Recently awoken following many years in dry storage
Lightly recommissioned to good running and driving condition
Presented in very good overall condition, with lots of original features
An ideal basis for gradual improvement or rolling restoration
The Appeal
Offered as a more premium alternative to its compact siblings, the 2000 Sprint effectively took Alfa Romeo’s successful pairing of an all alloy twin-cam to a five-speed gearbox and used them to power a luxurious grand tourer. While it was indeed larger and more opulently trimmed than a contemporary Giullietta, the 2000 Sprint was still featherweight light at just 1.2 tons and the increased displacement of the DOHC engine to 2.0-litres was more than capable of making this a fast car in its day.
We’re delighted to present this charming 1961 example, which has recently been awoken from many years of slumber. It remains in very good condition considering its age and period in storage. The vendor informs us that it now runs and drives well, so is ready for a new owner to use and improve the car as they see fit. Some light mechanical reconditioning has ensured this Alfa was brought back to life as gently as possible, with fresh fluids, refurbished brakes and a new clutch having been fitted.
If the idea of a rare ‘60s sports GT coupé appeals, be sure not to miss this excellent opportunity.
The History and Paperwork
The vendor informs us that the previous owner had this car for very many years
Dry stored for some time until quite recently
Since taking possession of the car, the vendor set about some light recommissioning
Now in running and driving order
Valid Swedish technical inspection
The Interior
Remains very original and unrestored
Upholstered in blue vinyl with textured velour inserts
Nicely patinated
This Alfa’s interior remains delightfully original and while the vendor mentions that it would benefit from some deep cleaning, everything looks to be in really good order for its age.
The upholstery exhibits a few marks of course and some ingrained dirt, but we think a thorough clean would soon have it looking really smart. There isn’t a great deal in the way of wear and the seats especially look in really nice condition. There’s some staining to the headlining although it remains well supported. The floor mats look in good shape, as do the door cards and various trim pieces. We noticed some marks on the dashboard but nothing especially major. All the switchgear presents well and so do the instruments.
The vendor comments that everything seems to work with the exception of the offside electric windows.
The Exterior
Smart blue paintwork
Very straight bodywork
Presents well underneath
This Alfa Romeo’s bodywork looks really smart and now it has been cleaned, you wouldn't know it had spent such a long time gathering dust. This demonstrates that it was clearly stored well in a dry environment.
It appears a very solid example overall and while there’s some slight corrosion visible to the underside in places, it would certainly seem to be really sound overall. The floor pans look to have been replaced at some point and these are in nice order. Some of the running gear shows its age a little more but we didn’t spot any evidence of serious corrosion.
Topside, the blue paintwork looks great, as does the chrome work. Its wheels also seem in nice order, although the vendor comments that the tyres are rather old and likely flat-spotted. All the trim and badging looks smart, as does the glass and the various light lenses.
The Mechanics
2.0-litre, all alloy four-cylinder twin-cam
Currently equipped with a single carburettor
Original carburettors that comes with the sale
Five-speed manual gearbox
Independent front suspension with a live axle at the rear
Drum brakes
Recently recommissioned with fresh fluids and a new battery
Overhauled brakes and new clutch fitted
In engineering terms, Alfa Romeo were very much ahead of their time when they launched this 2000 Sprint. The all alloy Nord twin-cam engine in 2.0-litre form is a technological tour de force, providing impressive performance for such a compact unit. Coupled to a thoroughly modern five-speed manual gearbox, this Sprint makes the perfect long distance sports tourer.
Having sat unused for a long period, this car was carefully brought back to life, although it took little more than some fresh fluids and a new battery to make that twin-cam run again. The vendor then found the brakes and clutch to be inoperative so both of these have now been rectified. We’re informed that it drives well and the only fault the vendor identifies is a slight knocking from the rear. They believe this could well be just the flat-spotted old tyres, but this is something the next owner can investigate.
Summary
This smart Alfa Romeo offers brilliant project potential and it could quite easily be used in its present condition, allowing for gradual improvement over time. Few 2000 Sprints were made and today, there aren’t a great many survivors. Therefore, this is not an opportunity you can afford to miss.
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.
