DUETTO PROJECT CAR
Description
If you have any interest in "Restoring" a 1969 (last & best) Duetto, then you already know how fast the market is moving north, and you will soon realize that this is a great opportunity!
Here's the story:
Around 20 to 25 years ago (as I was told) someone was driving this Duetto through the New Mexico desert, when the rear tire (driver's side) blew out, causing the car to swerve to the left, into an "immovable" object, and then it "Rolled" over. We assume that the driver perished in the crash, because the keys were still in the ignition (in the on position) when it was found.
Basically, I purchased this Duetto several months ago, and (regrettably) I now have some pressing financial obligations, which have taken priority.
Here's the Good News:
* One of the main reasons why I was immediately excited about acquiring this Duetto, is because WE KNOW that it was "RUNNING" BEFORE the CRASH!
* This Duetto is completely "IN-TACT" and (considering the mileage) the probability is very high that it still has the original (matching numbers) engine!
* Incredibly, the impact of the crash didn't really damage the engine compartment! Obviously, if the impact was only 1 foot closer towards the center of the car, the extent of the damage would be a very different story!
* Incredibly, the frame is "tweaked" only slightly. If you stand behind the car, you can see that the rear wheel (passenger side) has been pushed slightly forward.
Obviously, the first order of business would be to take this Duetto to an "Expert" in frame alignment. Then, you need to find a Sheet Metal "Craftsman" who can "Restore" this Duetto, the right way!
Keep in mind these points, about the Duetto:
* The Italians had a major strike in 1969, and many factories were not producing anything, which is one of the major reasons why there were only 2,215 Duetto's manufactured in 1969.
* Approximately 50% of all Alfa Romeo's were imported into America, and only 1,155 Duetto's were imported into America (according to Wille at DuettoRegister.com) in 1969.
Keep in mind these points, about the Alfa Romeo brand:
* Alfa Romeo's are selling very well in China!
* Alfa Romeo is going to have a Formula 1 team next season!
Hopefully, there is somebody else who sees, understands and shares my "vision" for restoring this Duetto, which is only going to continue to increase in value, as the consumer "awareness" of the Alfa Romeo brand continues to steadily increase.
What I Have Done:
* It was immediately taken to a Sheet Metal "Craftsman" who subsequently performed his "Surgery" to properly remove all of the twisted metal, in a "Professional" manner.
* I have already purchased an ENTIRE "FRONT CLIP" from a 1970 Spider. Keep in mind that the ONLY DIFFERENCE between the 1969 Duetto and the 1970 Spider is a small section in the very front where the Grille is mounted. Other than that, all of the other Body Panels (front of the car) have the same part number!
* All of the sand, debris and trash has been removed.
* The Grille has been plated.
* The original license plate frame, as well as the original keys, have been plated.
Since I have the original license plate, I was planning on hiring someone to research the story of the crash, which (I'm assuming) must have been reported in the local newspapers.
About the Pictures:
* The first 14 pictures were taken by the previous seller, and show the Duetto exactly the way it was found.
* The remaining 10 pictures were taken by me, and show the current condition of the Duetto, after being "cleaned-up" and "prepped" by a Professional, as well as the ENTIRE "FRONT CLIP" (included in the purchase price) and a few other "relevant" pictures.
BTW, both of the front bumpers have been removed, and I was told they can be repaired and restored.
I thank you for reviewing this listing, and I'm available to answer any additional questions...
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