Lot 222: Alfa Romeo Giulia Spyder 1600

With the advent of the 1950s, Alfa Romeo was forced to rationalise its production in order to survive financially. Nonetheless the firm still maintained a strong sporting tendency, and a model was always available to satisfy the whims of Alfa's affluent young customers; such a car was the Giulia Spider. Like its predecessor the Giulietta, the Giulia sported elegant open coachwork by Pininfarina, but the principal improvement came with the new 1.6 litre engine which replaced the old 1.3 litre unit. The result was a smoother, less fussy performance, with more torque and a more serious, powerful feeling. The familiar high-pitched exhaust rasp developed a noticeably lower tone, whilst spark plugs suddenly had less tendency to foul. A five-speed transmission was also standardised, whilst on the Spider a bonnet bulge, attractively formed into a full-width scoop, was provided to clear the taller block of the 1,600cc engine. The car offered for sale here was produced on 27th October 1962 and delivered to the Hoffman Motor Car Company of New York on 7th January 1963. Finished in white with a contrasting black interior and a black hood, this car is described as being in fair to good condition, and comes complete with Italian registration paperwork. An excellent chance to acquire one of these classic Alfas for a reasonable price.