Description
This LHD Series 2 1600 Junior is an extremely rare model, incorporating the benefits of the Kamm tail Spider (better soft top mechanism) with the more desirable aesthetics of the Duetto style dash.
It left Arese in March 1979 for Germany and was imported into the UK in July 1988.
Painted in Alfa 501 red it currently shows 66, 232km on the odometer (though that will increase slightly as I intend to continue to use her) and there have been five former keepers.
I bought this car privately in the UK 22 years ago for my late wife and throughout our ownership I have taken it to Ian Ellis Alfa in Sussex for annual service and all maintenance.
The sweet twin cam drives beautifully.
It shows the pattina of its age but it is perfectly reliable and will offer plenty of years' service in its present guise.
The gearbox has the typical Alfa trait of the synchro not being great from third down to second.
It’s time for me to let her go and let someone else enjoy her for the next stage of her life.
Interior & Equipment
The cockpit of the 1600 Junior is both sporty and functional with Jaeger instruments angled towards the driver, in a chrome finish plus an aftermarket Alpine CD player/ radio.
The interior is in age-appropriate order, the cream vinyl seats need recovering. The black carpet is ok but has seen better days. The black door cards have original furniture. The original steering wheel has been swapped out for a wooden Hellebore GTA one, which feels stunning.
Exterior
The bodywork is reasonable, with a couple of dents and some rust bubbles but the panel fit is good with decent gaps, door closures and flowing straight lines.
The door mirrors are the bullet design and all badges are in perfect order. The hood has a small tear in the plastic window but shuts properly and is waterproof.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
Wheels - The 5 Alfa pressed steel wheels are original and sit on excellent all-matching Vredestein Sprint Classic 165 HR14 tyres specially developed for classic cars.
Brakes - servo-assisted all-round disc brakes offer a positive and reassuring feel at all speeds.
Suspension - Front and rear in good condition offering true sports car handling.
Engine & Transmission
Fitted with the original 1570cc 4 in-line twin-cam. Other upgrades include a straight-through back box exhaust system and electronic ignition.
Sadly, an office mishap has meant little surviving service records, receipts and paperwork but Ian Ellis knows this car very well and will vouch for its reliability and authenticity. I have its Certificato di Origine directly from Alfa, confirming its production and original sale dates.
The peppy 1600 engine offers lively acceleration, the clutch is light, gear changes are slick and precise, and it starts hot or cold.
Taxation Class: Historic Vehicle - Zero road tax and MOT exempt. I love everything about this car. Every time I drive it I have a grin on my face. Its classic lines are a head turner.
