Description
VEHICLE TO RESTORE.
Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 Duetto (Type 105. 03)
(Photo de présentation : Spider Biancospino avec hardtop)
Serial number: AR* 6640**
Date of first registration: 06/ 06/ 1967
Original registration: SI 129 749 (Siena, Italy)
Current registration: (France)
Administrative identification
The AR* 6640** example was first registered in Italy on 6 June 1967, in the province of Siena (original plate SI 129 749). This black plate with white characters, kept to this day, constitutes a rare and valuable testimony to the vehicle’s origin. Currently, the vehicle is registered in France under the number DY-123-**. The French registration document mentions type 10503, confirming its belonging to the 1600 Duetto series.
Technical detailed identification
• Chassis: AR* 6640** – This number sits in the range 660001–665961 allocated to the Spider 1600 Tipo 105. 03. Built in spring 1967, it is among the last examples produced before the introduction of the Spider 1750. Its position makes it a particularly interesting transitional model.
• Engine: AR00536* 05843 – The code AR00536 designates the 1570 cc twin-cam engine specific to the Spider 1600. The number 058** perfectly fits the production chronology. The fact that this engine is still present attests to the vehicle’s matching-numbers character.
• Gearbox: no. 937** – Typical of the Duetto 1600 series, aligns with the 1967 year and confirms mechanical authenticity.
• Rear axle: marking 18B7 – 9/ 41 (4. 55:1). This marking indicates production on 18 February 1967, which perfectly matches the vehicle’s assembly chronology.
• Carburators: Weber 40 DCOE 27 – No. 42499 & 42545. The Spider 1600s were fitted exclusively with this carburettor type. The fact that this example retains an original paired set is exceptional and extremely rare.
• Odometer reading: 16, 133 km – The five-digit odometer does not guarantee the real mileage, but this reading gives an indication of the instrument’s wear state.
Production and distribution
The Spider 1600 Duetto (Tipo 105. 03) was produced from March 1966 to June 1967. Total production amounted to only 6, 325 units. The AR* 6640** example, assembled in spring 1967, is among the last ~1, 800 produced. Most of the production was sold in Italy and Western Europe. Only a fraction was exported to the United States, under the designation 'Duetto 1600'. Many vehicles since have been modified, repainted or lost their original components, which makes a complete, matching-numbers example with preserved specific parts rare and valuable.
