Lot 127 - 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider
| Lot Number | 127 |
| Registration | 253 UYM |
| Chassis Number | AR170763 |
| Engine Number | AR0010226104 |
| Odometer reading | 95,919 miles |
| Estimate | £53,000 - £63,000 |
- A classic example of ‘al fresco’ Italian motoring
- Traditional red over black colour combination
- Fully restored in the US
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 coupé chassis, 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 100mph) 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.
This Giulietta Spider, chassis number AR 170763, was completed on 23rd August 1961 and sold on 6th September 1961, to Alfa Romeo Inc. in Newark, New Jersey. According to records from Automobilismo Storico, Alfa Romeo, it was originally finished in white with either a red or black interior. While its earliest ownership history is unknown, it is believed that this beautiful little Alfa made its way to the West Coast of the US early on in its life, which is where a previous owner acquired the car; it was then brought to Tampa, Florida. In Florida, the Giulietta spent the next six years serving as the mascot for the Tre Amici café in Ybor City. In 2012, the next owner subjected the Spider to a complete restoration.
Work began on what was described as a rust-free body by the Florida Classic Cars restoration company in Tampa. The body was taken down to bare metal and repainted in red. All trim pieces were re-chromed or replaced where needed, and the car also received all new rubber trim and body seals. The black vinyl seats were reconditioned, and the interior was trimmed with new carpeting throughout. The steering wheel is in excellent condition, as is the chrome horn ring, which has also been re-chromed. The dashboard pad and controls are in equally fine order. The car was imported to the U.K. in 2015 by the previous owner who carried out extensive work to the brakes and suspension in 2018. Offered today with a V5C registration document and a file containing shipping documents, U.K. invoices and auction information from 2015. The Giulietta Spider is one of Alfa Romeo’s most iconic post-war automobiles. Autocar magazine wrote that ‘there is no more desirable small sports car; it sets standards of performance, handling, and refinement that very few others can match’.
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.