One to Buy: rare RHD 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 Veloce
As a consequence of its sensational Pininfarina styling and starring role in 1967’s hit movie movie ‘The Graduate’, Alfa Romeo’s Tipo 105 Spider became an automotive icon that stayed in production for nearly 30 years.
Launched at the Geneva Motor Show during March 1966, the original 1570cc all-alloy 108bhp dual overhead cam inline four cylinder engine was subsequently replaced by an enlarged 1779cc version at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1968.
In addition to a little more power (122bhp), the Spider 1750 Veloce was a much torquier machine with 137lb-ft on tap at 5500rpm compared to 102lb-ft at 5500rpm for the outgoing variant. The suspension, brakes and interior were also improved for what was undoubtedly the best Tipo 105 ever produced by Alfa Romeo.
Of the 4672 1750 Veloces built by Alfa Romeo between 1968 and 1970, just 633 (or 601 depending on the source) were right-hand drive and one of these rare cars is currently on sale with the Classic Throttle Shop in North Sydney.
Originally delivered to the UK in 1969, it has more recently been restored to concours condition.
Presented in Avorio with a Black leatherette upholstery and matching rubber mats, the car also comes with a set of fitted floor mats and benefits from the installation of a USB charger.
Offered fresh from a recent engine rebuilt, accolades from the last three Sydney Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club’s annual Concorso d'Eleganza events in the competitive 105 Spider class have yielded first, third and runner up placings (the most recent of which was in September 2023).
Reprinted below is the Classic Throttle Shop’s description:
The glamorous Duetto was made famous when it starred in The Graduate alongside Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft and is now a proven a long-lived classic car. It was the last design personally executed by the renowned Italian car designer, Battista Farina.
Its name was the result of a national competition run by Alfa Romeo at the time of its launch in 1966. The car body was made separately at the Pininfarina Coachbuilding factory and then delivered to Alfa Romeo for final assembly.
The Duetto made clever use of the acclaimed 105-series chassis and was originally produced with a 1600 cc engine, later updated to a faster 1750 engine. It delivered impeccable handling, courtesy of its meticulous damping and independent front suspension. Compared to other sports cars of its day, the vehicle came with an alloy aluminium engine, double overhead cams, twin weber carburettors, 5 speed gearbox and disc brakes on all 4 wheels.
Distinguished by its understated chrome accents, sculpted bodywork, and iconic tapered rear end, the Duetto stands as the quintessential Alfa Spider, revered by enthusiasts and collectors as the pinnacle of its 27-year Spider production run.
This specific jewel is a 1969 Alfa Romeo Duetto, originally delivered in the UK and featuring the exceedingly rare 1750 cc engine. Among the exclusive 601 units crafted for the right-hand drive market, it serves as a testament to the unwavering devotion and meticulous care bestowed upon it by its guardians.
Adorned in a cream (Alfa avorio code 103) exterior with a black leatherette interior, complemented by black rubber mats and a new black convertible top. Modern fitments include double USB charger, faccia switch for the windscreen washer, concealed cut-off switch and fitted carpets as spares. The paintwork and finishing exceed the customary expectations for a Duetto, setting a remarkable standard.
Beyond the resplendent exterior, this Duetto boasts an up-to-date service history, accompanied by impeccable brightwork. The original steel wheels, graced by their distinctive dog-dish hubcaps, remain intact and, in our view, perfectly complement the boat-tail Duetto, accentuating the elegant and minimalist lines conceived by Pininfarina.
The interior has received similarly meticulous attention, elevating the leatherette and trim work to a level of quality that harmonizes with the rest of the vehicle. The colour combination not only appeals visually but also adds to the distinctive allure of this example.
The vehicle's captivating history takes center stage, with a meticulously detailed log chronicling its charmed existence. In the late 1980s, it underwent a thorough engine rebuild, followed by a comprehensive restoration of its body. Its journey extended to the shores of Australia in 2002, where a gearbox rebuild took place in 2007, accompanied by regular maintenance from Alfa specialists such as Frank's Pitstop—all meticulously recorded with accompanying receipts.
The extensive documentation includes an original set of keys, a spider instruction booklet, and a duplicate of the original 1750 car instruction book.
Accolades from the last three Sydney AROCA annual Concorso d'Eleganza Show & Shine events in the competitive 105 Spiders class tell a compelling story: a first-place finish, a third-place standing, and most recently, in September 2023, a runner-up award.
These accolades serve as confirmation of its rare and exceptional condition. Notably, the car has undergone a recent engine rebuild, all backed by the peace of mind that comes with a one-year warranty.
Alfa Romeo as a brand embodies the essence of "la dolce vita." It harbours an emotional connection and a tactile sensation transmitted through the steering wheel and gearbox, imparting even the most unassuming Alfa with an inexplicable link to the spirit of Vittorio Jano's legendary sports and grand prix cars from the 1930s.
If you desire the opportunity to become a part of this heritage, please don't hesitate to reach out.
