Beschreibung:

1971 ALFA ROMEO 1750 SPIDER VELOCE COACHWORK BY PININFARINA Chassis No. TBA Silver with black interior Engine: in-line four cylinder with dual overhead camshafts, Spica mechanical fuel injection, 1779cc., 135 hp at 5,500rpm, 137 lb-ft at 2900; Gearbox: five speed manual; Suspension: independent front by unequal A-arms with coil springs and rear solid axle with coil springs; Brakes: power assisted four wheel disc. Left hand drive. Alfa Romeo gave the Spider a long awaited update in 1966 with the distinctively styled Duetto Spider. With its shapely nose neatly hiding the characteristic Alfa shield grille, side accent coves and rounded tail, the Duetto was visually distinctive and recalled Pinin Farina's dramatic Disco Volante of 1959. European Duettos had molded headlight covers that were denied US cars by vehicle regulations, but many sets somehow found their way to US owners. The Duetto's styling was a departure from Alfa tradition, but its performance and handling quickly convinced enthusiasts to learn to love its looks. The Duetto's 1600cc engine and chassis were essentially the same as the Giulia Spider Veloce, but in 1969 the Alfa engine was enlarged to 1779cc and Spica mechanical fuel injection replaced earlier Alfas' Weber carburetors to help meet exhaust emissions requirements. Dubbed the 1750, recalling Alfa's legendary 1929-33 6C-1750, horsepower increased from 125hp to 132hp while the 1750's 6.5mm longer stroke gave a very worthwhile increase in torque from 115 lb-ft to 137 lb-ft.. In 1971 the Duetto's signature rounded tail evolved into a more aerodynamic and contemporary cutoff Kamm look while the engine's output was increased a little to 135hp. The attributes of Alfa Romeo's 1750 Spider Veloce have ensured its popularity: a strong and robust engine that craves revs, a slick 5-speed gearbox and a chassis that remains a standard against which many later and more complicated chassis' handling is found lacking. The Spica injection acquired a reputation early in its life for an appetite for fuel pumps, however with a later Bosch pump and careful adjustment of the Spica system's complex mechanical brain, it is reliable and responsive. The Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider is offered here to benefit the Petersen Automotive Museum where it has remained in storage for some time. It is reported to have been in fair running condition and would most likely need some minor redressing before taking to the road. Though the Alfa does show some wear, it is in presentable condition and should certainly make for a sporting and spirited daily driver. Light open sports cars have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years with notable examples from Mazda, BMW, Porsche and others, at prices ascending into the stratosphere. The sensations of driving an Alfa Spider, a design that stayed in production essentially unchanged for a quarter of this century, are what they seek to replicate but rarely achieve. WITHOUT RESERVE