LOT 55
1959 Alfa Romeo 2000 SPIDER Coachwork by Touring Chassis no. AR10204.00079 Engine no. AR00204.01905 (see text)
Sold for US$97,000 inc. premium
Lot 55
1959 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider Coachwork by Touring
1959 Alfa Romeo 2000 SPIDER
Coachwork by Touring
Chassis no. AR10204.00079
Engine no. AR00204.01905 (see text)
Coachwork by Touring
Chassis no. AR10204.00079
Engine no. AR00204.01905 (see text)
1,975cc DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-choke Weber Carburetors
115bhp at 5,700rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Superbly restored example of the desirable Touring-bodied 2000 Spider
*In current California ownership for more than four decades
*At home on Concours lawns or mountain roads alike
*La Dolce Vita motoring at its finest
Previewing at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.
THE ALFA ROMEO 2000 SPIDER
Although Alfa Romeo returned to automobile manufacture fairly quickly after World War II, it was not until 1950 that a new design became available. This was the 1900, a unit body sedan with a twin overhead cam 1,884cc four-cylinder engine. It was the first Alfa built on a real production line – all previous cars had been largely hand-built –and also the first with left-hand drive. Until 1950, Alfa production had hovered around 400 units annually. With the 1900, this increased almost tenfold. A 1900C Sprint coupe was introduced with body by Touring and a Spider cabriolet by Pinin Farina, both built in much smaller quantities.
In 1958, Alfa came out with a new sedan, which, with its larger 1,975cc engine, was called the 2000. There was, not surprisingly, a 2000 Spider, designed and built by Touring, and a 2000 Sprint Coupe done by Bertone, the latter introduced in 1960. Spider and Sprint production comprised nearly half of all 2000 sales – 3,443 examples of the Spider were produced, and 700 of the more expensive Sprint Coupe. The 2000 sedan had the uncommon feature of a column-mounted shifter for its five-speed transmission, while the Spider and Sprint retained the more sporting-oriented floor-mounted gear shift.
Built between 1958 and 1962, the 2000 Spider was far rarer than its junior counterpart, the Giulietta Spider (of which about 17,000 were produced), and at $5,365 POE, its price was much greater than that of the smaller car. The 1,975cc four-cylinder engine, with duplex-chain driven twin overhead camshafts, hemispherical combustion chambers, and a pair of side-draft Solex carburetors, was tuned to deliver 131 horsepower, allowing the Touring-bodied roadster to easily exceed 100 mph. Its fully-synchronized five-speed transmission allowed fairly relaxed high-speed touring, and its large Alfin drum brakes were very effective for their day. The handsome unibody styled by Carrozzeria Touring on a 98-inch wheelbase presaged what would become the six-cylinder 2600 convertible in 1962.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This lovely example of Alfa Romeo's rare 2000 Spider benefits from having been kept in the mild Southern California climate for more than four decades, while being retained by just one single owner. Furthermore, the 2000 Spider has been treated to a comprehensive, nut-and-bolt restoration by the well-known Italian classic car specialists at Northridge, CA-based Santo's Italian Car Service. The restoration was carried out between 2018 and 2020, and attention was given to even the smallest components and details. The beautiful Touring Spider bodywork was refinished in the appropriate red color as seen on the car today, while the interior was trimmed in neatly contrasting black with grey piping and carpets. Chrome and brightwork was restored as well and shows exceedingly well in person. The dashboard is adorned by the classic Veglia instruments, and a new black convertible top has been professionally fitted. It should be noted, that according to the chassis plate affixed to the firewall, the original engine appears to have been replaced with a period-correct unit at some point in time.
With its sweeping lines, exceptional handling and powerful 2-liter twin-cam motor, this stunning Alfa Romeo provides an exciting, wind-in-your-hair driving experience. The Alfa Romeo we are proud to offer here is truly an outstanding example that is ready to enjoy and will most certainly be an object of great affection for its next owner.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the title will be in transit.
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