Description
Giulietta Spiders were in production as 750 and 101 series cars from 1955 to 1962, when the bonnet was altered and the engine bored and stroked from 1300 (1290cc) to 1600 (1570cc) and it metamorphosed accordingly into the 101-series Giulia Spider.
The regular 750-series Spiders were designated ‘Normale’, and were in production from 1955 to 1959. They were powered by the 1290cc cast aluminium in-line four-cylinder twin-cam, driving through a four-speed gearbox. Suspension was by double A-arm (wishbones), all joints, coil springs and Girling dampers, and an anti-roll bar at the front, with longitudinal radius arms, triangular lateral locator, coil springs gs and dampers. Alfin drum brakes were fitted all round.
The cars’ bodies were built at the Pininfarina factory, and the panels that made up the monocoque shells were stamped out on conventional dies and progressively butt welded together. Not only was the design sophisticated, but there were wind-up windows at a time when the likes of MG and Triumph were still offering side screens and canvas flaps above the doors for access and making hand signals.
The Giulietta’s short wheelbase produced an excellent ride, with handling far superior to the rest of the sports car herd and its suspension set up proved that an independent rear-end was not essential.
The cars 10. 5 inch Alfins were not only effective, they were a work of art. Made of cast aluminium with external fins and iron inserts they had cast aluminium shoes and were stamped sinestra and destro for left and right. In December 1959, The Autocar magazine commented on its long term Giulietta test “ There is no more desirable sports car; it sets standards of performance, handling and refinement that very few others can match. The steering is light, precise and the car responds to the slightest touch of the wheel. There is scarcely any roll or tyre squeal when cornering and the driver at once feels confident at taking corners very fast indeed’ They also commented ‘In traffic, it will potter, snatch-free, in top gear at under 20mph, and pull away without signs of distress. This speed represents no more than 1100 rpm’. Writing about the design of the car Autocar said ‘It is commendable on an open car with no special height or extra thickness of sill, that the body is absolutely rigid, and the steering wheel is shock- and vibration free’954UYF was sold new to its first owner in Portugal in December 1957. Little is known of its early history. The car was restored in the early 1990’s when it entered the garage of a Portuguese collector and again in the early 2000’s. The car was bought by Alfa expert Richard Norris who imported it in 2013 and subsequently registered it in the UK with its now registration. Prior to its UK registration it appeared on the cover of Classic and Sportscar and in an article in the magazine about the Alfa Spiders. I purchased the car in 2014. It is I believe one of the most beautiful sports cars built. As Autocar suggests it drives beautifully. The brakes are very responsive, the engine lively and torquey and the handling superb. It is at its best on country roads on a sunny day but will happily sit on the motorway at 70.
As to condition the paintwork is good but lightly patinated. Panel fit is generally very good but the fit of the lightweight bonnet could be better. Chassis and sills are good with no sign of rust or decomposition. I had the car Waxoyled when I purchased it and the applicator reported it to be sound. The interior carpets are excellent and the seats and door finishes are again lightly patinated but in good order. All of the gauges are beautifully original as are the door furniture. There are slight marks on the backs of both seats where these have rubbed against the folded hood. The hood is in good condition and is relatively easy to erect once you get the hang of it. The chrome work is again bright and in good order with some light pitting.
The engine runs sweetly and starts instantly with a little choke. Oil pressure is around 60 psi on start up and falls to around 40/ 45 psi when warm. I suspect all of the gauges under read.
Chris Robinson rebuilt the top end and distributor for me and has overhauled the brakes including replacement of the slave cylinders.
This is an absolutely beautiful car and always attracts considerable attention and admiration wherever it goes. My reason for selling is downsizing of my collection.
Having been “let down” I have sought to price the car at a level I believe reflects current market conditions.
