Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider by Touring
Chassis No. – AR*192676*
Engine No. – AR00601 *05639*
Touring No. - 15514
Exterior Color – Silver
Interior Color – Blue leather
Engine –2.6L DOHC Inline 6 Cylinder
Transmission –5-speed manual
Current Kilometers – 28,678 kms (TMU)

Highlights of this Alfa Romeo

-Superlative restoration to very high standards
-One of 589 1964 Spiders built in the final series
-Three documented long-term owners
-Offered with rare factory hardtop
-Accompanied by boxes of binders, files, trophies, and photos

History of the Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider


Even at the outset of their earliest years, Alfa Romeo quickly proved their merits as leaders in design and engineering. This reputation prevailed in both competition cars and road cars benefiting from superlative engineering and exceptional design. The performance delivered from their twin-cam engines created a fantastic combination of prestige and performance. Following World War II, Alfa Romeo transitioned to more nimble, small displacement four-cylinder cars, but preference for the six-cylinder engine remained in their Gran Turismo cars. This engine, a direct descendant of the legendary pre-war dual overhead camshaft design, offered increased displacement to 2584cc, producing 145hp, fed by triple Solex twin-choke carburetors. The exotic alloy motor was both durable and reliable, famously serving the Italian Carbinieri's "Squadra Volante" as high-speed police pursuit vehicles. In the spirit of the great 6C cars, the 2600 series offered beautifully designed and patented Superleggera coachwork from Touring of Italy, which blended perfectly with Alfa Romeo engineering and superlative performance.

Unlike the many higher volume production cars of the era, the 2600 continued with handmade construction traditions carefully developed and pioneered under patent at Touring. When the first examples were completed, the 2600 revealed itself to be a capable performance car with just the right balance of comfort and luxury, offering superb open-air road manners. Although more suited for long distance driving, given the larger displacement, wider torque band, standard 5-speed transmission, and spacious storage, the 2600 Spider became popular among driving enthusiasts who appreciated the comfort, performance, and ease of use these cars offered. These criteria still ring true today as collectors have increasingly realized how perfectly matched these cars are for events and tours, particularly when compared to contemporary Ferraris of the era at a fraction of their current market price. 



History of this Alfa Romeo Touring Spider

According to research gathered by the current owner and documented in the copious notebooks assembled for this car, this Alfa Romeo 2600 was produced in late 1964 and delivered to the first owner, a US military officer stationed in Belgium. A series II European specification spider, the car was built with Italian metric gauges, Carello lighting marked “Fur Deutchland”, four-wheel disc brakes, and a rear opening hood. The car was initially delivered to an American military officer who first licensed it in Belgium before shipping it to the US in the 1970s. The officer retained the car for 17 years in the Washington DC area until selling it to the next owner in 1981, also a resident of the metro DC area. The second owner also retained the car for 17 years until consignment with Motorcar Gallery in 1998. The current owner purchased the car on October 22, 1998 (purchase invoice included with documentation) from Motorcar Gallery, Fort Lauderdale, FL with (1)09,642 kilometers recorded on the 1998 odometer statement. At the time of purchase, the car was finished in red with black leather interior.

After his purchase, the third and current owner transported the car to Northern California in 1998 where it has remained for the past 27 years. A dedicated enthusiast, the current owner commissioned a cost-no-object restoration to the highest standards documenting the entire process which included initial years of research and six years of restoration efforts engaging some of the very best specialists in their field, followed by years of ongoing refinement, detailed improvements, and in the past five years further mechanical efforts culminating in one of the finest restorations of a series II spider.

The restoration began with complete disassembly of the unibody, removal of all glass, doors, hood, and trunk lid, and mounting on a rotisserie for floor pan, rocker, and other sheet metal work. Hans Turley, Auburn, CA, a trained European body specialist performed the body and paint work finishing it in metallic silver, an Alfa Romeo color from the period. Of particular note and impossibly rare, an original factory hardtop was finished in gloss black and retains the original complex curved rear glass. 



The interior was finished in blue leather by veteran Pebble Beach winners Ken and Cindy Nemenic, Walnut Creek, CA. Credited with numerous Pebble Beach class wins and bests of show, the Nemenics are considered among the premier interior restoration specialists in the world. The interior was trimmed with Connolly leather for the seats and side panels, and Wilton Wool carpets. The finishes were supported by correct period materials, correct patterns, and padding, while the dash was recovered in black. All interior trim was carefully restored to factory specifications including the correct canvas top and inner liner. The beautifully restored correct Nardi wood rim wheel and Blaupunkt radio were original equipment when delivered new. All gauges, switches, window cranks, and other interior details were also comprehensively restored, here too on a cost no object basis.

Under the hood, the 2600 engine and all electrical, fuel, and mechanical accessories were carefully restored by Alfa Romeo expert Laurence Anderson, Berkeley, CA. Fitted from the factory with Weber carburetors, specialized intake manifold and independent runners, the alloy block seven main bearing engine was rebuilt including all rotational assembly, oil cooler, and finned oil sump. The induction system, exhaust, cooling, oil system, brakes and suspension system with Koni shock absorbers, rebuilt steering box, all new bushings, lines, hoses, and other components were also comprehensively restored to the highest standards finishing with Pirelli tires mounted on professionally rebuilt original Borrani 400mm wire wheels which, according to the current owner’s notes, the original owner specified with his purchase when new. Upon completion of the restoration, the car was shown at the 2008 Palo Alto Concours d’Elegance and continued to be refined through the ongoing years as the owner sorted details and performance improvements over the next seventeen years.

In 2016 and 2017 the engine was removed and dyno tested at Hasselgren Engineering, Berkeley, CA including improvements to the carburetion and overall engine operation. By 2022 the car was delivered to Italian sports car experts Epifani Restorations, Berkeley, CA. The engine and transmission were removed and the engine delivered to Hasselgren while further work was performed on the car through 2024. Invoices accompanying the car include disassembling the engine components and delivering the engine to Hasselgren for testing, rebuilding the brake calipers including master cylinder, rebuilding the clutch master and slave cylinders, radiator and oil cooler repair, install new u-joints, new throwout bearing installed, forks and shifter gate adjusted, wiring harness installed, and final assembly with testing, adjustments, all new fluids, and final fit and finish of repainted parts and details as part of the $25,000 worth of work performed at this time. Over the span of current ownership, it is estimated that more than $400k was spent on the restoration of this car. And while this is a monumental amount, the results achieved by a dedicated enthusiast unafraid to seek out the best workmanship from top-tier suppliers and craftsmen speaks volumes when viewing the exceptional results achieved in this 2600 Spider.

The following awards were received for this car. Where noted, the trophy and ribbons are included with the car:

2008 Palo Alto Concors d'Elegance - 1st in Class (award)
2005 Concorso Italiano Italian Exhibitor (ribbon)
2004 Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance - 3rd in Class (award and paperweight)
2004 Silverado Concours d'Elegance - 3rd place (award, dash plaque, ribbon)

Current Condition and Presentation



Today this beautiful Alfa 2600 presents in exceptionally fine condition featuring smooth and glossy silver metallic paint throughout. The overall finish features a fine metal flake, excellent panel work, and vivid reflections. The body panels and gaps are excellent with hood and trunk easily opened and closed including the doors, which have crisp closures and solid latching. The chrome is excellent throughout with consistent finish and contours even on parts that more typically will show pitting or crazing over time. The door handles, side trim, and headlight trim are quite nice including the thin windshield trim, Carello headlights, lenses, and lighting. The tail lights and one front indicator light show cracks in the lensing, which is understandable given the rarity of these pieces, but spare replacement parts are included with the car. The grille work and lighting are unique to this design and are ideally mated to the bodywork. The elegant body lines are very reminiscent of the Ferrari 250 PF Cabriolet, further enhanced by proportions and perfect stance highlighted by the elegant silver finish. The beautifully finished Borrani wire wheels are shod with period correct Pirelli Cinturato radial tires which enhance the delicate wheel flares and low-profile convertible beltline. 


The stunning medium blue leather interior is exceptional throughout. Finished by expert upholsterer and veteran Pebble Beach winners Ken and Cindy Nemenic, the Connelly leather seats, door panels, rear seating area, dashboard, and numerous other interior features are beautifully tailored. The elegant soft blue color is the ideal companion to the silver exterior delivering fashionable Italian style invoking the 1960s. A set of seat belts are installed using appropriate woven belt material and vintage buckles. The Wilton wool carpeting over the central tunnel is in excellent condition and well matched to the leather color. The dashboard is beautifully finished and a delight to the eye. The instruments have clear lenses with contrasting color dials and consistent finishes. The correct co steering wheel and horn emblem are handsome accents to the interior as are the various accessories, switches, and control knobs. The convertible top is in excellent condition as is the clear plastic rear window, latch mechanisms, and restored top bows. The trunk is finished with a correct rubber mat and proper battery surround with textured materials. Under the floor the spare tire well houses a full-sized Borrani wheel and Pirelli tire. The original wood tool case and tools are included, containing a selection of various tools and tire pressure gauge.



The engine compartment is consistent with the excellence achieved in the restoration revealing a sublime twin-cam triple carburetor array of motoring excellence. The engine and engine compartment are well-detailed, correctly finished, and feature correct yellow fuel lines, original factory stampings and chassis plates, and other hallmarks of Alfa Romeo handmade construction. The car is equipped with rare triple Weber carburetors and factory intake manifold which have been dialed in by Hasselgren Engineering, and the engine has been dyno tested which is documented with power output charts and results recorded with the documentation accompanying this car. The underside of the car has been properly restored and serviced with finishes that can confidently present at any concours event. Details of note include a finned alloy oil pan, Koni shock absorbers, correct rear axle limit straps, correct exhaust, and recently replaced suspension bushings and brake lines.

The car starts easily, settling into a smooth loping idle. The 5-speed synchromesh gearbox shifts well and the disc brakes and independent coil spring front suspension work in harmony with the chassis and weight of the car. As the owner chose to build the engine with performance in mind, with 200+hp on tap, even a skilled driver will need some time getting to know the nature of this high-strung motor. Though starts are smooth and gentle, power comes on quickly as the engine pulls hard and fast through the power band. Keeping the revs up and maintaining momentum makes for an exhilarating drive. Handling is very satisfying, with excellent road manners at higher speeds and delightful cruising with the top down.


This beautifully restored three-owner 2600 Spider is a superb open Italian coachbuilt sports car with similar characteristics found in a Ferrari PF Cabriolet or Maserati Vignale at a fraction of the price. Ready for shows, tours, or engaging open air driving, the Alfa Romeo 2600 continues to be recognized as one of the most elegant and timeless touring cars of the Golden Age of sports cars – one that will surely be enjoyed by generations of enthusiasts for years to come.

Included with this Alfa Romeo

This 2600 Spider is accompanied by the factory hardtop, tools in the original tool case, a trove of documentation including four bankers boxes of photos, correspondences, specifications, handwritten parts and specification notes and vendor details, restoration photos, purchase documentation, and original reference materials as well as binders with reference service manuals and a presentation folio. Also included is a car cover, an Alfa Romeo branded sweater, trophies, award plaques, and ribbons from concours wins, a spare tail light lens and front indicator lenses, pedal pads and spare pedals, various spare engine parts, spare brake parts, a set of Wilwood front brake calipers and BG rear calipers, and an assortment of service manuals.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608