour were spent, with a total bill of over €8,000. The front and middle section of the exhaust were also renewed in 2023. The engine compartment looks neat and dry. The 4-cylinder measures 1779 cc, produces 118 hp and features twin Weber DCOE32 carburettors. The 5-speed manual transmission, together with rear-wheel drive, provides the ultimate driving experience. The car starts, drives and shifts well.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Alfa Romeo Spider was introduced on 10 March 1966 at the Geneva Motor Show. It was the successor to the Giulietta Spider, and was the first series out of the total 4 series that would eventually be built. The first series was only built until 1969, of which 1,114 were destined for the European market. It is considered the most beautiful Spider, due to its beautiful and distinctive design. There were 3 engines available: a 1300, 1600 and 1750. Models with the 1750 engine were named Veloce (which is Italian for ‘fast’) and is obviously the most powerful. The combination of strength, power and agility makes the 1750 engine the most popular. Pininfarina's design is pleasing to the eye and was also nicknamed the ‘boattail’. The Spider enjoyed great popularity in America, especially through the film ‘The Graduate’; in which actor Dustin Hoffman drove a 1600 Spider Duetto. Still, the Spider is as popular as ever, especially a classic 1750 Duetto example.