1968 Alfa Romeo Duetto 1600 Spider "Survivor" California Car

Description

1968 Alfa Romeo 1600 Duetto Spider

History of Vehicle :

This Classic was purchased in California in 1967 and one year later purchased by a Naval Officer and meticulously maintained for the next 40+ years while collecting a mass of OEM parts to keep his pride and joy in top shape. These parts/ manuals are included with this auction (worth thousands). When this Officer went out to sea it was stored in the a naval storage facility covered waiting his return.(Naval cover included). This Officer retired and made his new home in Virginia where he peacefully passed. He generously willed the Alfa Romeo to his close friend a few years ago and it has received the same care and enjoyment from the new owner; always stored inside and not used in inclement weather.

This amazing classic and extremely rare collection of OEM parts is reluctantly up for sale due to the friend's expanding business and need of storage space. I'm a retired machinist/mechanic and have restored many cars of my own. I have offer to sell this amazing car for my friend and will describe and answer your questions truthfully and to the best of my abilities. The car was originally blue/green and was repainted silver . One flaw that stands out is a easily repairable crack and small hole in the trunk pan. No rust in pan whatsoever in pan.

History of the 1966-1995 Alfa Romeo Spider

The 1950s vintage Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Giulia series of coupes and convertibles seemed like they could conceivably go on forever. Even as late as 1965, Road & Track was still singing the praises of the 1600cc Giulia Spider Veloce. Nevertheless, for the 1966 model year, Alfa began selling its replacement, named the “Duetto,” via a contest 1that Alfa ran with the Italian public. It was the last project in which Batista Pininfarina was personally involved. And while widely viewed as classic design today, it was met with some controversy when new. Power was initially from the familiar Alfa 1600cc twin-cam engine that powered the last Giulias. Emission laws affected Alfa particularly hard and 1968 was a lost year in the U.S. The car returned for 1969 with a 1750cc engine and SPICA mechanical fuel injection. 1970 was another lost year and 1971 saw the car return with its lovely boat tail chopped off. The so-called Kamm-tail spider continued on basically unchanged (save for bigger bumpers and a 250cc boost in displacement) until 1982 when electronic injection was introduced and in 1983 styling was freshened slightly. Interior changes were about it until 1991 when the final (and quite successful) cleanup of the design took place prior to its discontinuation in 1994. All Spiders are brisk performers with sub-10 second 0-60 times and stellar convertible tops. Parts are readily available and while they are more complex and don’t tolerate “fools with tools” as readily as an MGB, they are more rewarding to drive. Rust was a major issue in all cars prior to the final series of 1991-94 cars.

Recent appraisal by licensed appraiser:credentialson demand

(Appraisal of 1967 Alfa Romeo Duetto 1600)

(Mileage: 80162, indicated) 1600 cc engine, dual Weber carburetors. 5 speed manual transmission, Audiovox AM/FM/Cassette radio with Bose speaker in rear, Power disc brakes with dual boosters. Laramie 185/65R15 tires on steel wheels with original Alfa hubcaps. Bilstein shock absorbers, Original style spare, jack, tools, wiper blades and Hirsch antenna. Owner states the vehicle is a 1968 model, however VIN decodes as one of the last 1600 Duettos manufactured, possibly during the last week of manufacture. This VIN data supersedes other considerations.

Comments Engine/Engine Compartment: Engine compartment in good original unrestored condition. Original pattern hoses, belts and clamps. Modern replacement battery installed. Cast surfaces dulled but showing no corrosion. Exhaust manifold shows moderate corrosion. Intake plenum wrapped with tape. Radiator stained with copper corrosion. All other painted, plated and cast surfaces in good original condition. Some modern wiring repairs made to original harness. Carburetors show fuel staining. Rare original oil and radiator filler caps still present. Condition grade #3-.

Chassis: Chassis members and floor pans are solid, rust free and in very good condition. Exhaust and driveshaft show moderate surface rust, suspension components have light superficial rust, dirt, and dust, and grease at lubrication points. Some bushings show cracks and wear. Transmission fluid and engine oil leaks present. Bumpers straight with very good chrome. Wheels and tires in very good condition. Condition grade #3+.

Interior: Original interior in good original condition. Original upholstery shows some wear and sagging, but no rips or holes. Shift gaiter and leather steering wheel show some wear. Convertible top in very good condition with a clear but yellowing rear window. Door panels in very good condition with no warping or staining. Dashboard padding in very good condition. Original carpeting intact, but worn, faded and soiled. Excellent glass, free of chips, scratches or clouding. Gauges have clear glass but slightly dulled lettering. Trunk in very good condition with good original trunk mat and good painted surfaces. Condition grade #3-.

Exterior: Paint shows very good depth and gloss. Areas of filler under the paint. Straight panels with even gaps. No visibly apparent corrosion. Panels open, close and latch well. Vehicle trim in very good condition and straight. Front Alfa Romeo cloisonné badging in fair condition. Left taillight cracked. All other lenses intact and in good condition. Condition grade #3.

Summary/Comments A well-maintained driver quality classic Italian roadster. Ready to enjoy as-is, or invest further to improve.

Explanation of Condition codes:

#1 Excellent, #2 Fine, #3 Very Good, #4 Good/Fair, #5 Poor/Restorable, #6 Parts Car.

After careful evaluation of this vehicle, based on my expertise and experience (and after consulting Old Cars Price Guide, NADA, Collector Car Auction Results, The Production Figure Book for U.S. Cars, the Internet, reviewing the International Vehicle Appraisers Network database, reviewing comparables, etc. and after consulting with other Professional Appraisers, museums, and automotive experts, etc., the determined overall Condition Grade is #3-.

This Vehicle has had one repaint. Everything works like it should. No engine smoke or unusual noises. Runs strong, shifts smoothly. Paint in great shape. No dents or dings.

I strongly suggest bidders to preview the car or send an appraiser of your own to see this classic and it's collection before committing to bidding. Your bids are binding!

Winning bidder is required to contact seller within 24 hours of auction closing. A non-refundable deposit of 10 percent of the winning bid value is due within 48 hours by cash, cashier's check, money order, or certified funds in U.S. dollars. Full payment of the remaining amount is required within 7 days of the end of auction by cash, cashier's check, money order, or certified funds in U.S. dollars. Buyer is responsible for all shipping arrangements and cost. Local pick up only. Please contact me with any question you may have.

Disclaimer: This vehicle is sold as is; with all faults and without warrant, expressed or implied oral or written, assurances or guarantees.

1967 Alfa Romeo Duetto Roadster Survivor Part 1 - YouTube

Video will open in a new window

1967 Alfa Romeo Duetto Roadster Survivor Part 2 OEM Parts - YouTube

Video will open in a new window