Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider by Touring
s/n AR*191886, engine no. AR*00601 *02578*
Touring Body No. 13162
Black with Red Interior

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 was greatly favored in their Gran Turismo cars. This engine, a direct descendant of the 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 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. 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, showing, and long-distance driving, particularly so offering ample storage for weekend trips and open coachwork for exhilarating road tours.

According to the Alfa Romeo Classiche Certificato Di Origine, issued in 2020 and included with the car, this Alfa Romeo was produced March 6, 1963, and delivered April 22, 1963, to the selling dealer. The market destination was New York and the exterior color noted as “Nero” (Black). The car as sold new in 1963 to the first owner, a resident of San Francisco. The car would remain in the San Francisco area including an engine rebuild in 1990 performed by the late Rich Ott of Alfetta Motors. Shortly after being in storage for several years and still wearing the black and yellow California issued license plate, Ernie Li, Berkeley, CA purchased the car in 1992. After purchasing the car, the current and consigning owner, a well-regarded multiple Alfa Romeo collector/restorer was pleased with how well the car had been preserved and continued to perform sensitive preservation-based refurbishment of all major systems along with cosmetic freshening. As part of the originality of the car, three ticket stubs from 1963-1965 San Francisco area racing events were found in the glove box and remain with the car today.

In 2021 the car was refurbished by Niederst Restorations with a focus on retaining as much of the original condition of the car as possible, including the original interior, original convertible top, the original dashboard and instrumentation, and many other rare original features of this Touring bodied Alfa Romeo. Restoration efforts included minor body surface touch up and repaint to the exterior, retaining the original door jambs and other inner surface paint areas to further preserve as much of the originality of this well-maintained 2600. Additional mechanical work included installing a new clutch, rebuilding the carburetors, servicing the brakes, and replacing soft lines. A correct-type exhaust was installed, a set of vintage style seat belts were installed, and selected areas of the metal floor tended to. All general mechanical components were addressed as needed, once again with originality in mind, restoring features and components to preserve the originality of this California car. Recent compression test readings performed by the owner have yielded the following figures:

Cylinder 1 – 180 psi
Cylinder 2 – 180 psi
Cylinder 3 – 175 psi
Cylinder 4 – 175 psi
Cylinder 5 – 180 psi
Cylinder 6 – 180 psi

Today this beautiful Alfa 2600 presents very nicely, with glossy black paint and smooth finish throughout. There are a few minor touched up paint chips, and a few minor surface blemishes in the paint, but otherwise the overall finish is quite nice with a deep luster, excellent panel work, and smooth reflections. The body panels and gaps are very nice with hood and trunk easily opened and closed including the doors, which have exceptionally nice, crisp closures further supporting the originality of this California car. The chrome is very nice overall with consistent finish and contours 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, lenses, and lighting, with just a hint of patina to the taillight lenses, certainly understandable given the originality of these rare pieces. 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 highlighted by the elegant black finish. The painted steel wheels, shod with period correct Michelin X radial tires, and small polished wheel covers are perfect for this series car particularly as they greatly favor the delicate wheel flares and low-profile convertible beltline. The delicate trim and Touring badges are delightful touches of jewelry, beautifully but subtly identifying the coachwork, manufacturer, and engine designation, all of which herald one of the greatest periods of automotive synergy – the magical coupling of beauty and performance.

The red interior is exceptional considering the rarely seen originality of the seats, door panels, rear seating area, dashboard, and numerous other interior features. The vivid red interior boldly contrasts against the black exterior with daring Italian style. The seats have good support, feature original front and seat back material, which remains supple and consistent in finish, once again, a marvel of originality. A set of seat belts were properly considered when installed using appropriate woven belt material and vintage buckles. The carpeting over the central tunnel appears original, while a set of rubber mats retain excellent finish overall, appearing to be original as well. The dashboard is very handsome, unrestored, and a delight to the eye. The instruments have clear lenses with contrasting color and consistent but light mellowing to the numeric indication indicative or originality to all instrumentation. The numeric indication in the instrument faces, chrome bezels, and other details are beautifully finished. The steering wheel and horn emblem are handsome accents to the interior as are the various accessories, switches, and control knobs, once again original to the car. Although a radio is in place, it is for cosmetic purposes only, currently not hooked up and there is no provision made for speaker installation, in order to preserve the originality of the interior finishes. The convertible top is original to the car and displays the original rear window stamping on the slightly yellowed rear plastic window. The condition of the top is quite nice and particularly well preserved on the inside. The trunk is finished with a correct rubber mat and proper battery surround. Under the floor the spare tire well houses a full-sized spare and Michelin tire. The original toolbox is included, containing a selection of various tools.

The engine compartment is consistent with the themes of originality and preservation revealing a very handsome, well-detailed example, that is tidy, properly detailed, and unrestored. The car is equipped with the correct cast alloy intake plenum and air filter feeding the factory specified triple Solex carburetors. The finishes are refreshingly honest including the lightly polished cam cover, correct hardware, and proper fasteners, once again in keeping with the preservation of this rare 2600. The engine compartment and assorted components are all very well presented, retaining the original black finish to the firewall, correct and original fluid reservoirs, correct stampings, Touring body tag, and other factory details. The underside of the car has been properly tended to though not detailed for shows, still very clean, well prepared, and properly serviced. The floor and overall structure are sound, showing minor metal repairs performed to a few areas of the floor. The finned alloy oil pan casting is in very good condition with no major chips or sections missing. There is no evidence of structural damage or compromise to any of the major suspension mounting points. Even the structural frame trunnions, often found to be warped, damaged, or compromised by inclement weather, remain in excellent condition.

The car starts easily, settling into a smooth and gentle idle. The 5-speed synchromesh gearbox shifts easily as the car moves down the road with distinction, composure, and excellent driving manners. The front disc brakes and independent coil spring front suspension work in harmony with the chassis and weight of the car offering spirited acceleration and ease of use even in modern traffic. Handling is very satisfying, with excellent road manners at higher speeds and delightful cruising with the top down. The driving experience is rewarding and comfortable, without feeling overwhelmed. Rarely does one find driving to be as refreshing and thrilling – a tribute to Alfa Romeo’s brilliant post war engineering further enhanced by the added confidence exhibited in this desirable original example. The car is accompanied by the Alfa Romeo Classiche Certificate of Authenticity, three spare wheel covers, front and rear bumperettes, the rear European style chrome license plate bezel, the toolbox and assorted tools, and three 1963-1965 racing event ticket stubs found in the glovebox.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a beautifully preserved and handsomely detailed 2600 Spider featuring hand-built coachwork by Touring of Italy and wonderfully maintained original features. Finished in stunning colors, lovingly cared for, and coming out of a multiple Alfa Romeo enthusiasts’ collection, this Spider is ready for enjoyable driving, tours, or rewarding shows. The 2600 is a superb open Italian coachbuilt car with similar characteristics found in a Ferrari PF Cabriolet or Maserati Vignale at a fraction of the price. The Alfa Romeo 2600 is rapidly being recognized as an elegant, timeless touring car much as they were originally conceived when first hand-crafted by Italian masters of automotive design.

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