Fantasy Junction

Description

1972 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

Chassis No. – AR*3040453*
Engine No. – AR01500*03889*
Exterior Color – Silver
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 2.0L Twin Cam four-cylinder
Transmission – 5 speed manual
Mileage – 88,307 (TMU)
Current owner – Purchased in 2014 with 88,293 miles indicated

Highlights of This Car

Desirable 2000 Spider Kammtail” with great driving manners
An economically advantageous entry into open-air Italian twin-cam ownership
Previous long-term California ownership

General History

With so much growing success in the new line of Alfa Romeo cars into the 1960s, the “Duetto” was a dynamic offering to the eager sporting public. Well-appointed, beautifully finished, and capable at the racetrack even when new, the second series cars arrived in 1970 with a more aerodynamically efficient Kamm tail rear, larger trunk capacity, new grille, new door handles, a more dramatically raked windscreen, hanging foot pedals, and improved interior trim. The 1971 models offered a vastly improved 1962cc 132hp engine under the hood, and the model’s name was updated to “2000 Spider Veloce”. The distinct improvements created a nicely balanced car retaining superb looks and Alfa Romeo performance. While a great deal of emphasis is placed on the Series 1 cars, Series II Spiders offer more power and refinement in a very nicely balanced package.

History of this Car
This example was purchased by the current owner in 2014 and has remained in his private collection for the past 8 years. Accompanied by copies of service records dating back to 1983, this Alfa is known to have remained under the same long-term California ownership spanning 1983-2014. A Seattle Datsun sale document accompanying the car indicates it sold through a dealer, At the time of sale, the car had less than 500 miles, as noted on the first WA State Application for Title, December 1972. The first owner, Carl Koch, a resident of Seattle, WA indicates his purchase from “Downtown Alfa” December 22, 1972. Records dating back to 1983 name Carl Koch as owner and later indicate Robert Koch, a resident of the San Diego, CA region. Documentation indicates a strong likelihood that Carl handed the car down to his son Robert. Over the course of his 30 years of ownership, Robert/Bob Koch engaged several Alfa professionals for service and cosmetic work as needed. Services under prior ownership include:

1983 – 49,436 miles check charging system, lube distributor, adjust FI unit.
1985 – 57,571 miles check injection system and install new spark plugs
1986 – Repair quarter panel, rust repair, bumper repair
1986 – 60,972 miles replace clutch master cylinder, spark plugs, gas sending unit
1987 – 66,387 miles tune up, valve adjustment, new u-joints, rear brake pads
1988 – 71,968 miles tune up, replace thermostat actuator, replace FI pump
1989 – 78,544 miles install new brake booster
1998 – 85,478 miles valve job, timing chain, new piston rings, gaskets, seals
2001 – 87,772 miles speedometer cable, lower ball joint, suspension bushings, wheel bearings, rear axle bearing, lube and oil, differential fluid, tires are believed to have been installed at this time.
2004 – 88,037 miles replace muffler, tail pipe, caster bushing set
2009 – 88,117 miles oil and filter, fluids changed, new thermostatic actuator, new fuel pumps and fuel lines, clean and test fuel system, new spica micro switch
2013 – 88,280 miles steering column cover, ignition switch, electrical wiring and connectors

In 2013 the car was serviced in Arizona where the dashboard was removed and recovered, a new outer and inner glove box door installed, a new alternator installed, and the radio repaired. It is possible, at this time, that the seats were reupholstered. After returning to San Francisco in 2014, the car was serviced with an oil change, rebuilt distributor, fluids changed, new thermostat actuator, speedometer cable serviced, brake reservoir replaced, and a new radiator cap. In March 2014 the speedometer was sent to Palo Alto Speedometer with 88,287 miles where it was repaired and calibrated. In April 2014 the speedometer was reinstalled in the car and serviced with 88,293 miles indicated.

The current owner purchased the car in 2014 and has put less than 20 miles on the car under his ownership. Having been maintained by an in-house mechanic, a battery was installed in December 2021 and the car has been tended to with regular service, indoor storage, and proper care.

Cosmetic and Mechanical Condition

Today this Kamm Tail Spider presents very nicely with all components and materials reflective of a driver+ level combination of original features and refurbished areas. The nicely finished silver metallic paint is glossy, has consistent coverage, and no major paint flaws of note. An adhesive sticker on the inside panel indicates the car was repainted in 1996 using Volvo color Mystic Silver Metallic. The doors and trunk exhibit very good panel fit, while the hood is nicely aligned though lesser so at the front gap line. All opening features exhibit smooth operation opening or closing. The general finish of the bumpers, trim, emblems, and various chrome parts is quite nice overall with good detailing, enhanced by a few replacement parts purchased from Alfa specialty vendors under previous ownership. The Cromodora cast “star” wheels are painted silver metallic with lug nuts of varied finish and nicely finished center caps. One wheel shows some curb rash on the outside bead edge. The Pirelli P400 tires have aged out of highway use but still retain good tread and are suitable for lower speed driving.

The interior has been very nicely prepared, retaining a cohesive presentation overall. The seats have been correctly reupholstered using vinyl material per original specifications. The seat foam supports are also in very good condition. A very nice array of instruments and a handsome wood rimmed steering wheel deliver a satisfying visual presence, including the serviced speedometer by Palo Alto Speedometers. The dashboard material is in very nice condition as are the door panels and various interior trim. The black canvas top has a clear rear window and the top fits snugly when up and stows easily behind the seats covered by a black vinyl top boot. Correct type black rubber embossed Alfa Romeo logo flooring and a set of red-letter Alfa Romeo script floor mats finish off the interior. A grey carpet floor covering completes the luggage area, covering the steel slotted spare rim and tire. A later series dash mounted Nakamichi CD stereo unit is equipped with a trunk mounted amp located on the upper portion of the trunk area.

Under the hood reveals the Spica Injected 2000 series engine. The overall condition reflects the 88,000 miles shown on the odometer and appears to have been properly maintained without the need for refinishing or cosmetic refurbishment as the original components appear to be in good condition, consistent with driver level presentation.

On the road, this Spider delivers spirited open-air motoring consistent with the driver level condition. The engine fires quickly, delivering excellent power in all ranges, waking up in the higher revs as the cams come on. The gearbox and clutch operate well, while the brakes will benefit from additional adjustment to achieve optimal use. Underneath, the car is tidy and clean, displaying a pair of Bilstein front shock absorbers which appear recently installed. Although evidence of corrosion appears in specific small sections of the pan, these appear confined to one under seat area and side flanking section, with some rust accumulation appearing along the surface of the underside rocker panels. And while the areas of corrosion will eventually need attention, the car drives and feels rather sound under general driving conditions.

Included with the car

The car is accompanied by copies of receipts from previous ownership spanning 1983-2014, various owner’s manuals (two copies), a service manual, instruction book, and a coupon service booklet. Also included is a set of Alfa Romeo monogrammed floor mats, and a vinyl dash pad cover.

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