1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

• One of 2,255 produced
• Rare right-hand drive example
• Extensively restored and well maintained
• Circa £15,000 spent since 2016
• Substantial history file

Introduced in 1962, the 106-Series 2600 range was a direct replacement for the preceding 102-Series 2000 cars. The latter's chassis and body styles were retained, with minor revisions and improvements, but in place of the old, long-stroke, 2.0-litre, four was a new, 2,584cc, twin-cam six descended from the immensely successful Giulietta. A maximum output of 145bhp was claimed for this unit when installed in the Sprint coupé and Spider, which was good enough for a top speed of around 125mph. Rarest of these two high-performance variants was the Touring-bodied Spider, a total of 2,255 being produced between 1962 and 1965. Today this rare and hitherto under-appreciated model is becoming increasingly sought after by discerning Alfisti.

This car's extensive history file (perusal highly recommended) contains a substantial amount of servicing and restoration invoices accumulated by its various owners, confirming that this rare right-hand drive example has benefited from much care and attention over the years. Our vendor purchased the Alfa at Bonhams' Beaulieu sale in September 2016 (Lot 433) since when it has benefited from extensive renovation over a three-year period carried out by marque specialists K & L Autos of Golders Green at a cost of circa £10,000, while the vendor's personal mechanic undertook many of the more minor tasks involved. In addition, the car has recently been repainted. The engine has been fully serviced twice. In total, the vendor has spent around £15,000 on the car.

Part of a substantial collection, the Alfa has seen limited use. Apart from local journeys and the occasional show, it has been driven for a week's holiday to the Yorkshire Moors and Dales, and also to North Wales. According to the owner: "It's incredibly comfortable and the suspension is excellent. It does what it says on the tin: it's a great GT car and eats up the miles whether on a motorway or country roads. The five-speed 'box is a delight. Amazingly, of all my cars it's the most popular when I park it up - immediately someone will come over and ask about it. It's definitely a crowd puller."

Without doubt one of the most attractive coachbuilt Alfa Romeos of its time, this beautiful 2600 Spider comes with a fresh MoT, a V5C document and a factory workshop manual.