The ’59 Spider embodies “small car, big fun” energy. Weighing just under 2k pounds, the car is light, nimble, and performance-oriented. In 1959 Alfa Romeo shifted the Spider from the Tipo 750 chassis to the Tipo 101. The car was offered with a shortened wheelbase, styling by the legendary Pinin Farina, and a small but mighty four-cylinder engine. This example is said to be all original. It was listed on Facebook in Wallingford, Connecticut on November 7th for $32,000.
The car is finished in traditional Alfa Romeo red with a black soft top. The paint appears to be in decent condition considering the age of the car. The trunk lid has a good deal of paint damage and potential rust. The chrome bumper also appears to need some attention. For an entirely original 65-year-old car, it is in relatively good cosmetic condition. The Spider could definitely use some help but it is by no means without remedy.
Inside the spider sits two black leather seats with red piping. The interior is in fair condition. The exposed base of the shifter column could use some attention as well as the steering wheel. The next owner could easily leave the car as is and enjoy it, or do some minor interior work to get it back to its prime.
The car’s dash is finished in a body-matching red. Its original gauges are a very cool ’50s throwback. It appears that the underside of the dash may have some rust that the next owner may want to address. The car is powered by a four-cylinder engine sending 80 horsepower to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. This 1959 Alfa Romeo Spider offers the opportunity to own one of the most iconic Italian sports cars. The next owner could buy the car and enjoy it as is, or take it on as a fairly simple restoration project. If you think this Alfa Romeo is for you, contact the seller via Facebook.
You don’t buy an Alfa without checking underneath. Not rusty these are great cars. My attempt to buy one new in the ’70s was frustrating because there was rust in both doors on the one in the showroom. Trying to buy one used has been just as painful just because of rust.
I guess rot is in the eye of the beholder? I agree with Bob – can’t be declared rot-free without a thorough examination. Also, what’s with the battery? Could they maybe tie it in the corner so it doesn’t turn into a rocket on the first frisky turn?
The price is way outta whack in this condition. It’s only $50,000 away from being a really nice $40,000 car.
This looks like a two-wife project.
One must wonder if these were built with the same Soviet steel as contemporary Fiats, such steel was known to have been perfected so that it rusted upon exposure to sunlight, fresh air, paint oil etc. . . .
Different era
This is not a 101 – the seller states it is a 750 and the body plate verifies that. Missing hubcaps and headlight trim rings. The trunk floor suggests rot repair covered by undercaoting. The engine is the Normale version (as opposed to the Veloce). Still sporty. Often the problem in the trunk was battery acid corrosion. I agree with Brain S – probably worth about half of the asking price, IF really no rust.
‘Enjoy as-is’ ??? Go and gaze at the trunk lid, for starters.
Looks like a good starting point…at a lower purchase cost