Description
It is 1966 when something special is about to happen at the Geneva Motor Show. A new model that no one has seen yet. Completely different from today, no images have yet been leaked via the internet and no computer impressions have yet been circulated. No, in 1966 the tension on the exhibition floor can be felt when a new car is presented to the general public. The curtain is from the Alfa Romeo Spider, later known as Duetto, and the model immediately makes a big impression. Today it is one of the most famous classics. The model stood at Alfa Romeo dealers for almost 30 years, in four different series.
Offered here is an early Spider ‘Duetto’ 1600 from 1967 in the most popular color, Rosso Alfa, where enthusiasts will immediately know that it is AR304. From California, which is very favorable for classic cars. Of course, the Spider has already been given a new coat of paint, but what are we dealing with here with an exceptionally beautiful and intact Duetto! The body of the Spider is in absolute top condition. The original edges of the sheet metal are still very visible, such as in the trunk space, under the hood and of the sheet metal itself. Areas that often indicate weakness, such as the rear edge of the trunk and interfaces where the front fenders are welded to the chassis under the hood, are all in a very healthy and very neat condition. The rear of the Spider also runs very nicely horizontally. Many early Spiders have a somewhat ‘droopy rear’ due to rust or not properly repaired damage, and of course we don’t want that, not even at the age of 55.
The paintwork is in a very neat condition, the new paint was clearly applied by a skilled specialist at the time. No rubbers that have red edges or other parts that are not supposed to be ‘AR304’. Okay, except for the wing mirror, but that was the conscious choice of a previous owner.
With the interior we can continue where we left off with the exterior: originality is the crowning glory, except for the beautiful sports steering wheel and the matching gear knob. A beautiful body-coloured steel dashboard, as is typical of the early Spiders. Where many similar cars had a hole cut in the dashboard for the installation of a radio, this one is still completely intact. The floor covering still looks original and in top condition, the seats have been reupholstered in the past, with the small damage on the seat of the driver’s seat actually being the only flaw in the entire interior. The seats are very comfortable and offer sufficient support, as is typical for all seats in Alfas from the 105 series, to which the Duetto also belongs.
The convertible top is very neat and clearly not from 1966. Just nice, so you don’t have to worry about it. Looking back through the very fresh, transparent window does not cause any problems.
Whether you have the hood up or down: the fantastic Nord roll reaches your hearing perfectly. Under the hood is a 1600 cc engine with 108 hp. Combined with a so-called roar pipe, an almost standard recipe for a 105 series, this Spider delivers an unprecedented amount of fun. Few cars offer as much driving pleasure as an Alfa Romeo 105 series and the Spider adds a good portion of wind through the hair (if any).
This Spider Duetto shows in everything that it is fresh, original and full of life.
The Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto is an evergreen, a classic that has been popular at every stage of its life and will continue to do so. Beautiful specimens like this are becoming a rarity. La Dolce Vita on wheels.
