Fantasy Junction

Description

1959 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider by Touring

Chassis Number – AR1020400072
Engine Number – 90218.00963
Exterior Color - White
Interior Color – Tan
Engine Type – 2.3 L DOHC inline 4-cylinder
Gearbox – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 13,013 miles (TMU)
Current Owner – Purchased in 2022

General History

Celebrated artisans even from their earliest years, Alfa Romeo quickly proved their merits as leaders in design and engineering. This reputation prevailed in both competition and road cars with celebrated recognition at both show salons and racetracks. 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 as their Gran Turismo line of sporty elegant cars advanced. The initial 2000 series offered beautifully designed spider 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, this series car still employed the handmade construction processes carefully developed and pioneered under patent at Touring. Launched in 1957 at the Turin Motor Show with production commencing in 1958, the 2000 proved to be a capable performance car with just the right balance of comfort and luxury, offering superb open-air road manners. For an essentially hand built car, 3,443 examples were built during the three-year run, a remarkable number illustrating how efficient the Supperleggera system was for Touring construction. The criteria for excellence in build and performance still ring true today as collectors have increasingly realized how perfectly matched these cars are for events, showing, and extended tours, particularly so offering ample storage for weekend trips and open coachwork for exhilarating driving.

History of this 2000 Spider

According to a digital copy of the Marco Fazio Alfa Romeo Storico letter, this car was built December 19, 1958 and sold on January 23, 1959 to Hoffman Motor Car Company, New York, NY. Though information on the early years of ownership is not known, in the 2000s the car was purchased by a previous owner and shortly thereafter, the car was treated to a four-year restoration beginning in 2006 and concluding in 2010. The restoration included stripping the body to bare metal, comprehensive disassembly, rotisserie-based metal work, rebuild for the 2.3 Liter engine, and a custom fabricated intake manifold for the twin 45DCOE9 Weber carburetors. The engine was updated to include modern Bosch alternator and modified camshafts, and was dyno tested when completed. A 5-speed gearbox, vintage style radio (with modern Bluetooth connectivity kick panel speakers and under-dash subwoofer), Koni shock absorbers, black Stayfast top, and stainless-steel exhaust were also installed during the restoration.

As a US market car, the hood features twin scoops and chrome plated rocker trim. Finished in the originally specified white exterior, the interior (originally red) was fully reupholstered in tan Scottish leather with anthracite wool carpet and black Alfa-Romeo branded floor mats. During the restoration, a remanufactured 2.3L engine (cast in period by license from Alfa Romeo as replacement engines made in Brazil) was rebuilt by Fabrica Nacional de Motores, Brazil (FNM Rio 2300) and features a ported OKP Conrero-style intake manifold and ribbed cam covers. The 5-speed transmission was overhauled by Alfa Parts Exchange, Tracy, CA and all hydraulics rebuilt as needed including finishing the beautifully finned drum brakes. The restoration was documented by the restorer, a premium member on the Alfa BB website showing the details of the body, engine, interior, and all cosmetic work performed during the four-year period. Digital photos of several significant points of the restoration are also included with the car.

During the restoration, a spare 2.0L engine accompanying the car (AR0024*00347*) was rebuilt and restored with a .010”/.010” crankshaft, Marelli generator and starter, Solex carburetor, 85mm forged JE pistons, and a replacement clutch disc, pressure plate, bearings, valves, and springs. This spare engine, while correct for the car and an early series block used in the first 435 cars, is not original to this car. This engine is included with the car.

Cosmetic Overview

Today this beautiful Alfa 2000 Spider presents in excellent condition with glossy white paint and smooth finish throughout. Though the finish was applied almost 20 years ago, the quality has continued to prevail with a deep luster, excellent panel work, and smooth reflections. The body panels and gaps are particularly fine with hood and trunk easily opened with tight latching and smoothly operating doors which exhibit crisp closures. The quality of the finish continues on the inner strike surfaces and undersides of various body panels. The chrome plating is excellent throughout, even on parts that more typically will show pitting or crazing. The door handles, side trim, and headlight trim are visually quite nice including the thin windshield trim, H4 headlights, taillight lenses, and emblems. The grille work and lighting are unique to this design, but the elegant body lines are very reminiscent of the Ferrari 250 PF Cabriolet, further enhanced by proportions and stance conveyed in the white finish. The silver finished steel wheels wear a set of period correct Pirelli Cinturato 155HR 400 tires, adorned with small diameter polished wheel covers perfectly suited to the crisp wheel flares and low-profile convertible beltline. The delicate trim and Touring badges are delightful touches of jewelry, beautifully but subtly identifying the coachwork and manufacturer - all of which herald one of the greatest periods of automotive synergy where beauty and performance combine as the hallmark of premier Italian performance cars.

The Scottish tan interior is exceptionally fine including all aspects of the beautifully finished seats, door panels, rear seating area, dashboard, and numerous other interior features. The caramel-toned interior boldly accents the white finish delivering an elegant and poised resolve for this open coachwork. The seats offer excellent support, correct pleating, and a set of vintage style seatbelts. Carpeting is protected by embossed black floor mats, here too branded with Touring and Alfa-Romeo emblems. The dashboard is exceptional in detail and finish - a delight to the eye. The instruments have clear lenses with contrasting color and consistently crisp numeric indication which adds to the cohesive restoration efforts put forth on this car. The steering wheel and horn emblem are handsome accents to the interior as are the various accessories, switches, and control knobs, once again captivating in design and exceptionally fine examples of restoration artistry. A vintage radio has been installed with Bluetooth features, speakers mounted on the interior side kick panels, and an under dash sub-woofer to enhance sound. The black Stayfast canvas convertible top and clear rear plastic window are in excellent condition and the top latches properly when mounted to the windshield header. The condition of the top is quite nice as is the inside headliner and top irons. The trunk is finished with a correct rubber matting material and proper battery surround. Under the floor the spare tire well houses a full-sized spare and wheel with matching tire.

The engine has been prepared with attention to detail and authenticity which also supports much of the upgraded features of this engine. The finishes are handsome, well-detailed, and accurately prepared. The engine compartment and assorted components are all very well presented, including the finned black cam covers, correct finish to the firewall, correct and original fluid reservoirs, correct stampings, Touring body tag, and other factory details. Upgraded with Bosch alternator, twin Weber carburetors, and slightly hotter cams for the 2.3L engine, the finishes and components reflect period-correct appearances. The underside of the car has been properly tended and remains suitable for shows. The floor and overall structure exhibit finish reflective of rotisserie restoration, correct castings, proper hardware, finned drum brakes, leather axle straps, and other original details.

The car starts easily, settling into a smooth and gentle idle. The 5-speed gearbox shifts effortlessly as the car moves down the road with distinction, composure, and excellent driving manners. The uprated engine works very well with the 5-speed gear spacing while the overall weight of the car is enhanced by the spirited acceleration offered from the larger displacement engine and improved power. Handling is very satisfying, with excellent road manners at higher speeds and delightful cruising with the top down – a tribute to Alfa Romeo’s brilliant post war engineering further enhanced by the added confidence exhibited in this restoration.

This 2000 Spider is accompanied by an original 2.0L Alfa-Romeo engine, a hardtop finished in gloss black, a hardtop stand, copies of various restoration photos, a digital copy of the Marco Fazio letter of origin, a set of tools in a case, a black tonneau cover, a set of engine gaskets, a jack, and a loose set of windshield wipers.

As the 2000 series Alfa-Romeo is more and more being recognized as a superb open Italian coachbuilt car with similar characteristics as found in a Ferrari PF Cabriolet or Maserati Vignale at a fraction of the price, this elegant, timeless touring car continues to be lauded as one of the finest of this era. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored 2000 Spider featuring hand-built coachwork by Touring of Italy and wonderfully uprated mechanical enhancements. Finished in stunning colors, lovingly cared for, and handsomely restored, this Spider is ready for enjoyable driving, tours, or rewarding shows.

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