1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider Veloce
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Chassis no. AR390981
Engine no. AR00121.02490
1,570cc DOHC Aluminum Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Weber 40 DCOE Carburetors
129 bhp at 6,500 rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front, Live Axle Rear Suspension
Front Disc, Rear Alfin Drum Hydraulic Brakes
*Desirable high-performance Tipo 101-18 Veloce
*Beautifully restored to a high standard by Dino Motorsport of Las Vegas, NV
*Superbly detailed engine and undercarriage
*Powered by a proper Tipo 121 engine
*Veloce details including 8,000rpm tach, 5-speed gearbox, and more
*Rare Borrani wire wheels
*Crisp metallic silver over black
*An outstanding example fit for concours or touring events

THE ALFA ROMEO SPIDER VELOCE

Sporting elegant coachwork designed and built by Pininfarina, the 1.3-liter Giulietta Spider was a huge success for Alfa Romeo, putting the Italian manufacturer's machines in the hands of grassroots enthusiasts during the budding post-war sports car boom. The sprightly Giulietta ran virtually unchanged until maturing into the more powerful Giulia which joined the lineup in 1962. A bonnet air scoop, necessary to clear the larger engine's taller block, readily identified the new model, while the rest of the changes took place beneath the lovely Pininfarina skin. The capacity increase boosted the maximum power of Alfa's classic twin-cam four from 80 to 92bhp and the car's top speed to 109mph. Reliability was likewise enhanced, and the larger engine was noticeably smoother and more refined. A five-speed gearbox was standard on the Giulia Spider, which remained in production until 1966. Towards the end of production in 1964, the up-rated Spider Veloce was introduced, which had the Sprint Speciale's potent Weber-fed 129 bhp engine installed, making it the fastest of the mainstream production Giulias. The Giulia Spider is certainly one of the most attractive Alfa Romeos of its day and remains highly regarded and cherished by collectors, especially in its ultimate Veloce specification.

THE CAR OFFERED

Resplendent in its bright silver livery, this late production 1966 Giulia Spider Veloce is a finely detailed example, recently restored by Alfa Romeo specialists Dino Motorsport of Las Vegas, Nevada. By the numbers, the Tipo 101-18 identification plate and serial number, 390981, denote this as one of the coveted 1600 Veloce models. Officially, production of the Tipo 101-18 ended in 1965, however, this car is titled as a 1966 model, as that is likely the year it was first registered. A closer look reveals the proper Veloce details intact, including the 8,000-rpm tachometer, 5-speed manual gearbox, twin Weber carburetors with special air cleaner plenum, and "1600 Veloce" badging. It stands out not only for its beautiful bright silver livery with contrasting black top and upholstery, but also for the sparkling Borrani wire wheels with knock-off hubs – a rarely seen extra on a Spider Veloce.

The consignor, a passionate Alfa Romeo enthusiast, collector, and restorer, acquired this car approximately a decade ago as a project and set about restoring it to a high standard of quality for his own personal enjoyment. The result is a striking car that is beautiful enough for shows, but also built to be driven and enjoyed to the fullest for touring and driving events. It is exceptionally well detailed revealing the restorer's attention to detail and fastidious nature. The quality doesn't stop with the body, as opening the bonnet reveals a well-detailed engine compartment with proper Weber carbs, Veloce intake, and authentic decals and labels. The underbody is equally well-prepared with painted textured undercoat, beautifully finished suspension components, plated hardware, and meticulous paint marks on all fasteners. While certainly of concours-level quality, the car deviates from standard in a few places in the name of performance, including sport springs, Koni 'red' dampers, rose-jointed adjustable upper control arms, stainless steel brake hoses, sticky Pirelli CN36 tires, and improved cams as reported by the consignor.

The Giulia Sprint Veloce is quite possibly the quintessential Italian sports car, with character in spades and addictive performance from a beautifully engineered and fizzy twin-cam engine. This highly desirable example takes it a step further with discreet and well-judged enhancements, in a superbly well-detailed package.