Lot 161 - 1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider
| Lot Number | 161 |
| Registration | 954 UYF |
| Chassis Number | AR149501046 |
| Engine Number | 131540986 |
| Odometer reading | 7,074 miles |
| Estimate | £48,000 - £58,000 |
- Rare early car
- Lovely patina
- Magazine featured
With the introduction of the Giulietta in 1954, Alfa Romeo established the 'small car, big performance' formula that would characterise its finest offerings from that point on. The Giulietta's arrival caused a sensation; demand quickly outstripped supply, causing Alfa Romeo to rethink its production strategy and become a high volume manufacturer. Designed by Pininfarina on a modified Sprint coupéchassis, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider was the company's second post-war model. The little two seat Sports Spider was introduced in 1955 at the insistence of New York importer Max Hoffman, who saw how well small British and German sports cars were being received in America. The Giulietta Spider offered brisk performance (almost 100 mph) from its free revving, all alloy, 1.3 litre twin-cam four, mounted in a steel unibody chassis that weighed less than 1900lbs at the curb. The design was unmistakably Pininfarina exuding elegance and sophistication.
The original registration logbook supplied shows that this car was sold new on 26thSeptember 1957 in Portugal, where it spent the next fifty-six years before being bought from a Portuguesecollection by Alfa Romeo specialist Richard Norris of Classic Alfa Ltd.
Before being passed on to its current owner the car was used in Classic and Sports Car magazine for an article on convertible Alfas and features on the front cover of the magazine. The car was subject to a light restoration in the 1990s and again in the early 2000s. Whilst the restorations were undertaken some years ago the car has aged remarkably well and has a wonderful patina. It is very solid and reportedly runs and drives very well. These early cars are much rarer than their later counterparts and offer an incredibly refined driving experience for a 1950s car.
Supplied with its original Portuguese registration document, a V5C registration document, a copy of the magazine featuring article and tonneu cover, this pretty little Alfa is a must have for any discerning collector. Automotive design doesn’t get any better than this!
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.