Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Alfa Romeo Duetto

Chassis No. – AR*663187*
Engine No. – AR00536*10117*
Exterior Color – Ivory
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 1.6 Liter DOHC Inline-Four
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 41,465
Current Owner – Purchased in 2003

General History

Enjoying increased success in the new line of Alfa Romeo cars that evolved in the early 60s, Alfa Romeo released the Pininfarina designed spider at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. Originally named by a novel customer competition, the winning entrant “Duetto” had to be delayed due to trademark issues, releasing it officially as the Spider 1600. Well-appointed, spirited, and beautifully finished, the Duetto immediately charmed both the automotive press and eager enthusiasts. In the decades since their introduction, Duettos have continued to offer new generations of enthusiasts an exciting motoring experience at nominal cost.

The series 1 cars (1966-1969) outfitted with 1570cc twin-cam engines, featured disc brakes and a 5-speed manual transmission. Among the most unique features of the series 1 is the beautifully tapered “round tail”, directly influenced from the Alfa Romeo S3000 Superflow show car, also penned by Pininfarina. This distinctive feature was later changed in series 2 cars, making series 1 examples more desirable due to their rarity and connection to the Superflow. The now iconic design of the Duetto Spider would continue through production with a variety of changes over three continuous decades, including notoriety as Dustin Hoffman’s college graduation present in the critically acclaimed movie “The Graduate”.

General Overview

This Duetto was delivered to the first owner in California. The car was purchased from the original owner by the second owner who, in 1990, exhibited the car at the Palo Alto Concours where it received a First in Class award. Having been a California car since new, the car remained in preserved condition accruing a little over 41,000 miles which are believed to be correct and original to the car. The current miles are also supported by the third owner’s mileage statement provided with the car. The car was repainted under former ownership in the original ivory color, matching the areas under the hood and trunk which remain in very good condition. The third owner purchased the car in 2003 and drove it less than 2,000 miles resulting in the current 41,465 miles indicated on the odometer today. In 2013 the car was given a tune up including fresh oil and new spark plugs, followed by a new clutch, release bearing, and pressure plate, rear engine seal, and front transmission seal. In 2014 the car was garaged and remained in storage until November 2024 when it was mechanically recommissioned including replacement of all three flexible brake lines, a brake inspection, all fluids topped off, and a new battery installed.

General Condition

Today this Alfa Romeo Duetto offers handsome cosmetics including glossy paint with smooth coverage that remains in very good condition with hints of age in a few small areas. The Alfa Romeo branded central grille and flanking polished front bumpers are in excellent condition. Unlike many Duettos, these bumpers are properly tucked into the side openings with very good fit. The car is outfitted with a pair of headlight covers which have lightly mellowed matching the ivory body color. A pair of correct amber corner turn indicators flank the front fenders and the distinctive form fitting taillights finish off the round tail rear. The lenses, lighting, bumpers, and various trim and script are in excellent condition contributing to the overall visual presentation of a very nicely sorted high quality driver-level car. The panel gaps are consistent showing excellent closures for both doors which show very good part lines and tight closure. The windshield and side glass are in excellent condition with smooth operation to the side glass when raised and lowered. Outfitted with correct silver painted steel wheels with polished wheel covers, the rims are shod with a set of Michelin XZX 165 SR15 tires, which are an older set but show ample remaining tread.

The black vinyl bucket seats retain all the hallmarks of originality and are remarkably fine with supple feel to the material, good padding, correct seat piping, and consistent pleat lines. The door panels and side panels have a very good feel to the finishes and both the carpeting and rubber flooring are also in very good condition. The rear tonneau cover has excellent fit over the convertible top and the rear storage area is also original and in similarly nice condition. The dashboard is particularly well preserved with no sun damage or dry cracking. The main instrument pod features clean gauges with excellent color and contrast to the dial faces and clear glass covers. A radio cover plate is installed, and the 5-speed manual gear selector is correctly booted with matching material. The convertible top is in good condition with good fit and finish overall, good rubber, and a clear but slightly mellowed rear window. The trunk is very clean and well-maintained, retaining the remarkably original rubber floor mat and the original jack. The spare tire tub is in excellent condition housing a full-sized spare wheel.

Under the hood, the engine bay offers correct original presentation and factory specifications consistent with original features as delivered from the factory. Nicely detailed and worthy of local show presentation, the engine appears largely correct with factory spec’d twin dual-throat Weber carburetors, correct airbox, raw alloy cam cover, and various details per original specifications. A new battery was installed in October 2o24. The engine compartment displays a generally nice finish overall which appears clean, tidy and consistent with original details. Importantly, the engine retains the factory stamping which is believed to be the original engine block as the engine appears to have never been removed from the car. The undercarriage continues the themes of originality and preservation with a sound floor pan, no visual evidence of structural compromise, and nicely finished alloy components, suspension items, and correct exhaust.

The car starts, stops, runs, and drives capably as evidenced in the driving video. Brakes and suspension are well balanced, and the car has a smooth operating gearbox. Driving manners are consistent with cars of this age and while all features operate quite well, the next owner can enjoy ongoing preservation or further enhance the car with mechanical improvements per their personal preference. For anyone seeking a well-preserved example of the earlier series Duetto, this is a satisfying original with very enjoyable cosmetics ready to drive and improve over time under new ownership.

Items Included with the Car

The car is accompanied by selected invoices while under prior ownership, documentation from the 1990 Palo Alto Concours, and selected former CA registration slips.

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