There’s another side to a great barn find story that doesn’t involve someone rescuing the car of their dreams. Instead, it’s just the dumb luck of discovering a desirable car that you have no interest in and chucking it onto eBay to realize what will likely be a tidy profit. Based on the description of the listing, it sure seems like the seller of this desirable Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider had little interest in owning such a vehicle but just happened to be in the right place at the right time when it was discovered in a dry Texas barn. Find it here on eBay where bidding is at $6,500 with no reserve.
Now, that being said, the seller is still an Alfa Romeo fan based on the fact he mentions owning other Spiders over the years. This one has been out of the DMV system for eons, so there’s no paper trail to use in your home state should you require a title. The Alfa does have some rust, as is typical, but it’s hardly a rot bucket like other neglected Italian cars of this vintage. The seller notes that the floor pans should be replaced for peace of mind, but that you could also get away with just doing patches if you didn’t want to replace whole panels. The body has dings and dents that likely come from years of barn or garage storage, so even without significant rust, there’s still bodywork to be done.
The photos underneath are encouraging, and I agree with the seller that for a neglected and forgotten Alfa Romeo, this “Duetto” is surprisingly clean underneath. The tire well has been dented from improper listing, and the same goes for the fuel tank. The seller believes the tire well can be fixed but notes the gas tank has sprung a leak so that will need to be completely replaced. Surprisingly, the doors and edges are solid with no rust. The seller has mounted new tires so it’s easier to roll around but he’s stopped short of doing much of anything else, including cleaning it, citing the cold temperatures in New Mexico.
The engine bay is complete, save for the air cleaner assembly and the fuse box shows no damage. The seller reports that the Alfa is surprisingly free from rodent damage or other tell-tale signs of being stored carelessly in a barn. I’m curious if it will present quite a bit better just after an informal detailing; however, I understand the seller’s reluctance to do so if the weather has turned unpleasant. A Duetto in any condition is a coveted Alfa, but one like this that has only a very manageable amount of rust is likey to find more than a few buyers vying for the chance to own it.
No rust?? Looks like the floor is rusted right through
The seller has restored other Spiders but is not going to take on this one. That should tell you all you need to know.
I assume this is a 1600 so the first series of Duetto and the most valuable. If everything is there and original this will cost very little more to restore than any other Alfa spider but have a much higher value.
All panels and trim parts are available.
Makes perfect sense to do a top quality restoration on this car.
very on point
These round-tail Spiders are attractive, desirable cars and will always be worth more than the later Kamm-tail models. The engines are simple and durable, but assume this one will need an overhaul. The pan and other bodywork will be your biggest expense.
I’d clean it up and try to make it drivable, which will reveal other needs (transmission, suspension, brakes, etc.). Then you can decide to drive as-is, restore it, or sell it for double what you paid for it.
I restored a ’68 and believe me – there is no simple, just-do-this-and-that restoration. Restoration – over 50K – and thats if you do a lot of work.
Rust hole in floorboard, rather wavy under there to boot, Jack point sagging, …. Those carbs are conversation pieces, the old Spica pump from my Alfetta GT is way cleaner and I haven’t done anything to it for over 20 years.
Hard pass, I noticed no rocker panel shot sure sign things are rotten in Denmark.