Highlights
- One of the 1,091 Alfa Romeo 1600 Veloce models produced
- Restored in 1974, later boosted to 139 hp by the Turin specialist Virgile Conrero
- Only two owners since it left the factory, current owner has held it for many years
- Included in the work “Les folles européennes de 1950-1965” (EPA edition 1982)
- Full restoration in 2017 with €37,847 documented mechanical works
- Valid technical inspection until October 2027
Appeal
As the heir to one of the greatest four-door four-seater sedans ever built, the original Alfa Giulia, the Spider adds the superb Pinin Farina styling, offering buyers of the era—and no doubt still today—the perfect two-seat post-war Italian cabriolet. Only 1,091 Spiders left the factory with the “Veloce” 1,600 cm³ Nord engine with dual overhead cams, and very few of them possess the exceptional specifications and history of this 1965 Bianco. Restored in 1974, it benefited from major enhancements by the renowned Turin tuner Virgilio Conrero, increasing power from 112 to 139 hp. The car subsequently appeared in the book “Les folles européennes de 1950-1965” in 1982, which, according to the seller, formally confirms the modifications by Conrero. In 2017, it underwent a substantial mechanical restoration, costing around €37,847. The rare glossy black hardtop was restored at that time.
The seller notes that the car has had only two owners since factory debut, the current owner owning it for many years. He also states that the stated mileage of 80,000 km is correct, though this remains to be verified. It is a well cared-for and well-maintained car, ready to be used and enjoyed.
Buyers can improve the aesthetics, as shown in the photos, but the seller’s notes and a valid technical inspection until October 2027 indicate that no major work is required in the near term.
Buyers can improve the aesthetics, as shown in the photos, but the seller’s notes and a valid technical inspection until October 2027 indicate that no major work is required in the near term.
The seller states:
“Engine preparation (from 112 to 139 hp) carried out by Virgile Conrero, renowned Italian Alfa Romeo engine tuner. It offers performance superior to an original 1600 Veloce (more power, more torque) while retaining the original engine.”
“In a rare white colour, the car is listed in the book “Les folles européennes de 1950-1965” (EPA edition, 1982). Black hardtop in good condition, completely rebuilt in 2017. Second owner. Good overall condition. Always garaged. Very good running gear. Ready to hit the road.”
History and Documentation
- Registered in 1965
- The seller states the vehicle has had two owners since registration
- The seller notes the current owner acquired it in 1972
- Listed in the book “Les folles européennes de 1950-1965” (EPA edition 1982)
- Two complete restorations (engine, bodywork and paint) have been carried out since 1972, according to the seller
- First major restoration took place in 1974
- Second restoration carried out in 2017 by the current owner (excluding paint and hood)
- All wear parts were replaced during the 2017 restoration, as evidenced by invoices provided by the seller
- Technical inspection valid until 10 October 2027 (see notes below)
- Invoices available for 2017-2018, totalling €37,847 for mechanical work
- The seller states the historical file also includes invoices pre-2017
- Serial numbers are consistent according to the owner
- The seller asserts the vehicle has always been stored in a closed garage
- 1965 owner's manual supplied with the vehicle
- Technical inspection carried out on 17 October 2025 with the following observations:
Play in the steering: abnormal play
Condition and operation (headlights): projection system slightly faulty
- VD - Doors and handles: door, hinges, latches or strikers damaged
Invoices listed by the seller:
- Hardtop restoration invoice: 2017, €5,594
- Invoices and work carried out before 2017: see photos
- Invoice of 19/01/2017: mechanical service, engine, €24,423
- Invoice of 07/02/2017: general overhaul, €10,905
- Invoice of 2018: head gasket service and tightening (after 3,000 km following the overhaul)
The seller states:
“Purchased new in 1972 as a first-hand car (used vehicle). Work carried out: 2 complete restorations (engine, bodywork and paint) in 1974, during which the car’s power was increased from 112 hp to 139 hp (torque increased to 13.5 mkg at 4,300 rpm) by the renowned Turin tuner Virgile Conrero, nicknamed ‘the magician of secret modifications’. To achieve this result, no foreign parts were used, but extensive work was carried out on the cylinder head and camshafts, as well as perfect balancing of moving parts. The carburettors are two Weber 40DCOE2 modified at the ends (instead of the Weber 45DCOE14 usually used on the Veloce 1600 GTA). This results in a gain of 27 hp without non-original parts.”
“The wheels were replaced with 14-inch Campagnolo wheels instead of 15-inch. The front and rear bumpers were removed. The discreet ‘Conrero’ badge was affixed to the front of the right door. The sports steering wheel, with the Alfa Romeo emblem in the centre, at the horn position, completes the setup.”
“In 2017, the car was again restored by its owner (except for paint and hood): all worn parts needing replacement have been replaced. The hood may still need replacing (the hood mechanism works: the paint is not perfect (peel on the rear bonnet, dents on the front bonnet, minor wear on the body). The vehicle has always been stored in a closed garage. Two owners to date. Modifications: engine tuning in 1974, carried out by a Alfa Romeo specialist.”
Overall condition
- Magnificent Bianco white colour, a rare shade according to the seller
- Paint dating from 1974, showing signs of wear
- Damage and cracking on the bonnet and boot lid paint (see photos)
- Presentable bodywork, with some blisters and surface corrosion visible in the photos
- The seller notes a few small dents and paint cracking
- Superficial rust in places (see sills), but no corrosion on the running gear or chassis
- Chrome in reasonable condition, with some oxidation on fittings (see photos)
- Front and rear bumpers removed
- Discreet “Conrero” badge fitted to the front of the right door
- 14-inch Campagnolo wheels (replacing the original 15-inch wheels)
- Tires in good condition with substantial tread
- Gloss black hardtop in good condition, fully refurbished in 2017 (see photos)
- Hardtop seals worn with time (see photos)
- Fabric hood in poor condition, to be replaced
- The hood mechanism is said to work
- The black vinyl interior appears in very good condition, with no tears or wear according to the seller
- The dashboard shows a few tears, as shown in photos
- The centre console is in good condition and the switches are functional
- The old red carpets are in good condition
- The headlight projection system (left and right) is slightly faulty (per the latest MOT)
- The left-hand door, hinges, locks and latches are deteriorated
- Equipped with a Fusina three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel
- An additional three-spoke wooden-rim steering wheel is also supplied, as shown
- The boot and cabin floor mats are original Alfa Romeo, as are the pedals
This white 1965 Alfa Romeo Spider demonstrates the beauty of Pininfarina’s lines. It is a well-presented, solid and well-maintained example with room for improvement if the buyer desires. However, if your aim is simply to use and enjoy this enhanced car, you may prefer not to worry about it.
Inside, the car retains many original elements. It is fitted with a leather-wrapped Fusina steering wheel, with a wooden version also supplied. The fabric hood requires particular attention, but the very rare glossy black hardtop was restored in 2017 and remains in good condition.
The mechanics
- 1,600 cm³ Nord engine with double overhead cam
- 5-speed manual gearbox
- Engine prepared by the famous Turin specialist Virgile Conrero
- Power increased from 112 hp to 139 hp
- Torque increased to 13.5 mkg at 4,300 rpm
- Modifications: major head work
- Modified camshafts
- The seller notes perfect balancing of moving parts
- Switch to two Weber 40DCOE2 carburettors
- GTA exhaust system
- No non-original parts used to increase power
- Lead-free conversion carried out in 2017
- A slight oil leak is reported by the seller, but the vehicle is in excellent running condition
- The car is ready to go, the engine revs freely and the drive is enjoyable
- The seller notes a slight difficulty in engaging reverse (normal for this type of car)
- Noted points during the MOT: see above
The charm of this rare 1600 Veloce lies in Virgile Conrero’s historic 1970s evolutions. The work raises power to 139 hp with similar torque improvements. A discreet Conrero badge on the car confirms the work.
The modifications made by Conrero are genuine, as evidenced by a 1982 reference work, offering a notably improved driving experience. The car underwent a major mechanical overhaul in 2017, costing around €40,000, which would have preserved these improvements. The current MOT is valid until 2027 and confirms this Spider is in perfect running order and highly enjoyable to drive.
The seller specifies:
“It runs very well. The engine revs smoothly, the chassis is in good condition, etc. Converted to 98 octane unleaded in 2017 by the owner.”
This sale is subject to Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions Terms. By bidding and/or placing an offer, you also accept the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means European consumer protection rights do not apply. You are however covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.
✓ We require a non-refundable fee to be paid if you are the winning bidder or if your offer is accepted. Refer to our handy FAQ and T&Cs for the specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “As is”, on an “as seen” basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are guides and it is customary to conduct a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for peace of mind.
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