1960 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider by Touring

• Succeeding the outgoing 1900, the 2000 was introduced at the Turin Motor Show in 1957
• In 1958, it was offered as either a Berlina saloon or the delicious Touring-bodied Spider
• #AR1020401416 was originally shipped to New York in 1960 and was purchased by its current custodian in 2015 from a collector in Madrid
• It has recently benefitted from a complete engine and steering box overhaul and will be fully serviced and carefully detailed prior to the sale
• Supplied with its Certificate of Originality and a fresh MOT
• Superbly presented, this little Alfa is a true 1950s coachbuilt Italian rarity

Although Alfa Romeo returned to building cars fairly quickly after World War II, it was not until 1950 that a new design 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 with left-hand drive. 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 Coupe 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 Coupe introduced in 1960. Spider and Sprint production comprised nearly half of all 2000 sales - 3,443 examples of the Spider were produced, and 700 of the more expensive Sprint Coupe. The 2000 saloon was fitted with an unpopular column-mounted gear change (this was Italy after all) but the status quo returned for the Spider and Coupe 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 131 bhp, allowing the Touring-bodied roadster to easily exceed 100 mph. Its fully-synchronized five-speed transmission allowed fairly relaxed high-speed touring, and the large Alfin drum brakes were very effective for their day

Manufactured on 7th March 1960, this glorious Alfa was dispatched to the Hoffman Motor Co. in New York on 25th July 1960 eventually finding its way to Spain in later years. It was discovered in 2010 being the quintessential barn find, in a very sorry state and in serious need of some tender loving care. Discovered by the present custodian in 2016 after quite a period of searching for this piece of Alfa exclusivity, the Spider although having being partially restored still required completion and so with that in mind Richard Hodson of RH Classics, Twyford, Leicestershire was dispatched to Madrid to view and inspect the vehicle and, after carrying out the required due diligence, it subsequently arrived in the UK. Various works were required to bring it up to the new owner's fastidious levels, not least of which was a complete engine rebuild including the replacement of the incorrect carburettors that had found their way into the engine bay. The engine block was rebored, new main and big-end bearings fitted, together with a reground and balanced crank, crank seals, timing chain and all other ancillaries as required, with RH Classics going that extra mile to ensure that all parts sourced were genuine original items to preserve the integrity and originality of this rare beauty. More recently, the matching numbers Alfa Romeo (verified by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club), has also had a complete brake overhaul, new Torrino stainless wire wheels fitted with new tyres, of course, plus a general service and MOT have been carried out in readiness for our sale. Now beautifully presented once again, this piece of automotive art has the combination of low production, a Touring body, and great driving dynamics to ensure that it remains a highly sought-after choice for Alfa Romeo lovers today.