Alfa Romeo evolved its sporting Giulietta series over a dozen years and at least five different body styles starting in 1954. Bertone’s coupe led the parade, followed in short order by a berlina and, in 1955, a spider. The chic spider was designed by Pininfarina and unlike some of its competitors, the cabin included luxury appointments such as leather seats, wool carpets, and roll-up windows. Here on eBay is a 1962 Giulietta Spider project, with bidding sitting at $9700, with no reserve. The car is located in Bristol, Pennsylvania. The listing is about as brief as they come which is at least partially responsible for somewhat lackluster bidding. A walkaround video helps, but it doesn’t involve the engine bay.
In 1962, Alfa was making three spiders – the Giulietta, the 2600, and its new Giulia. The Giulietta, with its 80 hp, 1290 cc twin overhead cam, four-cylinder engine in “normale” trim, was sunsetting in favor of its larger-motored siblings. Backed by a four-speed gearbox, the little Giulietta was capable of 103 mph. Alfisti often prefer the veloce spider: produced starting in 1959, the veloce used twin Webers, a performance cam, and high compression pistons to come up with over 90 hp. This car has a veloce air plenum but no air filter canister and the washer bottle is incorrect. It sits on the 101 chassis, which is about two inches longer than the 750 made from 1955 through mid-’59. And now, the bad news: the one bit of salient information in this briefest of listings is a compression test that shows only 10 PSI in cylinder number one. Running on three cylinders when there should be four is never fun.
The seats will need to be reupholstered. The three Veglia gauges are present, but we can see that the passenger’s door panel could use some help. Other than that, the interior doesn’t look too bad! I could even live with those seats if the motor turned too costly.
The underside is appropriately greasy, but I couldn’t find any rust or accident damage. Neither the hood nor the driver’s door appears to fit flush in the photos, but the video reveals that they are just not closed tightly. The video also highlights paint and chrome flaws, and we can see that the rear window of the top is unusable, but it otherwise looks new. The car sits weirdly high in the rear. This is one of those listings that raises more questions than it answers, but the bid seems light. Here’s a 750 project Giulietta that sold for over $27k. Earlier cars can draw a premium, but that’s a lot of premium. Finished cars sell for around $45k. How would you evaluate this one?
Finding one of these great little cars that hasn’t rusted into oblivion is pretty rare. Hiked rear end looks like the wrong gas shocks and the low compression is probably solved by a valve job. Price should be 10 to 15K considering the engine and interior work that needs to be done. That accomplished you’d have one of the best looking and driving sports cars ever made.
The elusive three quarter ton Alfa
Odd stance there.
This engine would be 1600cc, with a five-speed transmission. The Normale model had a single carb, but the hotter Veloce had two. This car has two, but many were modified later (my own ’65, for example), and there’s no model script on the trunk lid. Check for the unique Veloce air intake behind the left grille. Since it looks solid underneath, this car is worth pursuing, and it could be a rolling restoration. The engines are not too expensive to overhaul, and these are great little cars to drive. To the right person, it’s a bargain; go for it for anything up to $15,000. Finished today, $45-55K; finished in 10 years, $75,000 and up.
Hi Frank,
New to Alfas, but I’m wondering why you say the engine is a 1600? I thought the 10103 tag means it’s a 1290 with a 4 speed, originally single carb, doesn’t it? If the tag was 10123, it would be the 1600 with a 5 speed, but still originally single carb. Can you tell what carbs are on this one?
Cheers,
Rick
The seller has illustrated well the Alfa’s overall condition in the photos, providing a starting point for any buyer to ask questions. A obvious previous amateur restoration will floor and rust remediation having occurred. These Spiders are increasing in value annually and are easy to restore. Parts are readily available with the exception of chrome trim and bumpers, understanding this from my experience restoring a 1965 Normale Guilia Spider. A good starter car to commence restoration, and if done intelligently, will reap eventual rewards to the new owner.
It’s worth the price it sells for. Rebuilding the engine is the way to go, and rotisserie it everything off. $50k restore. Easily $100k if done properly. Incidental costs of transport costs and title work, taxes, storage etc… There’s room in there. I wouldn’t be shocked if it goes $25k +. Guys like me want it for $7k, but will take 10 years on it and not do it right. Better someone with the means to bring it back gets it. These look great in light blues and greens, but not original. I think if you did everything well full nut and bolt resto, that’s the way to stand out. That stock red is not rare and does not show off it’s simple beauty fully. Turquoise, pastel mint green, baby blue, lavender etc…if all the body, chassis, drivetrain and interior done well, it could fetch well over $100k when done.
SOLD for $17,600.
Ended: May 22, 2023 , 3:37PM
Winning bid:US $17,600.00 [ 30 bids ]