Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 Veloce

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In common with most classics, the first iteration of any model is generally the prettiest, lightest and most desirable. This is certainly true of the delightful Alfa Romeo Duetto which was the last design to flow from Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina’s brilliant pen before he retired.

Based on the 105 Series Giulia saloon, a prototype design was shown as early as 1961 at the Turin Show. The public reaction was predictably ecstatic, but production was not to commence until 1966 by which time, in true Alfa Romeo tradition, a public vote had named the new car the ‘Duetto’, loosely translated as duet – a musical pairing.

Fitted with the sweet revving 1,570cc twin-cam, its willing 109bhp and five-speeds made the Spider a delight to drive, selling well despite a price tag not far shy of an E-Type Jaguar. In 1967 a bit more urge was added when the capacity increased to 1,779cc, the extra nine horses, uprated suspension and brakes keeping the car at the top of the shopping list.

A year later, a 1,300cc Junior version became available, marginally reducing the price, shortly before the Series 2 made its debut in 1970 with a more contemporary ‘Kamm tail' replacing the elegant ‘round tail’ of the original. Forever associated with Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate, the early cars with their elegant swept tails are the most sought after.

Just 1,270 Duettos of all types were built in RHD form, with many being exported to South Africa and Australia, making this UK-supplied 1750 Veloce a rare model indeed. An AROC dating letter confirms that it was completed on 14th May 1969 with Ivory White paint (AR103) and a Skai Nero interior, being despatched to the Alfa concessionaires in London shortly afterwards where it was first UK registered in May 1970.

The vendor acquired the car in 2001 from a friend who had owned it since 1986 so it has had just two owners in the last 33 years and comes with records of all six previous owners. A good file of invoices chart regular upkeep over the years, recent works of note including a new mohair hood, carpets and Perspex headlight covers in 2015; new rear brake discs, pads and calipers in 2018 and a new clutch less than 3,000 miles ago. It also has an MOT valid until June 2019 although it is now exempt from this test.

Always kept garaged and used in fine weather only, 20 old MOTs back to 1986 show that it has only covered some 17,500 miles in the last 33 years, the odometer currently showing some 21,900 miles. Last year the car was treated to a thorough service to prepare it for a trip to Le Mans and back, a journey it completed without fault. It certainly drove well when we were treated to a quick run on the occasion of our visit, with excellent oil pressure and a notably sweet-sounding engine.

Only for sale because the vendor now has the chance to realise a long-held dream to own a Jensen Interceptor Convertible, this sporting Alfa looks mighty tempting at the guide price suggested - check out what 2600 Spiders are making these days...