Fantasy Junction

Description

Walkaround video: https://youtu.be/0bscOvTd6BM

Driving video: https://youtu.be/ppdRW1WlCWE

1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

Chassis Number – AR149508140
Engine Number – AR1315*40581*
Exterior Color - Red
Interior Color - Black Upholstery
Engine Type – 1300cc DOHC four-cylinder with twin Weber Carburetors
Gearbox – “split case” 4-speed manual
Current Miles – 36,208 TMU
Miles added by current owner – 100 miles


Modifications from Original

Aftermarket steering wheel
Tastefully upgraded to Veloce specifications with correct Weber 40 DCOE carbs. Etc.
RML Electronic distributor

General History

Alfa Romeo, one of the most artistic and mechanically advanced automobile companies in the world, began as a specialty constructor with little interest in volume manufacturing. Prior to the second world war, Alfa cars were largely handmade using detailed labor and complex fabrication, but the results were worthy of the most discriminating clientele. This shifted when the Giulia and Giulietta entered the marketplace. Positioned as affordable, stylish offerings, a youthful and enthusiastic public greeted these new Alfas with substantial interest. These two new models were small, sporty, and charming, yet finely trimmed, giving an air of sophistication that young men and women craved in the fast-growing post-war boom years. Both cars enjoyed success, with strong sales in Europe and America. The twin cam in-line four-cylinder engine, 4 speed gearbox, and excellent suspension offered spirited driving coupled with elegant styling. Sales volumes were such that Alfa-Romeo became one of the largest manufacturers not just in Italy but all over the world. Those who desired a bit more performance opted for the Veloce model, which included twin carburetors, bigger oil pan, spirited camshafts, and different intake and exhaust, all of which greatly improved performance.

Owner History

Discovered in 2008 in a Los Angeles, California salvage yard, this Alfa was deemed an excellent candidate for restoration. The owner embarked on the restoration using a range of top tier suppliers and restoration shops to complete the car. Copies of records accompanying the car date back to 2008 with documentation covering the engine rebuild, balancing, polishing the crank, regrinding the cams, new pistons and liner set, and line honing the block and 5-mains. The transmission was also rebuilt including four new synchro rings-Moly, synchro sleeve, and seals.

Additional parts purchased and installed during the restoration include a new starter, new generator, emergency brake cable, Bendix fuel pump, new fuel filler neck, new ball joints, various grommets, rubber items, sway bar pad gumball, axle seals, leather rear axle limiting straps, Koni front and rear shocks, electronic RML distributor, a new ignition switch, new brake master cylinder, new wheel cylinders and linings, steel brake lines, an new tachometer cable, new speedometer cable, new pedal pads, silver hood insulation pad, and a correct radio plate for the dash. Veloce parts were also purchased including Veloce 101 original style headers, air intake hoses, and a main Veloce intake hose.

Additional items replaced during the restoration include a new windshield, new leather seats with red piping, various hood, trunk, and door seals, correctly trimmed nylon dense pile carpet, door panels, rear curtain drape panel, and other various detailed parts for both engine, suspension, and cosmetic work.

In 2019, the car was serviced at Ital Meccanica, Huntington Beach, CA for a blown head gasket. At that time the engine was removed, a new gasket set purchased, the block machined, and the head gasket replaced with coolant and oil changed while the engine was out. Miles driven since the engine work was performed have been very minimal.

Cosmetic Overview

Today this Alfa Romeo presents in very nice condition with consistent finishes overall and pleasant cosmetics. The paint is in very good to excellent condition with no significant marks in the glossy deep red finish aside from one 2.5” crack in the paint on the leading edge of the hood. The exterior is clean and well done throughout including nice finishes on the door jambs, the underside of the hood, cowl, and trunk area. The doors fit very well while the trunk and hood display fit consistent with factory specifications, opening and closing easily and properly latching. All the chrome trim has been redone showing no scratches or significant hazing on the bumpers, wheel covers, grille, or headlight trim rings. The Borrani wheels have been correctly finished in silver, with correct hubcaps that are in excellent condition. A set of correctly sized tires display minimal wear. The stance is excellent, and the wheel and tire combination nest properly within the wheel arches. The side trim, various emblems, taillights and door handles are in excellent condition, with very nice rubber seals appearing recently replaced and with proper fit to the body surfaces. Door and trunk seals are tight and appear newer along with other various rubber trim and gaskets.

The interior has been correctly reupholstered in high quality upholstery resulting in a very nice overall finish. The black leather seats feature red piping lines, along with correctly shaped foam support to the low-back bucket seats. The door panels are very well done, tight and correctly trimmed, while the rear storage area is nicely finished in black material that drapes over the spare tire mounted to the rear portion of the car. The correct low-pile carpeting is excellent in material and fit, showing little to no wear. The dashboard is in excellent condition displaying correct and beautiful gauges with excellent color, handsome dial faces, and very nice chrome plated surrounding bezels. The chrome trim on the interior is very nice overall, including the various dashboard details, handles, and door pulls. Of note is the 2015 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion plaque affixed to the glove box door indicating attendance to the event. Overall, the interior reflects a handsome restoration effort that can be readily used as is.

Under the hood, the engine compartment presents a compelling combination of tasteful period correct upgrades and original features. The twin-cam cover has been finished with the correct textured black coating adorned by the large cast alloy intake plenum feeding the dual Weber carburetors. Although not a factory original Veloce configuration car, the engine has been nicely converted to this standard and benefits from extensive service in 2019. The underside of the hood is fitted with a diamond tufted silver hood insulation pad. Various stampings and cowl marks are consistent with the original specifications for this car and match the identification number. A Spider Veloce engine tag has been affixed to the cowl showing the 10107-motor designation. The body stamping shows 32098 which is consistent with the hood bearing the number 098. Overall, the engine and engine compartment deliver a commanding statement about the power and performance of this capable Alfa Romeo particularly with the twin Weber carburetors.

The trunk compartment is clean and tidy, finished in matching red paint. The underside of the car appears structurally sound with no evidence of structural corrosion, no evidence of damage to key suspension mounting points, and generally correct parts in keeping with factory original construction, alloy engine and transmission castings, and correct exhaust.

Included with this car

The car is accompanied by a spare 1300cc block (AR1315*445522*), a set of unrestored top bows, spare wipers, keys, a car cover, and three spare dash knobs.

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