Vehicle Description
In the years following World War II, Alfa Romeo underwent a tremendous transformation. Prior to the war and until about 1950, Alfa Romeo specialized in bespoke or low-production, hand-made sports cars for a very exclusive clientele. But in the years after the war, they wisely realized that to survive, they had to build in volume. So in 1950 an all-new design appeared in the form of the 1900 – Alfa Romeo’s very first mass produced, automobile built on an assembly line. Alfa Romeo production increased nearly tenfold thanks to the success of the 1900 Berlina. Of course, Alfa remained close with the best of the Italian Carrozzeria and many very special bodied coupes and cabriolets were produced using the 1900’s underpinnings, some one-off and others in very limited numbers.
In 1958, the 1900’s replacement appeared with a larger, more powerful 2-liter class engine. Known as the 2000, it carried on where the 1900 left off, as a mass produced, mid-priced sedan. It was also being built alongside its more popular and smaller sibling, the Giulietta. Of course, coupe and open spyder variants appeared soon after the sedan debuted. The coupe styling was handled by Bertone, and the elegant spyder was penned by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. The 2-liter engine fitted to the 2000 may look familiar to Alfisti, but it was altogether different from its junior siblings. The larger engine featured a robust iron block, twin chain-driven camshafts, hemispherical combustion chambers and a pair of Solex carburetors. The engine was backed by a slick 5-speed manual transmission (a revelation in the late 1950’s!) and gave a smooth, revvy 131 horsepower. The engine and gearbox were perfectly mated and were enough to endow the 2000 Spyder with ample performance and a 100 mph-plus top speed. Suspension was independent up front with a well-located live axle in the rear, delivering stable and predictable handling. Braking was handled by Alfa’s powerful and beautifully made finned alloy drums.
The 2000 was only built between 1958 and 1962 and is often considered to be a more relaxed, sophisticated and altogether more rare alternative to the more common Giulietta. It also offers better balanced handling and more elegant lines than the larger six-cylinder 2600.
This Alfa Romeo 2000, S/N AR.10204.02293, features the highly desirable spyder body by Touring of Milan. It was originally built in September of 1960 and was delivered to the famed Hoffman Motor Car Company of New York on August 22, 1961. It appears today much as it did originally – in Alfa Red with a black interior and black canvas top, with an added white cowl stripe. Well cared-for by enthusiastic owners, it reveals itself today as a pleasingly honest car with a great patina that encourages spirited use. Black upholstery dominates the comfortable cabin, which has been nicely broken in. The engine bay is tidy and nicely presented with plenty of evidence of proper maintenance. The chassis and brakes are strong and performance is excellent, and the car drives better than most high dollar restorations.
You rarely find cars like this one anymore, it’s simply an honest old car that drives wonderfully and works as it was designed. While it is not restored, it is a fabulous car to use as is, and just enjoy it, or restore it as you go. Few cars at this price point can offer the same performance, sophistication and spirit as the Alfa Romeo 2000. A stylish, coachbuilt body by one of the greatest Carrozzeria of all time only adds desirability in spades. This rare and delightful Alfa Romeo is ready for regular use and would be most welcome on any tour or classic rally in North America or Europe.
