1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Pininfarina
Registration no. 898 XVF
Chassis no. AR 171451
Engine no. AR0010600134
•Supplied new to the USA
•Left-hand drive
•UK resident since 1998
•Professionally restored 2016-2020 (bills available)
•Immaculate condition
Footnotes:
It was Max Hoffman, importer of various European makes into the USA, who suggested that Alfa Romeo build an open roadster to compete with the small British sports cars that were proving so popular in North America. Design proposals were commissioned from Bertone and Pininfarina, with the latter securing the commission despite Hoffman's preference for the former.

Designed and built by Pininfarina, and notable as the famous Turin coachbuilder's first volume-produced car, the original Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider of 1955 brought a level of refinement and mechanical sophistication to small sports cars that made the opposition look dated. With such a pedigree the Spider was, not surprisingly, a huge success, becoming mainland Europe's best-selling small sports car and continuing in revised, longer wheelbase form after the introduction of the 101 Series in 1959.

This restored 101 Series Giulietta Spider was supplied new to Alfa Romeo Inc of Newark, USA before relocating to sunny California in the late 1970s. Brought to the UK in 1998, the Alfa was purchased by the current owner in 2014 and restored by Quest Brothers Classic Cars of St Ives, Cambridgeshire over three years from 2016 onwards (bills available). The car was stripped to a bare shell, which was discovered to be rust-free; the shell was then soda blasted, repaired and primed. At this point, the running gear (already restored and powder coated) was installed and the car checked before being dismantled back to a bare shell for painting throughout. The paint colour used was the original AR716 Grey, with a tough, chip-resistant material incorporated in the paint for the under-body areas.

Mechanically and electrically, everything was stripped and rebuilt, including an overhaul of the 1300 engine; stripping, inspecting and rebuilding the gearbox and differential; replacing all bearings; fitting a new wiring loom; rebuilding the instrument cluster, etc. As one would expect, the interior too was refurbished and re-trimmed in original red (floor coverings, seat coverings, door cards, etc. Other notable features include a Weber carburettor (for smoother running); a rare new-old-stock Abarth exhaust system; and an auxiliary input for the original radio. (The original Solex carburettor and air box are included in the sale.)

The Giulietta has covered some running-in test miles, with the Weber carburettors (replacing the original Solex) tuned and the brakes just bedded in. Although this car does not require an MoT certificate, one was acquired on completion and has since expired (in 2019). Fewer than 1,000 miles have been covered since the engine rebuild and this delightful Giulietta Spider is ready to be enjoyed.Salesroom Notice:
This lot is subject to an adjusted Buyer's Premium. This lot is subject to a Buyer's Premium rate of 15% on the first £500K and 12% thereafter.

The condition report is comprised of a range of photos intended to show the cosmetic condition of the vehicle. This is not an engineers or mechanics report. If you would like to attend the sale to see the car in person or send a third party to inspect on your behalf, please contact the Motorcar Department. For Condition Images, please use the below link.




https://we.tl/t-nqX5B2XJ97




If you have any further questions about this lot or would like to discuss the vehicle in more detail, please contact the consigning Specialist for this lot at the details below.




Tim Schofield


+44 7970 801 309


tim.schofield@bonhams.com@bonhams.com