Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider Duetto
s/n AR*664691*, Engine no. AR00536*14799*
Rosso Italia with Black Interior

For years Alfa Romeo built some of the most beautifully designed and capable racing and road cars. Enthusiasts delighted in their newest offerings, and no more so then with a series of Pininfarina designed show cars, which would directly influence the beautiful new Series 1 Spider launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1966. Originally named through a novel customer competition, the winning entrant “Duetto” had to be delayed due to trademark issues, releasing it officially as the Spider 1600, but affectionately still known today as the Duetto.

The Series I Duetto (manufactured from 1966-1969) was delivered with 1570cc twin cam engines and dual Weber two-barrel side draft carburetors, producing 108hp, mated to a 5 speed manual transmission, while sporting disc brakes. The Series 1 also featured the beautifully tapered rear “boat tail” or “round tail” body design, directly carried over from the Alfa Romeo S3000 Superflow show car. This distinctive feature was later changed in series II cars (known as the Kamm tail). The basic design of the Duetto Spyder however would continue largely unchanged for three decades – a tribute to the astonishing yet pure and flowing design of these capable cars.

According to Alfa Romeo Official Records (Centro Documentazione Alfa Romeo, expert Marco Fazio) this Duetto was originally manufactured on April 13th, 1967 and sold February 1968 to Alfa Romeo, Frankfurt, Germany. Originally finished in white with red interior, the car was imported to the US with the current Northern California family owners acquiring it approximately 30 years ago. Between 2004-2008, the car was treated to a bare metal restoration (Europa Auto Body, San Francisco, CA), removing all major components (Monza Motors, San Francisco, CA), restoring the car both cosmetically and mechanically including rebuilding the original engine, new brakes, a new fuel tank and fuel system, Koni front and rear shocks, rebuilt suspension, new seals, gaskets and weather stripping for doors, trunk, and windows, and replacement or rebuilding of several other cosmetic items as needed. During the restoration, the floors and rocker panels were replaced due to years of use, as corrosion in these areas is typical to many of these cars. A detailed visual diary of the restoration can be seen here.


The completed car has been driven occasionally and taken to local shows while being properly serviced as needed. In 2012 the head and valves were rebuilt by Alfa Center, San Francisco, CA and between 2015-2017 $1,500.00 in service was performed by Oliveria Engineering, Berkeley, CA including cleaning, servicing, and adjusting carburetors (new accelerator pump o-rings and idle jets), replacing spark plugs, chassis lube, suspension check including setting toe in, and replacing tire valve stems.

Visually, the car appears today in fine driver quality condition, showing very good paint with deep luster and gloss throughout the exterior. The surface and bodywork were nicely done and exhibit good panel fit, albeit with slightly larger door gaps, uniformed paint coverage and attention to detail on the inner surfaces, engine compartment and trunk. There are a few minor door and lower valance chips to the paint and some minor scuff marks along the rocker panels. Chrome trim throughout the car has light hazing and minor surface scratches, with some surfaces appearing more freshly finished than others. Doors, hood and trunk lid open and shut properly, while the general finish of the trim and various chrome parts are properly fit to the body. The car presents nicely with the overall condition reflective of restoration work completed roughly a decade ago. The beautifully sculpted round tail is nicely accented by all red tail lights and contrasting black interior. The grille and fascia features handsome Plexiglas headlight covers that give the car a fitting touch, reminiscent of the inspiring Superflow show car design. The original steel wheels are correctly painted silver metallic, and finished with the original chrome plated center caps, which show evidence of use. Vredestein Sprint Classic 165/86HR15 H tires are in very good condition, showing only minor wear.

The interior has been nicely prepared showing a combination of original and restored components using good quality materials and finishes. The hand-stitched seats have been recovered in black with custom red piping, adding shoulder type seatbelts and headrests for safety. A very nice array of instruments and black-rimmed steering wheel completes the factory look with the speedometer and tachometer having been restored by Palo Alto Gauges. The dash pad is nicely presented but has a 1” flaw on the top surface toward the passenger side. The near new black canvas top and clear rear window fits snugly when up and easily stows. The black carpeting, door panels, and rear storage area remain in acceptable condition, as does the original black tonneau cover.

Under the hood reveals the exceptional matching numbers 1600 engine, sporting Weber 40 DCOE carburetors. The engine and gearbox have been finished to factory standards for the period using proper components, materials, and fasteners. The exhaust system has been upgraded to IMASAF with a chrome exit tip. The end result when looking under the hood is not only correct and satisfying, but mechanically reliable, delivering wonderful Italian sounds even at idle.

On the road, the Duetto presents as a very capable driver. The Webers offer easy starts and smooth idle. The rebuilt engine delivers strong power and the car takes up nicely with smooth upshifts and easy downshifts through the synchromesh transmission. Braking is quite good with nice pedal feel and the handling is generally nice, as is the overall ride at higher speeds, Although the current owner has not been able to drive the car as often as he would like, the car exhibits a readiness consistent for enjoyable road use. Ride is quite nice through traffic with excellent power and a bright and full Italian growl at high revs when the cams come on. Underneath the car appears well-cared for and properly serviced over the years, showing correct components and finishes, with evidence of use. Recently the driveline rubber donuts were replaced. The floor pan (selectively replaced as needed during the restoration) is structurally sound. The car comes with an extra set of keys, script for the trunk, car cover, soft tonneau cover, sun visors, center console, a radio blackout plate, spare oil filters, some records of recent service, a workshop manual (CD), and video and photos of the restoration process.

Nicely finished and ready to enjoy as intended, this 1967 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto awaits a new buyer and fortunate passenger to complete the “Italian Duet” so aptly named 50 years ago when the stunning spider delighted new buyers and went on to become one of the most loved Alfa Romeos of the post war era.

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