Fantasy Junction

Description

1969 Alfa Romeo Duetto

Chassis No. – AR*1480301*
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 1750 SPICA injection twin cam 4 cylinder
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 44,082 miles TMU
Current Owner – Purchased in 2010
Miles driven under current ownership – approximately 2,000 miles

Highlights for this car

Nice driver level car with solid cosmetics

Recent mechanical work performed by known specialists

Round tail design with 1750 engine and 5 speed gearbox

GTA-style cast alloy wheels

California car titled in 1969 with black/gold license plate

General History

Enjoying increased success in the new line of Alfa Romeo cars that evolved in the early 60s, Alfa Romeo released the first series spider at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. Originally named via customer competition, the winning entrant “Duetto” had to be delayed due to trademark issues, releasing it officially as the Spider 1600. Well-appointed, beautifully finished, and successful in competition venues, 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. By 1969 the engine was updated to the 1750 adding SPICA mechanical fuel injection to all cars destined for North America. 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. This distinctive feature was later changed in series 2 cars, making series 1 cars even desirable today. The basic design of the Duetto Spider would continue largely unchanged for three decades, including fame in the critically acclaimed movie “The Graduate”.

General Overview

Purchased by the current owner in 2010 from John Anderson of John Anderson Racing, this car has been in California since new, including the past decade under current ownership. Anderson recalls purchasing the car for the originality and sound cosmetics after working on the car many years ago as a service technician for a well-known Berkeley, CA shop specializing in Alfa Romeos. Written records show 132,280 miles in May 2002 which are believed to be original based on the former owner’s statements. During Anderson’s ownership, he rebuilt the engine to stock specifications updating the engine with a 1971 fuel injection unit which is of superior reliability than the 1969 unit. In 2016 the owner commissioned Larry Eisner, San Francisco, CA to remove and reinstall the 5-speed gearbox (rebuild performed by John Anderson Racing), replace a broken pedal box, check the clutch (determined to be in good condition), replace the grill, replace the door check straps, and replace the fuel tank sender. A new speedometer cable was installed, and the speedo head serviced as well. At this same time, the clutch master was replaced, flex hose and slave cylinder were replaced, the car was cosmetically detailed, and all fluids topped off.

In Jun 2020, Zucchi repaired lighting issues, installed a new brake boot, new steering wheel, new water temp sending unit, installed a new top, installed new rubber window moldings, and performed other minor misc. items to the car while in the shop.

In December 2020, Zucchi Motorsports replaced the windshield weather strip, changed the oil, spark plugs, and checked all fluids.

General Condition

Today with 44,000 miles showing (believed to be 144,000), this Alfa Romeo offers driver level cosmetics including older paint that has been generally well maintained showing good gloss and generally good cosmetic finish, but showing cracks, chips, and marks primarily visible at the front valance and grill area. The trim is in generally good condition overall appearing original to the car with a few exceptions including the grille which was more recently replaced and in very nice condition. A set of plastic headlight covers have been installed echoing the Alfa concept car the Duetto is based on. The lenses, lighting, bumpers, and various trim and script are in very good condition contributing to the overall cohesive visual presentation, once again essentially driver level. The panel gaps are consistent showing good closures and tight fit, even for both doors which show good part lines. The windshield has a crack on the passenger side which is delaminated and fogged. Outfitted with painted silver wheels, the rims are in very good condition shod with a set of contemporary Vredestein tires.

The black bucket seats have been previously recovered and have a very nice look and feel to the material and pleating accented by a pair of racing style seatbelts. The overall interior presents as a nice driver level car with most of the interior surfaces appearing in very good condition, likely a mixture of replaced items and original features. The door panels, carpeting, and side panels have a generally good quality feel to the finishes, though showing evidence of use primarily to the carpeting in the driver’s footwell area. The dashboard is quite nice, featuring clean and nicely detailed instruments with nice color and contrast. The black dash padding is in very good condition and an aftermarket Nardi Alfa Romeo branded steering wheel is in place (the original steering wheel is included). The convertible top is in very good condition having been recently replaced with good fit and finish overall, good rubber, and a clear rear window. The trunk is clean and well-maintained, retaining a factory jack and matching red exterior finish though also generally of driver level cosmetics.

Under the hood, the engine bay delivers a correct presentation reflective of original specifications. Though not detailed for show presentation, the engine appears largely correct in general detail with correct period airbox, cam cover, and various details. The engine is a replacement block. Overall, the engine compartment displays finishes that are typical of cars that have been driven and enjoyed not restored for show. The undercarriage is representative of an unrestored example with some areas showing signs of use, showing typical corrosion often found in even west coast dry climate cars that have not been restored. Koni shock absorbers at front, coil over Koni shocks at the rear, correct aluminum casting pans and casings, and other correct parts and components for this series car finish off an otherwise consistent chassis. There are two areas where some floor sections show rust intrusion, cracked metal, and metal voids.

The car starts, stops, runs, and drives capably as evidenced in the driving video accompanying the photos in the gallery.

Items Included with the Car

An original steering wheel (believed to be original to the car)
An original Alfa Romeo grill (believed to be original to the car)
A box of misc spare small parts, a car cover, two aftermarket rubber floor mats, a black tonneau cover, tire changing tools, a spare fan belt, an owner’s manual, and a Memo book with reference information and notations on this car.

Videos

Walkaround: https://youtu.be/JASja84q284

Driving: https://youtu.be/ifgeUPbvbrI

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