1968 Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider

Stripped back to bare metal, new floors, sills and other panels replaced. Undersealed and resprayed in 'Rosso Classico'

Engine upgraded to the far more tractable 1600cc unit, a common modification

Reconditioned gearbox from Classic Alfa, new wiring loom, dynamo and starter motor rebuilt

Renovated seats, new period-correct red transmission carpet. New rubber boot and floor mats

Bills that add up to well over £50,000 and this unquestionably shows

Replacing the pretty 101 Giulia Spider was always going to be a tough task, but Battista “Pinin” Farina"s swansong design captured the publics heart when Alfa Romeo unveiled the “Duetto” at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1966. Alfa Romeo"s iconic convertible design was so successful, its production (admittedly along with some questionable styling changes) continued for over three decades and was immortalised in the 1968 Mike Nichols film “The Graduate”, starring alongside Dustin Hoffman and the beautiful Katherine Ross and the ensuing drama established the film and the vehicle as inseparable in our collective conscience.

With more sophisticated suspension, all-round disc brakes, and superior mechanicals to many of its rivals, the 'Boat Tail' was renowned for its sweet handling and responsive engines.

This particular "Osso di Seppia" (Italian for Cuttlefish Bone) 1300 Junior was first registered in Italy in 1968. 10 years later the car was bought by John Stephen Connell who had the little Alfa shipped to his home in St. Aubin in Jersey and with a large file of receipts for work carried out, it is possible to trace the car's movements over the following 27 years. During this period, the engine was upgraded and the car is now fitted with the far more tractable 1600cc unit, a common modification and one that is recommended by most Alfa specialists.

Purchased by her current custodian, David, in 2005, he set about restoring the Spider to her former glory. The bodywork has been stripped back to bare metal, new floors, sills and sundry other panels replaced where necessary and then undersealed and resprayed in 'Rosso Classico.' The engine has undergone a complete rebuild, including new bearing shells, the head has been ported and polished, carburettors overhauled and electronic ignition fitted. The gearbox has been exchanged for a reconditioned unit from Classic Alfa, the wiring loom has been replaced, and the dynamo and starter motor have been rebuilt. The interior benefits from renovated seats, now covered in black leather, new period-correct red transmission carpet, and new rubber boot and floor mats, with many parts sourced to give the car the look and feel of a 1600 Duetto, including the correct bumpers, headlight cowls and hubcaps.

There are bills that add up to well over £50,000 and this unquestionably shows with this beautiful Alfa Romeo now presenting in rude health. With David now working abroad, he feels it is time for someone else to enjoy the delights of one of Alfa Romeos most iconic cars.