1968 Alfa Romeo Spider 1300 Junior

Details

The Alfa Romeo story began in June 1910 when A.L.F.A (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili) was founded in Milan Italy. Their first car, the 24hp, was a great success and the Alfa name became synonymous with motor racing in the early years. In 1915 Nicola Romeo took over the company and during war time its focus was on military equipment, however, it wanted to build cars. Soon after the very first Alfa Romeo motor vehicle, the Torpedo 20-30 hp was built.

Through until the 1950’s Alfa Romeo was responsible for some of the most exclusive road cars and most successful race cars ever built. Following the second world war the company was in financial difficulty and it decided a change in direction was necessary to survive, and rather than hand build luxury sporting cars it decided to focus on mass production. Hence, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint was born. Alfa got the formula right and as testament to the success of this model the car was in production for over a decade from 1954 through until 1965.

Throughout the 1950’s and 60’s Alfa built a number of different models including four door sedans, two door coupes and convertibles, however, regardless of model their cars always had a sporting edge. They were a ‘drivers car’ first and foremost.

Launched in 1966 the Alfa Romeo Duetto or simply Spider as it became known was a great success and the model remained in production for three decades. The car evolved with technology over time and the engine capacity increased from 1300cc to 2000cc, however, the DNA of these fabulous little cars remained essentially the same.

Today the first generation cars are most highly sought after and its unique “osso di seppia” or “cuttlefish-bone” design is one of Pininfarina’s finest.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer a stunning example of the Alfa Romeo Spider 1300 Junior.

Featuring Alfa’s 1290 cc jewel of an engine with dual Weber carburettors, the Spider 1300 Junior is an absolute delight to drive. This model is also quite rare with only 2,680 examples produced from 1968 – 1969, of which only circa 180 were right hand drive.

According to the Alfa Romeo archives this particular car, being chassis number AR1695053, was a factory right hand drive example that was manufactured on the 12^th July 1968 and sold on the 31^st July 1968 to Alfa Romeo London. Its original colour scheme was “sky blue” with a black skai interior.

The car is understood to have had four owners from new. The first owner was a forces officer who collected the car in Italy bringing it to the UK in 1971, hence its original “J” registration. The car was originally registered as GGT239J. It passed to its second owner a Mr Nigel Concanon in 1983 and then it was sold through H&H Classic Auctions to a Mr Edward Williams in 1997. During Mr Williams’ ownership the car underwent a no expense spared comprehensive restoration. All of the mechanicals were done as was the body/paint and the interior. The work, which was completed by Trevor Farrington in Cheshire, commenced in October 2003 and was completed in March 2005. At this time the odometer was circa 35,000 miles.

The car was acquired by its current owner from Mr Williams in the UK in November 2011 and immediately imported into Australia. It was first registered in Australia (Queensland) in March 2012. During his ownership the car has been regularly maintained and serviced by a marque specialist and additionally whenever something has needed to be done on the car it was done. The current owner is fastidious to say the least with his cars and he treated the little Alfa to a bare metal respray in July/August 2014. The car was repainted in its original, and absolutely stunning, colour of “sky blue”.

Today the car presents and drives fabulously and it would be equally at home gracing the field at any classic car show or used out on the open road.

This is a very correct unmolested example of the marque. Given its substantial history file, current condition / presentation and just the way it drives it is apparent this car has been well cared for maintained throughout its life.

The paint work, bright work and trim are excellent and complimented by the interior, which although is now ten years old post restoration, it still presents beautifully. The seats, door cards and all of the trim is generally unmarked and the car has carpets fitted rather than rubber matting which gives it a more refined look and feel. The instruments are also in excellent condition. The glass is generally good, though I would suggest original as there are a few minor scratches evident. This is definitely a ‘top down’ car, however, if needed the soft top can be raised almost instantly and it is ‘like new’.

Given the car has recently had a bare metal respray one can confirm that it is structurally excellent.  There are a number of photographs on file to confirm this. The panel gaps are very good and all of the original spot welds are in place indicating the car is straight.

The car starts on the button and sets into a steady idle from cold. Out on the open road she is an absolute delight to drive. The engine revs freely and shows good oil pressure and once warm the gearbox is smooth throughout. Everything works as it should and for a soft top it is incredibly tight on the road.

Today the odometer reads 40,060 miles. There are MOTs on file dating back to 1983 which with other documentation on file substantiate the mileage as genuine.

The car has a thick history file, spare keys, an original jack and a car cover.

This is not a concours car, however, it is a really really nice example that interestingly has won trophies both times it was eligible at a classic car show. Most significantly the car won ‘People’s Choice’ at the 2014 National Alfa Romeo Owner’s Club Rally held on the Gold Coast and reportedly would have been a very strong contender for ‘Best of Show’ had it been entered!

The car is reluctantly offered for sale to make way for a new Alfa Romeo 4C.

These cars are rare in Australia and finding one in this condition presents a unique opportunity.

 

 

 

 

 

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