Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce 2000

Launched in 1966 with Alfa’s wonderful twin-cam 1600cc engine, the Pininfarina-styled Giulia Sprint Spider was destined for greatness from the outset but only hastened that process when it shot to fame in the 1967 film ‘The Graduate’ starring Dustin Hoffman. In 1970 the boat-tail of the original Duetto was replaced in the Series 2 models by a more chopped off ‘Kamm’ tail to improve high speed stability and luggage capacity. Three more engines were also added to the options list, the most powerful being the 132bhp 2-litre unit found in the Spider Veloce. The S2 remained in production until 1982 when it was replaced by the somewhat ‘federalised’ S3.

First registered in February 1976, this 2-litre Spider Veloce has had just two owners in the last 28 years and in that time has covered less than 9,000 miles. The car was treated when new with the Jager ‘End Rust’ corrosion prevention system and is said to remain in very good structural condition throughout. Indeed the vendor rates the whole car as “wonderful” both inside and out and states that all the mechanicals are in good order including the synchromesh on 2nd gear – perhaps the only weak point of these cars.

Recently fitted with a new mohair hood, a new starter motor and a rebuilt alternator, the car is said to drive very well and has an MOT until the end of May 2011. These little Alfas are as pretty to look at as they are delightful to drive and this one looks excellent value at the guide price suggested today.