• Engine no. AR00601 01231

Alfa Romeo's largest model in its day
• Elegant Bertone styling
• Present ownership since 2006
• Increasingly sought-after model

Introduced in 1962, Alfa Romeo's 106-Series 2600 range was a direct replacement for the preceding 102-Series 2000 cars. The latter's chassis design and body styles were retained, with minor revisions and improvements, but in place of the old, long-stroke, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine was a new, 2,584cc, twin-cam six clearly descended from the immensely successful Giulietta. A maximum output of 145bhp was claimed for this unit when installed in the Sprint coupé and Spider, good enough for a top speed of around 125mph, and Cars Illustrated magazine reckoned this magnificent power unit "one of the smoothest, quietest running sixes, irrespective of the speed at which it is running, in our experience". Carrozzerias Touring and Bertone were responsible for the 2600 Spider and Sprint Coupé respectively; both of which looked like their 2000 predecessors.

Homologated in 1962 and raced until 1967 by both the works and privateers, the Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint was piloted by stars such as Andrea de Adamich, Jean Guichet and Carlo Facetti, achieving class wins in the 24 Heures du Spa, Tour de France, Nürburgring 12 Hours, Monza 4 Hours, Mugello and other rounds of the European Touring Car Championship. During the same period it was extensively hill-climbed and rallied, proving to be a powerful and reliable all-rounder. A total of approximately 2,255 Spiders and 6,999 Sprint Coupés were produced between 1962 and 1966, and today these rare and hitherto under-appreciated models are becoming increasingly sought after by discerning collectors.

Produced in October 1962 and sold new in Holland, chassis number '820939' was shipped to the UK in 1973 and stored for two decades before being recommissioned and returned to the road in 1996. Displaying only 55,860 kilometres on the odometer (see MoT certificate on file), it was acquired for the collection at a UK auction in 2006, since when only further 162 kilometres have been added to the total and has remained on a static display.

This year, the car has been lightly recommissioned, which consisted of a new battery and air filter. We would advise close inspection of the car before returning to the road for regular use.

Accompanying paperwork includes the 2006 purchase invoice; a Greek car inspection report (2010); Greek customs paperwork (2009); and correspondence with the Alfa Romeo Archives confirming the car was delivered new to Holland in October 1962 finished in metallic grey.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.