Visually nearly identical to the earlier Spider 1600 Duetto, the 1750 Spider Veloce was the next step in the genesis of the Duetto Spider. Benefitting from significant refinements throughout, the 1750 Spider Veloce combined Pininfarina’s iconic “round-tail” spider (a.k.a. Osso di Seppia) with the improved mechanicals of the later series spiders. This U.S. version Alfa Spider was available for only a single year, which was also the final year for the Series 1 Spider.

This car was reportedly purchased in Texas by the original owner for his girlfriend. They drove it to Florida, and shortly thereafter, they sold it to the second owner, who brought to Atlanta, Georgia. In 1986, the third owner, answering an ad in Alfa Owner magazine, acquired the car with only 31,000 miles. The car was relocated to Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where it remained until 2007. During this period, the car was maintained and driven sparingly. It did, however, appear at two Alfa Romeo Owners Club National Conventions and won Best in Class in 2001. After 21 years with the third owner, the car was sold to its present owner in Los Angeles, California. At that time, mileage totaled only 48,000.

The years of careful ownership were kind to the Alfa. However, it was so original that it begged the question, what would it have been like to purchase it new from a showroom in 1969? How would it have looked and driven?

This Alfa was extensively photographed and then completely disassembled in 2009. Correct components, finishes, and fine details were exhaustively researched. Factory manuals, publications, period photographs, Alfisti, and the car itself were used as guides of originality. Components were restored, replaced by new old stock whenever possible, or recreated if they were no longer available. The car was expertly repainted, retaining the original factory color, Apple Green (AR217). Decals and markings, some not seen in decades, were accurately recreated based upon those found on the car.

It was then reassembled with the greatest care and attention to detail possible. In all, thousands of hours were spent in research, restoration, recreation/fabrication, sourcing, and reassembly. The original dealer installed a radio, and a mono speaker and antenna were retained, as were the undercoating and delivery decals. Also included with the car are the restored original boot cover, the restored original tool kit, original and reprinted owner’s manuals, the original Worldwide Guide to Service Network booklet, custom black sisal woven removable floor mats, periodicals with mention or photographs of this car, and a bound photo-journal that documents the restoration.

Prior to, and certainly after, the restoration, this fantastic Spider Veloce has been an award-winning car. In 2001, as an original car, it was awarded Best in Class at the Alfa Romeo Owners Club National Convention. Then, in 2009, still undergoing final touches, it was considered Second in Class at the Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance. This charming Alfa Romeo has received nothing short of Best in Class since its restoration was fully completed, including awards at the 2010 Dana Point Concours d’Elegance and the 2012 Huntington Beach Concours d’Elegance, as well as coming back to win Best in Class at the 2012 Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance.

The result is a car that is as near as possible to showroom condition, but it also has an attention to detail and finish that was not possible in factory assembly. This round-tail Spider is certainly one of a kind.