Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 1600 1967

In common with most classics. the first iteration of any model is generally the prettiest. lightest and most desirable. This is certainly true of the delightful Alfa Romeo Duetto 1600 which was the last design to flow from Battista “Pinin” Farina's brilliant pen before he retired.

Based on the 105 Series. a prototype design was shown as early as 1961 at the Turin show. The public reaction was predictably ecstatic. but production was not to commence until 1966 by which time. in true Alfa Romeo tradition. a public vote had named the new car the ‘Duetto'. loosely translated as duet – a musical pairing.

Fitted with the sweet revving 1. 70cc twin-cam. its willing 109bhp and five-speeds made it a delight to drive. selling well despite a price tag not far shy of an E-Type Jaguar. In 1967 a bit more urge was added when the capacity increased to 1. 79cc. the extra nine horses and better torque spread keeping the car at the top of the shopping list until the Series 2 made its debut in 1969 with a more contemporary ‘Kamm' tail replacing the elegant boat-tail of the original. Immortalised by Dustin Hoffman's performance in The Graduate. the early cars with their elegant boat tails are the most sought after.

Just 1. 70 Duettos in total were built in RHD form. with many being exported to South Africa and Australia. This correct UK supplied example is therefore a rare beast. nbsp;being one of just 380 to have left Italy fitted with the 1. 00cc engine.

The factory records for this RHD beauty show that it was exported to Alfa Romeo London on 17 May 1967 painted in red with black sky upholstery. Purchased by the vendor in 2011 from Ireland. he drove it for a while before deciding that he wanted to restore it to as new condition. The odometer shows 76. 00kms (under 50. 00 miles) which the vendor believes to be correct. although there is insufficient documentary evidence to warrant this. At some point it was fitted with the larger 1. 79cc 00548-type engine from another Spider which was a common modification in period.

Shipping the car to his native Brescia. a complete strip down to the bare shell was undertaken by experts Carrozzeria Torino regardless of cost. 40 years of body repairs and corrosion were revealed. all of which was professionally cut out and replaced as necessary during a rotisserie restoration. The completed body was then carefully rust treated. painted and undersealed. Photographs on file show the extent and quality of the workmanship. the finished article being very much as it left the factory.

Built back up using the majority of the original components. great care was spent in making sure the details were correct. The side repeaters are the correct tear-drop items located behind the front wheel. the nose section retains the bulge over the badge lost on many such restorations while even the front indicators have the correct white plastic ends. The vendor has fitted the correct twin rear seats behind the driver and passenger. nbsp;making it into a genuine 2+2 which has been recognised at the DVLA.

The end result speaks for itself and following an extended run on a lovely spring day we can confirm that this prime example goes every bit as well as it looks and is as good underneath as it is on top. These early Duettos are not going to get any cheaper and with good examples fetching over £30. 00. you had better get your hand in the air while you can! 

GOING TO AUCTION WEDNESDAY 14TH MAY AT BRIGHTWELLS AUCTIONS IN LEOMINSTER IN HEREFORDSHIRE WITH A GUIDE PRICE OF £22. 00 - £24. 00 AND OPEN TO AUCTION BIDS ON THE DAY ONLY.  

http://classiccars. brightwells. com/viewdetails. php?id=4300

VIEWING IS THE 13TH MAY AT BRIGHTWELLS

Easters Court
Leominster
Herefordshire
HR6 0DE

Tel: 01568 611166
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info@brightwells. com

PLEASE CONTACT BRIGHTWELLS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 

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Also published at eBay.co.uk

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