Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spyder
s/n AR*379590, Engine no. AR00112*15017
Red with Brown Interior

The Giulietta, and later the Giulia are the cars that took Alfa Romeo from being a relatively small production company to being an economically viable and successful firm. Prior to that, they had produced large and expensive cars, and never in very large numbers. With the Giulietta/Giulia, however, Alfa Romeo produced significant numbers of these charming and capable cars. Its success was due in part to its unique placement in the market. It was neither a large hugely expensive car, nor was it very small utility car (such as the Fiat 500). Instead, they were affordable enough so that many could buy them, yet permitted a more glamorous and useful approach to motoring that really struck a chord with buyers on both sides of the Atlantic.

This particular Guila Spyder is a structurally superior example of a California car from new. It is a 5-speed, and has enjoyed single family ownership since 1978. Accordingly, has been well cared for. When acquired, it was a solid, unrestored example, red in color. By virtue of its dry weather climate, it is free of rust or rust repairs, and remains solid throughout. It presents well as an excellent “driver” quality car, which is has been well cared for mechanically, and accordingly would make an outstanding tour or rally car.

The car was mechanically restored by Don Baker at Italian Performance in Belmont, California , who has exclusively maintained the car since the 1980s. Around this time, the car was completely disassembled and the engine overhauled with new liners, pistons, bearing, etc, as well as the cylinder head, and at that time, updated with a single Weber carburetor. Since this time, Italian performance has done additional work to the cylinder head, manifolds, transmission, exhaust system, trim, interior, dash, and other mechanicals. Extensive restoration began 2005 with the final details and current paint completed in 2009. This work represents an investment of at least $15,000 in restoration costs since 2003, the majority of which was in the last 5 years. Included in this work was the replacement of the gearbox and the clutch. The high quality paintwork was done by Rod's Auto Body, also in Belmont. It is finished in PPG base coat, clear coat. When stripped there was no rust or bondo. Currently the car sits on restored wheels, with Avon tires with very few miles on them. The car is kept in dry storage most of the year and goes to Italian Performance for an annual inspection and oil change, and the current owner has always run the car or Premium fuel.

Today the car odometer reads 34,863 miles, which has probably turned over once. The body remains excellent, and the paint displays nicely. The door hinges display some wear, a common problem with Alfa Spyders. A newer canvas top has been installed, which fits well, and has a new rear window without yellowing. The dash was not included in the recent repaint, and shows more age than the paintwork on the exterior of the car. The car was reupholstered in vinyl, and the standard rubber mats replaced with carpet material. Standard floor mats for these cars are available through Re-Originals. The speedometer, and tachometer appear to have been restored at some point, while the temperature and fuel gauge shows minor fading. The engine bay is black in color, but nicely detailed, and show evidence that this has been a well cared for car throughout its life. The chrome is likely original throughout, and shows minor weathering accordingly, but is compete and straight.

The car drives exceedingly well with good power, excellent synchros, tight steering box and suspension, and effective brakes. The lights, wipers, and heater blower all work. The original Solex carburetor has been upgraded to a more user friendly Weber unit, and the plug wires have also been upgraded. This is a great opportunity to acquire a wonderfully usable example of this quintessential Italian sports car. It is attractive, but not so nice as to discourage its use. Indeed, the sprightly performance from the 1600cc Weber equipped DOHC engine and wonderful overall driving experience will encourage the new owner to get out and enjoy this car as much as possible.

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.

Inquire About This Car

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