1967 Alfa Romeo ‘Duetto’ Boat-tail Spider 1600
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**Please note that these photographs have been supplied by the vendor **
Highlights
- Highly desirable early 105 Series Spider, known as the ‘Duetto’
- Retains its original 1600 cc twin-cam engine
- Restored inside and out around five years ago
The Appeal
Immortalised in the 1967 film, The Graduate, the achingly beautiful Alfa Romeo ‘Duetto’ Spider starred alongside Justin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft, playing a prominent on-screen role and making just about everybody want one. Revered for its fabulous Pininfarina styling which incorporated a boat-tail rear end, the ‘Duetto’ - as it was affectionately known - was the first in a long line of 105 Series Alfa Romeo Spiders which would remain in production until 1993.
Here we have a very smart 1967 example which was restored around five years ago. It received a new interior, new convertible hood and the underside was refinished to a very good standard. As a result, it's a really presentable example and its Pininfarina lines look as sharp today as they did more than fifty years ago. We’re informed that it drives very well indeed, retaining its original 1600 cc all alloy twin-cam which delivers sprightly performance via a then innovative five-speed manual gearbox.
If you’re looking for an early Spider, we can heartily recommend this example.
The History and Paperwork
- Valid Technical Inspection until march 2025
- We’re informed that the restoration was carried out approximately five years ago
- 78,167 kilometres indicated on the odometer although we’re unsure of the correct figure
- Complete with various Spanish registration documents
- We’re informed that it has been recently serviced and is therefore ready to use
The Interior
- Remanufactured during the restoration
- Retains a period correct Marconi radio
- Presented in very good overall condition
In spite of its diminutive size and engine displacement, the Alfa Romeo Spider feels every bit the scaled-down exotic. This is especially apparent in the interior, which wouldn’t look out of place in a contemporary Ferrari or Lamborghini.
The Jaeger instruments are exquisite with a prominent speedometer and tachometer in front of the wheel as well as a trio of additional gauges for fuel, oil pressure and water temp, angled towards the driver from the centre console. We understand that these and all the switchgear work well, as the vendor does not report any issues. The controls exhibit a pleasing patina, with some heavier wear to the pedal rubbers.
The upholstery was all retrimmed during the restoration and so remains in really good overall condition. There’s very little wear to the seats or door cards and while there’s the odd imperfection to be found, there’s certainly nothing especially noticeable. The vendor notes that a couple of pieces of door trim have been lost, but it shouldn’t take too much to sort this out.
The top of the dashboard seems in good order, as does the painted fascia which just has a few small chips here and there. We note that it retains a period-correct Marconi radio, so with any luck you may be able to tune in to some Simon and Garfunkel as you wind down the road.
The carpeting is smart throughout, complete with its Alfa Romeo motifs and displaying fairly little in the way of wear. The boot carpet is smart also and we observe that quilted panels have been affixed to the inside of the boot lid, which lends a premium feel.
The Exterior
- Attractive silver paintwork
- Fitted with streamlined headlamp covers
- New roof fitted during the restoration
- Restored and repainted underside
- Steel wheels complete with hubcaps
Cars don’t get much prettier than this Duetto. It’s perfectly proportioned from every angle and looks as great with the roof up as it does with it down. Speaking of the roof, we’re informed that it was replaced during the restoration and so the fabric and rear window are in really good condition.
The silver paintwork looks to be very smart, and while there are some slight imperfections in places, there are no major defects and it retains a bright lustre. The bodywork looks to be very straight and solid too. The vendor points out that the door fit could be better so we recommend some adjustments are carried out, although they shut reasonably well and apparently remain closed. Some of the badging on the boot lid is missing, leaving the letter 'a’ and what appears to be the tail of the letter ‘f’, but nothing more. The chromework on the bumpers and various trim pieces presents well, with no major blemishes or obvious signs of deterioration.
The underside has been restored and repainted in body colour which aids the assessment of its condition. The construction of these Pininfarina-built bodies of this period can look a little crude underneath, but there’s nothing out of the ordinary we could see with this example. The car sits on its correct steel wheels which are finished off nicely with chromed hubcaps.
The Mechanics
- 1600 cc four-cylinder DOHC engine
- Five-speed manual gearbox
- Reportedly drives very well, with no issues to report
The vendor informs us that the following work has been carried out in a recent service:
- Carburettor adjustment
- Oil change
- Filter replacement
This Alfa’s beauty doesn’t stop on the outside. Raising the bonnet reveals that jewel-like Nord twin-cam in 1600 cc form. These particular engines with the air filter on the side of the exhaust manifold look especially fine with that stunning intake pipe spanning across the highly polished cam cover. The Weber carburettors look in good order and there’s no obvious signs of leaks or anything else untoward.
Turn the ignition key and the sound of silence is quickly shattered by the rasp of that engine bursting into life. The vendor reports that it starts well both cold and hot, running nicely and providing ample performance. Five-speed gearboxes were seldom seen when this car came out and it makes a real difference over many of its four-speed competitors. Following a recent service, it is said to drive immensely well, with no issues to report.
Summary
This Alfa Romeo has certainly seduced us with its wonderful looks and fine overall condition. It is by no means too pristine to enjoy, so we hope that the next owner uses it as often as they can.
If you’re looking for a stylish ‘60s roadster, this Duetto Spider would be the perfect choice.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Shipping and transfer
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email [email protected].
Vehicle specification
- Year 1967
- Make Alfa Romeo
- Colour Silver
- Odometer 78,167 Kilometres
- Engine size 1600cc
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Madrid
- Location International
- Country Spain
15 bids
from 8 bidders
- tan-sie•••• €21,000 06/06/23
- carlo-a•••• €20,000 05/06/23
- tan-sie•••• €16,000 05/06/23
- carlo-a•••• €15,000 05/06/23
- Patrick•••• €13,000 05/06/23
- Amant €12,000 04/06/23
- Csaba d•••• €11,000 04/06/23
- paulbyr•••• €10,000 04/06/23
- Csaba d•••• €3,000 04/06/23
- Amant €2,500 04/06/23
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