1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Chassis no. 1495 F 07553
Engine no. 1315 31847
1,390cc DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Enginell
2 Weber DC03 Carburetors
103bhp at 6,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle>
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Exquisite restoration of a desirable factory Spider Veloce
*Factory Correct Grigio Grafite over Red Elvezio Interior
*Eligible for numerous Concours d'Elegance and classic rallies
*Highly desirable classic Italian roadster

THE ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA

With the introduction of the Giulietta in 1954, Alfa Romeo established the "small car, big performance" formula that would characterize its finest offerings from that point on. The Giulietta's arrival caused a sensation; demand quickly outstripped supply, causing Alfa Romeo to rethink its production strategy and become a high-volume manufacturer.

Designed by Pinin Farina on a modified Sprint Coupe chassis, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider was the company's second post-war model. The little two-seat Sports Spider was introduced in 1955 at the insistence of New York importer Max Hoffman, who saw how well small British and German sports cars were being received in America. The Giulietta Spider offered brisk performance (almost 100 mph) from its free-revving, all-alloy, 1.3-liter twin-cam four, mounted in a steel unibody chassis that weighed less than 1900lbs at the curb. The design was unmistakably Pinin Farina—very elegant, sporting, and lithe.

From the time of their introduction, both the Sprint and Spider provided an exhilarating combination of character and performance, within the limits of what was possible with the well-designed twin-cam engine. However, as with pre-war Alfa Romeos, the dealers soon saw a demand for an uprated version for buyers with competition in mind. In 1956, the Giulietta Sprint and Spider Veloce's duly appeared, with high-performance engines and modified bodywork. High-crown pistons raised the compression ratio to 9.1:1 which, with a pair of twin-choke Weber carburetors and more peaky camshaft profiles, raised the power by approximately 15%. Performance was certainly improved, with a top speed of 115mph and a more responsive engine through and through. Just 1,203 Giulietta Spider Veloce's were produced, and they remain among the most collectible of the model today.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Bonhams is pleased to offer this exquisitely restored example of the desirable Giulietta Spider Veloce. This fine example was completed at the Milanese Alfa Romeo plant on March 4th, 1960, sporting Grigio Grafite over a Red Elvezio Interior, and configured as a left-hand-drive Spider in full Veloce trim. The Alfa Romeo, which carried a high-performance twin-cam engine with dual Weber carburetors, was delivered to the U.S. and sold to Hoffmann Motor Car Co. of New York.

While limited information is known about the extended ownership history of this particular vehicle, it is reported by the seller that prior to the restoration, the vehicle presented in good condition with little rust to be found. Nevertheless, a fully comprehensive, bare metal restoration project began. From stem to stern no component was spared attention. The Engine, carbs, transmission, generator, and rear end were all professionally rebuilt. Cosmetically, factory correct Grigio paint was re-applied and the chrome received triple plating. Inside, the gauges were refinished, and the interior was also replaced with the correct Elvezio colorway. The efforts were extensive- too much to list within a limited description- and are clearly represented by the now wonderful condition of this automobile.

This spectacular Spider Veloce will certainly afford easy access to the country's vintage rallies and Concours d'Elegance thanks to its unquestionable pedigree. These Veloce Spiders are sought after for their nimble-handling, and from the beautiful Pinin Farina styling to the jewel twin-cam motor, this is truly the complete package of classic motoring.