Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider 1600 RHD

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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, 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 it 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 and better torque spread 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 1969 with a more contemporary ‘Kamm’ tail replacing the elegant boat-tail of the original. Immortalised by Dustin Hoffman’s performance in The Graduate, the early cars with their elegant boat tails are the most sought after.

The Alfa Romeo 1600 Duetto on sale here is an original UK-supplied car that we understand has had just one owner from new. It was last taxed in 1999 and has been kept barn-stored ever since and appears to have covered just over 81,000 miles.

On offer from a deceased estate, it is presented exactly as you see it today. Believed to be complete and needing full restoration, a cursory examination has determined that the engine is free and the gearbox selects all gears and it comes with a current V5C.

Without doubt one of the most attractive cars ever made, this is the perfect project for someone looking to undertake a comprehensive restoration. Rare in the extreme, just 1,270 Duettos were built in RHD form, a mere 382 of which had the 1600 engine.

Given that it takes a similar number of hours to restore most vehicles in this state, it's obvious that you may as well start with something as rare and interesting as this Spider, rather than expending the same effort on a run-of-the-mill car which will take just as long and cost much the same to do. It looks drop-dead gorgeous as it is, so just image what it will look like when finished...