Description
Offered for sale is my 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider, the much-loved early “Duetto” shape, presented in Rosso Corsa red with a beautifully simple period interior and a highly enjoyable upgraded 2-litre Alfa Romeo twin-cam engine.
This is a right-hand-drive car, originally registered in South Africa in 1969 before being imported into the UK in 1997. I acquired the car in 2022, having long wanted one of these early Spiders.
The car retains all the elegance, charm and delicacy that make the early Alfa Spider so special, but benefits from a significant and very usable performance upgrade. The 2-litre Nord engine runs twin Weber carburettors, programmable electronic ignition, period-style inlet trumpets, Pipercross filters and a full stainless steel exhaust system including manifolds. The engine is correctly recorded on the V5.
Following rolling road tuning by JPR Tuning, the car produced 140 bhp at the wheels, which makes it genuinely exciting to drive. It feels light, responsive and full of character, with excellent torque, a strong top end and a wonderful twin-cam rasp.
The result is a very appealing balance: classic Alfa looks, period charm and significantly enhanced real-world performance.
Overview
- 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider “Duetto”
- Right-hand drive
- Originally registered in South Africa in 1969 and imported into the UK in 1997
- Painted in Rosso Corsa red
- 2-litre Alfa Romeo Nord twin-cam engine (recorded on the V5)
- Twin Weber carburettors
- Programmable electronic ignition
- Stainless steel exhaust system including manifolds
- Rolling road tuned by JPR Tuning (140 bhp at the wheels)
- Major restoration carried out between 2018 and 2020
- Comprehensive history file dating back to 2000
- Current mileage showing 83, 630 miles with fewer than 10, 000 miles covered in the last 20 years and barely 3, 000 miles since restoration
- Mileage history supported by extensive paperwork
- MOT and tax exempt
- Two sets of keys with matching door locks
- Spare wheel, original jack and wheel nut wrench included
- Original air intake and cast iron manifold included
- Tailored Alfa Romeo car cover included
Driving Experience
This is not simply a restored Spider; it is a car that has been set up to be driven and enjoyed.
The upgraded 2-litre engine gives it a level of performance that makes it feel genuinely exciting on modern roads, while the rebuilt steering box, refreshed brakes and rebuilt suspension give it a tightness and confidence that make it hugely rewarding.
It would be possible to take the car further with additional upgrades from the likes of Alfaholics — suspension, brakes or chassis refinements, for example — but in its current form it offers a lovely balance between classic looks and enhanced usable performance.
To my mind, that is the appeal of this particular car. It looks period, feels authentic, but drives with a sharpness and urgency that makes every journey feel special.
Sale
I have loved owning this Alfa Romeo Spider. It was always on my wish list, and it has been a hugely rewarding car to own, refine and drive. However, the time has come for it to find a new home as I have other projects now awaiting my attention.
The car has been comprehensively detailed ahead of sale and is ready for its next owner to enjoy. A driving video is also available - contact me for details.
Given the condition, restoration history, extensive preparation, upgraded mechanical specification and rarity of a right-hand-drive early Spider, I believe the car is very competitively priced at £36, 000.
The car is located in Bath, UK. I am happy to discuss it in detail with any serious prospective purchaser, and viewings are welcome by appointment. The odometer shows 83, 630 miles however, the extensive paperwork supports the fact that it has covered fewer than 10, 000 miles in the last 20 years, and barely 3, 000 miles since the full restoration.
The history file is comprehensive and dates back to 2000. It includes invoices, purchase receipts, MOT certificates, Alfa Romeo Owners Club valuations and detailed photographic records of the restoration work.
Although now MOT and tax exempt, the car has clearly been well cared for and properly maintained. As a hands-on enthusiast, I have not felt the need to MOT the car officially during my ownership, but I would be happy to arrange a fresh MOT ahead of purchase should a buyer wish for that additional reassurance.
Restoration
A comprehensive restoration was undertaken over a two-year period from 2018 to 2020. During this time, the car was substantially rebuilt and carefully prepared.
The bodywork was stripped and professionally repainted in Rosso Corsa red. The work also included fully stripping and preparing the wheel arches and engine bay, while the underside was treated and finished to a high standard, with arches and relevant areas finished in body colour.
The suspension was rebuilt with new bushes and related components, and the braking system was refreshed. The seats were also rebuilt with new foams and covers.
The restoration is supported by a full photographic record, which is included within the history file.
Following the restoration, the car was enjoyed by an interim owner who maintained it regularly with Retro Marques in Worcestershire, a well-regarded specialist.
Mechanical Specification
The car is fitted with a 2-litre Alfa Romeo Nord twin-cam engine, bringing a significant performance increase over a standard early Spider while retaining the character and spirit of a classic Alfa.
When I acquired the car, my focus was on finalising the tuning and improving the way it drove. The car was taken to JPR Tuning for rolling road set-up, where the programmable electronic ignition was fitted and the intake arrangement revised with period-style trumpets. The result is a car with ample torque, excellent response and a really engaging top end. For such a light car, the performance feels strong and immediate without compromising its classic character.
The original air intake and cast iron manifold will also be included with the car.
Steering, Suspension and Brakes
As part of the earlier restoration, the suspension was fully rebuilt and, with relatively few miles covered since, the car still feels tight and composed.
During my ownership, the steering box was rebuilt with new bearings and seals. This is an often-overlooked area on these cars, but it made a significant difference to the sharpness of the steering and the general road feel.
More recently, the brakes have been overhauled with new seals and fresh fluid all round. Ahead of sale, the car has also received a full engine service using Valvoline Racing engine oil and Red Line transmission fluids.
The car now drives fantastically. It feels lively, accurate and beautifully balanced, with the sort of road manners that make it genuinely enjoyable rather than simply pretty to look at.
Bodywork and Underside
The bodywork restoration and respray were completed in 2019 as part of the wider rebuild. While I would not describe the paintwork as concours, it presents extremely well and suits the car beautifully.
Particular attention was paid to the engine bay, wheel arches and underside during the restoration. The underside is exceptionally clean for a car of this age, and full photography is available. Ramp access can also be arranged for a serious purchaser.
The panels are straight, the car presents very well, and it retains its clean, simple period appearance. It sits on original steel wheels with the correct centre caps. The tyres date from 2020 and remain excellent in terms of tread.
A spare wheel is included, along with the original jack and wheel nut wrench.
Interior and Hood
The interior is beautifully simple and original in character. The main trim presents very well, having been restored or replaced during the restoration.
The seats were rebuilt with new foams and covers and are both comfortable and supportive. The door cards are in excellent condition, and the car comes with a full set of original-style rubber mats for the footwells and boot.
The hood is in good condition and has just been re-treated as part of the preparation for sale. The car also comes with a fitted hood cover.
A period Becker stereo has been installed, with a line input for connection to a modern device. That said, the sound you will generally want to listen to is the wonderful rasp of the twin-cam engine through the stainless exhaust.
The car is also supplied with a matching tailored car cover featuring an embroidered Alfa Romeo logo.
