Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider Veloce

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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. With disc brakes all round, a five-speed gearbox and limited slip diff as standard, they were very advanced for their day. The S2 remained in production until 1982 when it was replaced by the somewhat ‘federalised’ S3 which was only available in left-hand drive.

First registered in April 1978, this lovely Spider Veloce has just emerged from a thorough restoration which took over two years to complete. The vendor, a professional car restorer with over 40 years’ experience, acquired the car in 2013 after it had been in storage for 20 years. It was stripped to bare metal and the bodywork restored as necessary with many new panels before being professionally resprayed in yellow.

Mechanically it was fully gone through with a thorough engine service with new fluids, hoses etc; rebuilt Weber 45 carbs; new starter motor; new water pump; electronic ignition; a gearbox rebuild with new clutch and hydraulics; full braking system overhaul with many new parts; new heater matrix; new propshaft centre carrier etc.

The wheels were refurbished and new tyres fitted all round and the interior was refurbished as required. The soft top was found to be in very good condition and responded well to a thorough clean. Around £4,000 was spent on parts alone, not to mention the hundreds of hours of labour invested in the project.

Due to have a fresh MOT in time for the sale and complete with a good file of parts invoices and photographs to document the restoration, it certainly sounds like a nice example. 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.