Lot 316: Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloce

A modern classic by Pininfarina, the simple-yet-elegant Spider bodywork premiered on the 1966 Duetto would prove enduringly popular, lasting into the 1990s. The Spider�s mechanical underpinnings were essentially those of the Giulia saloon, comprising independent front suspension, coil-suspended live rear axle and four-wheel servo-assisted disc brakes, while the engine was the Giulia Sprint GTV�s 1.6-litre, double-overhead-camshaft four. The Duetto was made for just two years before being superseded in 1967 by the 1.8-litre �1750� Spider Veloce, whose nomenclature recalled that of a famous Alfa of pre-war days. Produced until 1970, the 1750 retained the Duetto�s �round tail� coachwork at first, later examples gaining the �sawn-off� Kamm-type tail that would characterise the successor 2000 model.
Autosport�s inimitable road-tester, John Bolster enthused over the 1750 Spider Veloce when he first got his hands on one in 1969, finding it �difficult to put into words the sheer charm of this open sports Alfa Romeo. Its appearance matches its performance and its small size is an immense advantage in modern traffic. It is the kind of car that even an experienced test driver will take out for the sheer fun of handling it. Unlike its illustrious ancestors, it achieves a very high standard of comfort and refinement, and it is just as easy to drive as the most unexciting family hack.�
A most attractive and sought after post-war Alfa, this right-hand drive �square tail� 1750 Spider Veloce was acquired by the current owner in 1997 and since then has been undergoing long-term full restoration. Completed in 2007, the latter included a re-spray, interior re-trim and re-commissioning of the engine (see bills on file). Presented in good condition throughout, the car is offered with (tax-exempt) road fund licence, MoT to April 2010 and Swansea 5 registration document.