Vehicle Description
In the years immediately following World War II, Alfa Romeo was
attempting a major revival. Their works had been devastated by
bombing raids, and the market for their expensive, grand
prix-derived, coach-built sports cars was rapidly diminishing. The
company needed not only a new factory, but an altogether new
direction for their products. Thankfully, a completely new car -
and an entirely new philosophy for Alfa Romeo - was developed to
replace the ageing pre-war derived models. The 1900 debuted in 1950
as the first Alfa built entirely on an assembly line, the first
with a monocoque chassis, and the first Alfa with left-hand drive.
It was an immediate success. Building on the momentum from the
1900, Alfa introduced the Tipo 102, known as the 2000, in 1957. The
flagship 2000 featured an improved, enlarged version of the 1900's
iron block four-cylinder engine, displacing 2 liters and produced a
healthy 105 horsepower in standard trim. As with the 1900 before,
the 2000 was designed from the start to be fitted with factory
bodies, but also to accommodate the work of Italy's finest
coachbuilders. Saloons were built in-house, while the coupe was
styled by Bertone and the fabulous Spider wore coachwork by the
great Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. Along with its beautiful
bodywork, the Spider and Sprint Coupe were updated with twin Solex
carburetors that bumped power to 115 hp, and a 5-speed gearbox was
shared across the range. The Tipo 102 2000 played big brother to
the wildly popular Giulietta and Giulia models, and while often
seen as somewhat understated in comparison, the 2000 has
undoubtedly become a highly desirable collector piece. This 1959
Alfa Romeo 2000 wears beautiful and highly desirable spider
coachwork by Touring. It is a beautiful example of this rare model,
with its vivid Alfa red paintwork accented by a black top and
interior and gorgeous polished Borrani wire wheels; an expensive
and scarce factory option. Carrozzeria Touring's coachwork is
simply beautiful, featuring crisp lines dotted with subtly
incorporated scoops and vents that were de rigueur for the time,
particularly as Alfa Romeo attempted to appeal to American buyers.
Panel fit on this car is outstanding, the doors closing with the
lightest touch, indicating excellent structure integrity.
Highlighting the paint is exterior brightwork which is beautifully
presented with straight bumpers, excellent body side moldings, and
fine detailing around the grilles and lamps. As mentioned, the car
rides on a set of fabulous and very rare alloy Borrani wheels
wrapped in period correct Michelin X radial tires which give it the
perfect stance and gobs of road presence. The purposeful but
comfortable cockpit is in fine order throughout, with fresh black
leather upholstery on the seats, and very good black door cards and
black carpets. The soft top is trimmed in black canvas, and
presents in very good order with proper fit. Opening the doors
reveals polished alloy sill plates and correct Alfa Romeo pattern
rubber mats which are in excellent condition; as are the other
rubber parts such as the correct accordion shift boot and
Alfa-branded pads on the floor-hinged pedals. The dash, which
appears to be in original condition, is a simple and clean affair
that is free of clutter, allowing the driver to get down to the
business at hand. Original instruments and switchgear are in fine
order, as is the lovely polished alloy three-spoke wheel with its
black rim. Typically Italian, a dash plaque boasts of Alfa Romeo's
world-championship success in motorsport, proclaiming it "The car
with the oldest and greatest racing experience." Included in the
sale are the original owner's manual, a service manual and a wooden
tool box with Alfa Romeo factory tools. Beneath the skin, the
chassis and undercarriage appear quite clean and tidy, with satin
black finishes on the major components, and still retaining a high
degree of its originality. The same goes with the engine
compartment, where the two-liter four-cylinder engine is correctly
finished with black wrinkle-finish on the head and cam cover. The
detailing is nice and clean without appearing over-restored. Twin
Solex PHH carburetors are correct for this model, and help to
develop a very useful 115 horsepower, producing evocative induction
and exhaust notes along the way. Revs are encouraged thanks to the
slick-shifting 5-speed gearbox, which makes for delightfully
engaging and entertaining drive. This beautiful, rare and highly
desirable Touring-bodied Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider is a wonderful
example that would make a spectacular entrant for rallies and
events such as the New England 1000 or Colorado Grand, or would be
equally suited to the simple pleasure of savoring your favorite
roads. It is a highly attractive, yet thoroughly usable example
from Alfa Romeo's renaissance years.
