Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Alfa Romeo Duetto (auction ends Tuesday April 26th, 2022)

Chassis No. – AR*661910*
Engine No. – AR00536*09052*
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 1.6 Liter DOHC Inline-Four
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 57,497 (TMU)
Current Owner – Purchased in 2013

General History

Enjoying growing success in the new line of Alfa Romeo cars that evolved in the early 60s, Alfa Romeo released the wonderful Pininfarina 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 since offered new generations of enthusiasts exciting motoring experiences 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 carried over 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 cars even more desirable today. The now iconic design of the Duetto Spider would continue largely unchanged for three decades, including notoriety as Dustin Hoffman’s college graduation present in the critically acclaimed movie “The Graduate”.

General Overview

This Duetto was purchased by the current and consigning owner in 2013. An avid collector with several Alfa Romeos in his Northern California based vintage sports car collection, this car was serviced on a regular basis by an in-house mechanic. Though accumulated miles have been minimal under current ownership, the odometer indicates 56,497 miles, though total miles are unknown. The most recent work on the car includes the installation of a new battery in December 2021. A new master brake cylinder and two new rear wheel brake cylinders for the Dunlop fitted brakes were purchased and installed in February 2022. Modifications to the car include a Monza twin exhaust tip and a contemporary Kenwood 25w AM/FM cassette stereo with Kenwood speakers installed in the forward side panels under the dashboard.

General Condition

Today this Alfa Romeo Duetto offers very nice cosmetics including glossy paint that has been very well maintained with excellent coverage and smooth finish. The exterior trim is in excellent condition overall including a very nice Alfa Romeo branded central grille and flanking front bumpers. Unlike many Duettos, these bumpers are properly tucked into the side openings with very good fit. The car wears the correct chrome headlight trim rings and correct amber corner turn indicators at the front and round tail form fitting taillights at the rear. The lenses, lighting, bumpers, and various trim and script are in excellent condition contributing to the overall cohesive visual presentation of a very nicely sorted high quality driver-level car. The panel gaps are consistent showing good closures and tight fit, including both doors which show good part lines and tight closure. The windshield and side glass are in very good 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 contemporary Pirelli P6 Plus tires still showing ample tread.

The black bucket seats appear to have been previously reupholstered with a very nice look and feel to the material and pleating. The overall interior presents as a handsome combination of restored items and well-preserved original features. The door panels and side panels have a very good quality feel to the finishes and the carpeting, while slightly faded remains in good condition. The rear seating/storage area appears to be original material which is in excellent condition. The dashboard is quite nice, featuring clean and nicely detailed instruments with excellent color and contrast to the dial faces and glass covers. The black dash padding is in good condition and an aftermarket AM/FM Kenwood cassette deck radio unit is installed. The convertible top is in good condition with good fit and finish overall, good rubber, and a clear rear window. The trunk is clean and well-maintained, retaining a matching alloy wheel, matching red finish, and a correct rubber floor mat.

Under the hood, the engine bay offers a correct presentation reflective of original specifications. Nicely detailed and worthy of local show presentation, the engine appears quite correct with twin dual throat Weber carburetors, correct period airbox, correctly finished cam cover, and various details. A new battery was installed in December 2o21. The engine compartment displays a generally nice finish overall which appears clean, tidy and consistent with original details and features for the period. The undercarriage appears to be very original and sound with no visual evidence of structural compromise and nicely finished alloy components, suspension items, and newer exhaust.

The car starts, stops, runs, and drives very capably as evidenced in the driving video in the gallery. Brakes and suspension are very well balanced, and the car has a great gearbox with excellent synchros. Driving manners are among the best we’ve seen in a Duetto with nice balance, great feel in the steering, and wonderful sounds.

Items Included with the Car

The car is accompanied by a set of Alfa embossed floor mats, an Alfa branded tool case and selected tools, an Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 instruction book, Alfa Romeo period brochure, Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider specifications brochure, and various other Duetto literature.

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