1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

Footnotes

It was Max Hoffman, importer of various European makes into the USA, who suggested that Alfa Romeo build an open roadster to compete with the small British sports cars that were proving so popular in North America. Design proposals were commissioned from Bertone and Pininfarina, with the latter securing the commission despite Hoffman's preference for the former.

Designed and built by Pininfarina, and notable as the famous Turin coachbuilder's first volume-produced car, the original Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider of 1955 brought a level of refinement and mechanical sophistication to small sports cars that made the opposition look dated. With such a pedigree the Spider was, not surprisingly, a huge success, becoming mainland Europe's best-selling small sports car and continuing in revised, longer wheelbase form after the introduction of the 101 Series in 1959.

This restored 101 Series Giulietta Spider was supplied new to Alfa Romeo Inc of Newark, USA before relocating to sunny California in the late 1970s. Brought to the UK in 1998, the Alfa was purchased by the current owner in 2014 and restored by Quest Brothers Classic Cars of St Ives, Cambridgeshire over three years from 2016 onwards (bills available). The car was stripped to a bare shell, which was discovered to be rust-free; the shell was then soda blasted, repaired and primed. At this point, the running gear (already restored and powder coated) was installed and the car checked before being dismantled back to a bare shell for painting throughout. The paint colour used was the original AR716 Grey, with a tough, chip-resistant material incorporated in the paint for the under-body areas.

Mechanically and electrically, everything was stripped and rebuilt, including an overhaul of the 1300 engine; stripping, inspecting and rebuilding the gearbox and differential; replacing all bearings; fitting a new wiring loom; rebuilding the instrument cluster, etc. As one would expect, the interior too was refurbished and re-trimmed in original red (floor coverings, seat coverings, door cards, etc. Other notable features include a Weber carburettor (for smoother running); a rare new-old-stock Abarth exhaust system; and an auxiliary input for the original radio. (The original Solex carburettor and air box are included in the sale.)

The Giulietta has covered some running-in test miles, with the Weber carburettors (replacing the original Solex) tuned and the brakes just bedded in. Although this car does not require an MoT certificate, one was acquired on completion and has since expired (in 2019). Fewer than 1,000 miles have been covered since the engine rebuild and this delightful Giulietta Spider is ready to be enjoyed.