Launched alongside its ‘Berlina’ coupe sibling in 1958, the Touring-designed spider version of the 102-Series 2000 was equally if not more popular than the hard top. Initially a pure two-seater, a two-plus-two version was added to the line in 1961. 

The engine utilized the cast iron block from the previous series, but added the valve train of the new, sporty Giulietta. Kicking out a respectable 115bhp, it drove the rear wheels (naturally) through a five-speed manual transmission. The suspension featured an independent set-up at the front and a live rear axle.

The car spent a long time in classic-friendly climate of Greece and only came to the UK in 2014. Since its arrival, it has seen only limited, largely local use as part of a collection, and has been properly (dry) stored and well maintained.

There isn’t a lot of paperwork with the car save some documentation regarding its import/re-registration and club activity in Europe.

Looking at the older picture of the car in its documentation, you have to say, it probably looks better in this shade of metallic blue. The finish is excellent all round, the paintwork retaining a deep gloss ad showing no significant blemishes. There are some light polishing marks. Even looking under the sills and front, the paint remains good.

 There is no overspray on rubber seals – which are themselves in excellent condition – nor on chrome parts, which were obviously properly removed and refitted during the work. Panel fit is good, with no signs of warping or dents, and the doors and lids open and close without protest to leave consistent and narrow gaps.

There is a fair bit of chrome detailing on the car, all of which looks very tidy. Those mock vents/strakes behind the front wheel arches are straight, fit flush to the wings, and have clean mounting screws. Continuing to the back of the car, those parallel lines run true without bending. The lights and windscreen surround – and that distinctive Alfa grill – remain a very attractive feature; bright and clean. 

All would appear to be original rather than rechromed but show only the lightest patina. The canvas top could easily be as new as the paint (post 2012). It is in excellent condition, displaying no rips or frayed edges. It remains a deep shade of black, its rear window is clear and it folds and raises smoothly.

Lastly, it’s impossible to look at the Alfa without seeing how gorgeous the wire wheels are. Clean, and with very straight spokes, they are a relatively recent addition at a cost of some £8,000.

The dark red interior perfectly complements the metallic blue coachwork. Overall, the leather displays only a light patina, the seats showing only a light patina with gentle creasing, with naturally a little more on the outer bolster of the driver’s seat. Seat edges remain well defined, and cushions/backs do not sag. The car is fitted with seatbelts. 

The similarly trimmed door cars are also very tidy; the leather remains a good colour and there are no signs of warping nor scratches from fingernails around the handles and window finder. Door furniture is firmly mounted. Carpets are durable rather than luxury and show little wear. One section under the steering column just needs refastening. The bound edges of the mats are all very tidy.

Switches and instruments are all present and correct showing gentle signs of wear but remaining smart and attractive. Similarly, the gloss black finish of both the steering wheel and gear stick top retain a good shine and show no major scratches. The centre boss of the wheel is a rather cracked.

A colour-coded tonneau stretches smoothly over the lowered roof. It shows a couple of small scuffs, but retains an excellent colour and a good fit. The cabin perfectly matches the car’s character and will live up to any Alfa enthusiast’s expectations of a day out in an Italian roadster.

The Alfa’s engine bay might not be ready for a concours inspection, but everything looks robust and certainly clean. Components look a little weathered with a bit of oxidation here and there, and there are only a couple of traces of surface corrosion on a couple of edges. 

There are no signs of leaks. Those twin Webers are much cleaner than many you will see. H/T leads are clean with no cracks, and the wiring is likewise neat, without any botched taping or resoldering. Hoses appear very healthy, as do their jubilee clips. The paint around the engine bay is in very good condition and the inner wings and bulkhead appear to be very sound.

The underside of the car displays a gentle weathering (and also a degree of undersealing), but the underside of the car appears strong. Suspension and brake components look to be serviceable and in good health. Indeed the car benefited from a brake overhaul not long ago. The boot area is solid with clean, dry carpets, a fairly new battery and a good mat.

A well-fettled Sixties Italian roadster, sporting twin Weber carburettors and in a beautiful colour scheme – ready for touring the country roads at any time of year. What more is there to say? 

You could pay an awful lot more for an Italian spider, but still not gain much in the way of enjoyment - or even style. So why not buy this one and save the extra for fuel and ferry costs?