Lot 009: 1979 ALFA ROMEO 2000 SPIDER VELOCE

Supplied new to California, this particular left-hand drive example was imported to the UK in 1990. Converted to 'European specification' just prior to being sold by Christie's at Beaulieu in 1994 - by dint of having its US fuel injection system and catalytic converter replaced with twin 40mm Dellorto carburetors during an engine rebuild - it has covered just 12,000 miles since (a figure corroborated by sixteen consecutive MOT certificates). According to its current owner "the car has been extensively protected against rust and to the best of my knowledge has never been welded". Said to come with "receipts in excess of ú3,000", it has benefited from a gearbox overhaul and new clutch in the past, while more recent work has seen it fitted with a new set of high quality Jaguar carpets throughout. Finished in silver with a full leather interior (including the door skins), this handsome Spider is variously rated by the vendor as being in good (paintwork, electrical equipment and wheels/tyres) or very good (chassis, engine, interior trim and bodywork) condition. Though, he notes that "the heater fan has come loose on its spindle and the gearbox occasionally baulks slightly in second - may only need slight adjustment as the 'box has been refurbished". An Alfa Romeo Owners' Club member, he believes the Veloce to have covered 98,600 miles from new and informs us that he intends to obtain a fresh MOT certificate by the time of sale (the present one lapses on July 29th 2005 with the road tax expiring on 30th September 2005). Offered for sale with history file comprising: import documentation, Christie's catalogue, assorted MOT certificates and sundry invoices etc.