1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

• One of the most iconic of post-war Alfa Romeos
• Older restoration (circa 2012)
• Re-commissioned in 2021
• Present ownership since 2021
• Described as excellent throughout

With the Giulietta's introduction in 1954, Alfa Romeo established the 'small car, big performance' formula that would characterise the Milanese marque's finest offerings from then on. First of the Giuliettas, the Bertone-styled Giulietta Sprint Coupé debuted at the Turin Motor Show in April 1954 powered by a 1.3-litre, all-alloy version of Alfa's classic twin-cam four designed by one-time Ferrari engineer Giuseppe Busso.

The original 750-Series Giulietta Sprint Coupé of 1954 was soon joined by Berlina and Spider versions. Designed and built by Pininfarina and notable as the famous Turin coachbuilder's first volume-produced car, the Spider 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. The Giulietta family's success surprised even Alfa themselves: production targets were revised upwards and to satisfy demands for increased performance, upgraded Veloce versions of the Sprint coupé and Spider convertible were introduced for 1956.

Chassis number 'AR 170763', was completed on 23rd August 1961 and sold two weeks later to Alfa Romeo Inc in Newark, New Jersey. According to records held by Automobilismo Storico Alfa Romeo, it was originally finished in white, with either a red or black interior. It is believed that the Alfa made its way to the USA's West Coast early in its life. It was sold and then brought to Tampa, Florida, spending six years serving as the Tre Amici café's mascot in Tampa's historic Ybor City district.

In 2012, the Alfa was sold to a new owner and treated to a extensive restoration. Florida Classic Cars of Tampa were entrusted with the rebuild, stripping the (claimed) rust-free body back to bare metal and repainting it in red (its colour when acquired). All trim pieces were either re-chromed or replaced with new items, and the car also received all new rubber trim and body seals. The black vinyl seats were reconditioned and the interior retrimmed with new carpeting throughout. The Spider also received a new black fabric soft-top. The steering wheel is in excellent condition, as is the re-plated chrome horn ring, while the dashboard pad and controls are in fine order too.

Our vendor purchased the Giulietta in the UK in 2021 and describes it as in excellent condition throughout. The vehicle underwent professional re-commissioning in 2021, with a remit of ensuring the vehicle runs flawlessly so that the owner had the option of driving it daily, with absolute confidence. This Giulietta is described by the owner and 'mechanically excellent and a fun, spirited drive'. Accompanying paperwork includes import clearance, title reassignment, auction bill of sale, partial service history, and a UK V5C registration Certificate.