1969 ALFA ROMEO DUETTO SPIDER 1750
ENGINE 1777cc/4-cyl/dohc POWER 117bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 136lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 113mph 0-60MPH 8.9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-23mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MOT September 2022 ODOMETER 65,803 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The engine fires up slightly lethargically, denoting a battery in need of some charging, but that’s about the only detraction. Engine response is eager once on the move with a crisp exhaust note, the brakes are reassuring and the ride is smooth and free from rattles. Receipts from Alfaholics within the last four years show new brakes including hoses and calipers, plus new suspension with an Alfa handling kit. The steering is direct and responsive and the gearbox slick with good changes.
BODYWORK CHECK
The ‘Verde Vivo’ (vibrant green) paint looks good and is the result of a re-spray though there are a few very minor imperfections on the top of the nearside wing. The chrome door handles are smooth with hardly any pitting, the door mirrors are almost blemishfree and the bumper chrome and other brightwork are in similarly sparkling condition. The Alfa grille could do with a clean but that’s about it. The streamlined domed headlamp covers are clear and uncracked, the Cromodora alloy wheels striking and the Pirelli Cinturato tyres have lots of tread remaining.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The shiny wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel framing two large Jaeger Italia dials makes a good first impression. The black plastic seats are wearing well and have plenty of adjustment. The carpets are in good condition with the driver’s overmat displaying a huge black embossed Alfa Romeo logo. The glovebox lid needs adjustment but all of the instruments work, likewise the wind-up windows, windscreen wipers, indicators and heater. The hood is in good condition and the plastic window is still transparent.
UNDER THE BONNET
Opening the forward-hinging bonnet to see brand-new red plug leads sets the tone for the rest of the engine bay. It’s not over-detailed, simply clean with all of the components looking reassuringly fresh and dry. Obvious overspray on the rubber seal just below the heater air intake on the edge of the bay should clean off easily and the oil filler cap shows no sign of foam. The two twin-choke Weber carburettors are dominated by a long black air filter that looks new. Even the underside of the bonnet is pristine and wears an Alfa Romeo sticker showing the correct grades of fluids to use.
THE CCW VIEW
This very attractive car has clearly been in receipt of a lot of recommissioning work. It’s easy and sweet to drive, coping well with modern traffic as well as being at home on quiet country roads with the hood down.