1959 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider by Touring

Although Alfa Romeo returned to building cars fairly quickly after World War II, it was not until 1950 that new designs became available. This was the 1900, a unit construction saloon with a twin-overhead cam 1,884cc four-cylinder engine. It was the first Alfa built on a real production line - all previous cars had been largely hand-built - and also, surprisingly, the first in left-hand drive format. Until 1950, Alfa production had hovered around 400 units annually, with the pre-war designs not finding favour after the end of hostilities with peace and prosperity on the horizon. With the arrival of the distinctly modern 1900, this increased almost tenfold. A 1900C Sprint Coupé was introduced, with bodywork by Touring and a Spider Cabriolet penned by Pinin Farina, followed shortly afterwards.

In 1958, Alfa came out with a new saloon powered by a larger 1,975cc engine, not surprisingly badged the 2000. A Spider followed almost immediately to widespread admiration for its staggeringly beautiful lines from the drawing boards at Touring and Bertone also sharpened their pencils with the delightful 2000 Sprint Coupé introduced in 1960. Spider and Sprint production comprised nearly half of all 2,000 sales – 3,433 examples of the Spider were produced and 700 of the more expensive Sprint Coupé. The 2000 Saloon was fitted with an unpopular column-mounted gear change but the status-quo returned for the Spider and the Coupé with a more sporty ‘five on the floor’. Built between 1958 and 1962, the 2000 Spider was far rarer than its Junior counterpart, the Giulietta Spider (of which about 17,000 were produced) and at $5,365, its price was much greater than that of the smaller car. The 1,975cc four-cylinder engine, with duplex-chain driven, twin-overhead camshafts, hemispherical combustion chambers and a pair of side draught Solex Carburettors, was tuned to deliver 131bhp, allowing the Touring-bodied roadster to easily exceed 100mph. Its fully synchronized 5-speed transmission allowed fairly relaxed high-speed touring and the large Alfin drum brakes were very effective for their day.

The Alfa Romeo 2000 on offer here, finished in Farina White with a contrasting red interior and black hood, was restored some years ago and remains in superb condition throughout, with its originality preserved wherever possible, such as the rare ashtray that is frequently removed but is present and correct in this example. Accompanied by a photographic record of the restoration, an original sales brochure and a handbook, this is one Spider that is worthy of any serious Alfa Romeo collector's attention. Mechanically in excellent condition throughout and ready for that next European Tour or exciting road trip in true 1950s style that only an Alfa Romeo Touring of this quality can deliver. Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged.