Fantasy Junction

Description

1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Duetto
s/n AR*1480884*, Engine no. *05653*
Rosso Italia with Black Interior

For many years, Alfa Romeo built some of the most beautifully designed and capable racing and road cars. Enthusiasts delighted in their newest offerings, and perhaps none more so than the spectacular 1960 Pininfarina show car, the Alfa Romeo S3000 Superflow, 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 early Duetto was powered by a 1570cc twin cam engine with dual Weber two-barrel side draft carburetors and producing 108hp. This was backed by a 5-speed manual transmission and disc brakes all round provided stopping power. By 1969, the last of the beautifully tapered “boat tail” or “round tail” (also referred to in Italian as “squid back”) body design would be built with an 1779cc engine, dual brake master cylinder, and SPICA fuel injection, making it one of the most desirable of these cars, already popularized by Dustin Hoffman in “The Graduate.” Although the Duetto moniker is technically reserved only for 1600cc cars, the name is also frequently used to identify 1750cc boat tail cars as well out of convenience. Together, they represent the most desirable of the four series of Alfa Spiders, a model that remained in production through four series and over 25 years.

This particular example has been under long term single ownership, showing 94,000 miles, which the current owner believes to be original. The car was mechanically restored in 2015 by Morin Brothers Automotive, in San Luis Obispo, CA at a cost of over $11,000, which included thoughtful upgrades to improve usability. Service on the car since has included the installation of a newer year fuel injection pump, new Koni Shocks, heavier springs, and a later year limited slip rear. During the 2015 service, the engine was comprehensively rebuilt (mileage at that time 86,575) including new pistons, rings, liners, main and rod bearings, hollow oil passage guide, new cams, cam follower, and cam tappets and new front and rear engine seals. Teflon valve stem seals were installed, new valves, machined valve seats, and a polished crankshaft was also installed. The block was honed and all parts were jet cleaned before careful reassembly. Additionally the thermostatic actuator was replaced, throttle bores were rebalanced, hoses replaced, and the fuel system tested. The transmission was rebuilt, and a new front U-joint was installed along with a new driveshaft support, driveshaft bearing, flex joint, tail shaft, and front bushing. Additionally, the drive shaft was centered before reinstallation. The alternator and starter were rebuilt, a new radiator was installed, and a new distributor cap, rotor, and spark plug wires were installed. The brake booster was rebuilt, brakes serviced completely, and road tested upon delivery. Since then the car has been further serviced regularly and used occasionally.

Visually, the car appears today in very fine driver quality condition, showing very good paint with very good luster and gloss throughout the exterior. The surface and bodywork were nicely done some time ago but still exhibit very good panel fit, good door gaps, uniformed paint coverage, and attention to detail on the inner surfaces. During the mechanical work the engine compartment was nicely cleaned and detailed, reflecting correct finishes. Chrome trim throughout the car has light hazing but otherwise is very nice overall. Doors, hood and trunk lid open and shut properly. The general finish of the trim and various chrome parts are very nice and properly fit to the body. The car presents cohesively with very nice lenses, glass, and emblems throughout. The original steel wheels are correctly painted silver metallic, and finished with the original style stamped center caps, which are all in very nice condition.

The interior has been nicely prepared showing majority restored components using high quality materials and finishes. The hand-stitched seats have been recovered with excellent fit, correct bolster and cushion padding, and proper pleating. A very nice array of instruments and beautiful later series Alfa wood steering wheel completes the factory look. The instruments are very nicely finished with good color and very nice bezels. The door panels, dash pad, and rear storage area remain in good condition, appearing original.

Under the hood reveals a very nicely finished 1750 engine with correct Spica Fuel Injection, airbox, and assorted components. The engine and gearbox have been finished to very nice driver standards using proper components, materials, and fasteners. The engine compartment is also very nicely detailed with excellent finishes on the firewall, underside of the hood, metal tags, and various engine details. Overall the visual impact experienced when opening the hood is very satisfying, both cosmetically and mechanically.

On the road, this Duetto presents as a very capable driver. The Spica fuel injection offers 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 while the overall ride at higher speeds is stable and invigorating, The car exhibits a readiness consistent for enjoyable road use without the fussiness of a show car. Underneath the car appears well-cared for and properly serviced, but not highly detailed. The floor pan is structurally sound and there is no visual evidence of corrosion in the typical areas. The car comes with a jack and spare wheel, and records of the engine rebuild from 2015.

Nicely finished and ready to enjoy as intended, this 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto awaits a fortunate new buyer eager to enjoy 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