Description
It’s said by a certain tall automotive journalist that you’re not a true car fan unless you’ve had an Alfa. Often, it's hard to argue with the sentiment. Alfa Romeo has a rich history, not just on the road but on the track too.
From success in the early days of motor racing to bananas hot hatches in the 2000s, Alfa Romeo’s range has something for everyone. But arguably one of its more iconic models is the Spider. A simple idea, pair Alfa’s saloon car running gear with a lightweight sporty body.
The first Spiders, as we recognise them today, were launched in the mid-1960s sporting a range of Alfa Twin cam engines from capacities of 1300cc up to 1750cc. For the Series 2, the range expanded and a range-topping 2000 Veloce was added.
The second generation sometimes referred to as a Kamm Tail, was launched in 1970. Whilst at its core development of its predecessor, its design tweaks retained the first-generation iconic styling cues whilst bringing about some 70s innovation.
This example is a 1977 Spider Veloce 2000, a right-hand-drive UK example with 94, 500 miles. Externally, the car is finished in Gloss Black. The paintwork presents extremely well and offers deep reflections despite its age, at the front the enclosed headlamps feature new replacement Carello headlamp covers, and to the sides, the characteristic spider swage line leads you along the flanks of the car past the Pininfarina badging that adorns the rear quarters and onto the aforementioned Kamm tail.
At the rear, you’ll find the contrast between the Alfa Romeo script badging on the right and the 70s block 2000 moniker on the left. The rear end is finished off by a quirkily mounted off-centre stainless tailpipe. The 14” steel wheels feature polished beauty rings and benefit from a recent set of replacement wheel bolts. They’re wrapped in a matching set of Continental tyres.
The black theme continues when you drop the fabric roof, as you’re greeted by an all-black interior. The seats are in excellent shape, thanks to a recent retrim and the carpet which was recently replaced with parts sourced from Classic Alfa is in excellent condition.
The dash is free from any cracks or damage, and all the gauges work as they should. You can admire the Jaeger clocks through the aperture of the wood-rimmed steering wheel. In the late 1990s, an uprated audio system was fitted, with Pioneer speakers mounted in the front and rear door cards. The rear door cards do show some signs of wear.
Under the bonnet is the iconic Alfa Romeo twin-cam engine, mated to a manual gearbox. This version is the full-fat 2000cc variant. Fuel is fed to the engine through a pair of twin-choke carburettors that offer excellent throttle response and an indulgent growl. The engine runs extremely well, despite the car's age and limited mileage, it has been maintained meticulously, serviced regularly and kept stored in a garage by its last owner, who kept it for over 20 years.
Since arriving with us, we have focussed on addressing and improving a few key areas. Mechanically, the car has been treated to a thorough and complete service, including replacing the battery, wheel nuts and a series of clamps throughout the engine bay. Externally, new mirrors were fitted, door rubbers, check straps, wiper arms and a trip for an extensive detailing session to ensure the highest quality finish, whilst as mentioned earlier the interior was treated to a set of retrimmed seats and a fresh carpet set.
If it is true that cars can have a soul, Alfa Romoe’s surely have a passionate one. This car has been loved and cared for as if it does have a soul, regardless of use, its regular servicing and its rarity as a right-hand-drive UK-supplied car mean you can be sure it's one to consider for your collection.
As with all our vehicles, a full digital folder is available on request containing more images, walk-around videos, and scans of the service history. The car can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.
