Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider
s/n AR*662383*, Engine no. AR00536*10707*
White with Black Interior

For more than a century, Alfa Romeo has designed and developed some of the most beautiful and capable racing and road cars ever conceived. Immediately after World War II, Alfa Romeo concentrated on delivering a complete line of production-based cars to enthusiasts eager for something new. Inspired by a series of Pininfarina show cars, the beautiful new Series 1 Spider launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1966, captivating motorsports press and international customers. 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 side draft, two-barrel carburetors, producing 108hp. Mated to a 5 speed manual transmission, and 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 to the Kamm tail design in series II cars. The basic design of the Duetto Spider however would continue largely unchanged for three decades - a tribute to the astonishing yet pure and flowing design of these capable cars.

This particular example is one of the best restored Duettos available. It has been in the care of the current owner since 2004. When he purchased the car it was a nice combination of original and partial restoration, with very nice driving characteristics. A few years ago, the current owner, an automotive and aviation enthusiast and participant in several automotive events, was on his way to participate in Concorso when he was nudged by a large truck changing lanes, leaving several rubber marks and impressions on the side of the car. Damage was not significant enough to impact driving, so he soldiered on to Concorso. Upon returning home, he and his team of aviation mechanics decided to restore the car. They completely stripped and refinished the body preparing it for a fresh coat of white paint. The original engine was removed and a comprehensive rebuild was performed including the intake, exhaust, carburetors, and various engine components. The suspension was removed and rebuilt as was the gearbox and a new clutch was installed. The interior was redone including a new windscreen, new top, and a new top boot. The exterior chrome was also redone, and Carello headlamp covers were installed.

Today this Duetto Spider appears in very sharp and fresh condition overall, reflecting the high quality of the restoration and proper care since completion. The white paint is glossy, nicely polished, and has been properly applied with uniformed paint coverage and attention to detail on the inner surfaces, engine compartment and trunk compartment. The surface and bodywork were nicely done and exhibit good panel fit, albeit with a slightly proud trunk lid along the driver's side. Chrome trim throughout the car has light hazing but otherwise the chrome has a generally fresh appearance, the trim pieces properly fit to the body, and rubber appears fresh and consistent. Red taillights and thin bumpers nicely accent the beautifully sculpted round tail. The clean and delicate twin grille and fascia are highlighted by handsome Carello headlight covers that give the car a fitting touch, echoing the inspiring Superflow show car design. The updated cast wheels appropriately reflect a more sporting character, resulting in a desirably aggressive stance.

The interior has been professionally restored giving attention to all interior components using good quality materials and finishes. The seats are very nicely trimmed with excellent fit, good support, and proper piping. The restored instruments display excellent quality faces, while the black-rimmed steering wheel completes the factory look. The dash pad is nicely finished as are the handsome door panels and accompanying trim. A few of the interior chrome pieces show light pitting upon close examination, but otherwise are very clean and bright. The near new black canvas top and clear rear window fits snugly when up and easily stows behind the seats. With the top down, a new black top boot fits very nicely over the stored top, which stows safely without binding. The black carpeting, door panels, and rear storage area are new. The trunk compartment has also been nicely finished with excellent white paint, beautifully finished factory jack, spare steel rim mounted with a Pirelli Cinturato tire, and proper trunk liner.

Under the hood reveals the exceptional matching numbers 1600 engine, sporting twin Weber 40 DCOE carburetors, correct cast aluminum intake plenum, properly finished factory air box, nicely polished aluminum twin-cam head, and further components all of which have been properly finished to high quality original standards. The engine and gearbox have been finished to factory standards for the period using proper components, materials, wires, hardware, and fasteners. The end result when looking under the hood is not only correct and visually fresh, but also mechanically delightful, delivering wonderful Italian sounds when idling.

The underside of the car proudly reveals the attention to detail given during the restoration. The floors have been correctly finished in satin black with various suspension components correctly finished in gloss black. The contrasting raw aluminum castings of the engine, gearbox, and rear end cluster show off both Alfa Romeo's mechanical artistry and the restoration efforts properly afforded in all areas. Attention to detail in the underside components speaks volumes about the fastidious nature of the restoration team and the current owner's enthusiasm for cars.

On the road, this Duetto presents as a very capable driver. The twin Webers deliver strong power as the car takes up nicely offering a bright Italian growl at high revs when the cams come on. The gearbox is smooth through the synchromesh transmission, although the reverse gear pops out occasionally if not held in place while backing. Braking is quite good with nice pedal feel and the handling is very rewarding even at highway speeds. Although the current owner has not driven the car as often as he would like, the car exhibits a readiness consistent with enjoyable road use. The car comes with a cloth tool roll with tools.

Beautifully finished to a very nice standard and ready to enjoy as intended, this 1967 Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider awaits a new buyer and fortunate passenger to complete the \"Italian Duet\" so aptly named 50 years ago when this 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