Vehicle Description
At the 1962 Geneva Motor Show, Alfa Romeo released its successor to
the flagship 2000 series, the 2600. Alfa engineers sought to
address critic's claims that the 2000 was underpowered by ditching
the old iron-block 2-liter inline four and shoehorning in a new 2.6
liter, all-alloy inline six. Based on the same architecture as the
Giulietta engine, the inline-six used an alloy block and twin-cam
head, with removable liners and a seven-main-bearing crankshaft.
Depending on the year and model, the engine made between 130 for
the first sedans to 165 horsepower for the ultimate Sprint Zagato
spec. Many of the chassis components carried over from the 2000,
and later models gained disc brakes at all four corners. Even with
the heaviest Berlina body performance was up to Alfa Romeo's usual
standards. While slightly more relaxed than the high-strung
twin-cam four, the six-cylinder still offered the character and
charm that defined Alfa in the 1960s. It was also a robust engine,
proving itself in competition as well as on the road where
famously, the Italian Carabinieri Squadra Pantera used a fleet of
2600 Sprint Coupes as effective tools for high-speed pursuits on
the Autostrada. Alfa Romeo offered the 2600 in several variations
starting with the crisp and sophisticated Tipo 106.00 four-door
Berlina. A more sporting option came with the Bertone-bodied 2600
Sprint Coupe. The handsome GT car was 100kg lighter than the
Berlina, sporting triple Solex carbs to give brisk performance.
Finally, the task of creating the open Spider version fell to
Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. Like Bertone did with the coupe,
Touring incorporated much of the existing design from the 2000 into
the new 2600, but with a freshened face and revised trim. The
Spider shared the Sprint's high-performance triple-carburetor
engine and five-speed gearbox. At a time when Alfa Romeo focused on
mass production, the 2600 was made in relatively small numbers.
Total production of all models (Berlina, Sprint, Touring, SZ, and
Deluxe) just topped 11,000 cars, with the pretty Touring Spider
accounting for only 2,257 units. In its day, the 2600 was
comparable to a Jaguar E-Type, Maserati 3500, or Lancia Flaminia,
offering exceptional performance, Italian coachbuilt style and high
levels of luxury. Our featured 2600 Spider is a highly desirable
late-production model, with a beautifully finished restoration in
exquisite colors. As a later example, it features the sought-after
four-wheel disc brakes, alternator, and various trim improvements
that Alfa made throughout production. This car also features a
triple-Weber carburetor arrangement in place of the troublesome
factory Solexes, thereby improving power, serviceability, and
reliability. This car enjoyed long-term ownership in California,
with the previous owner reporting that the restoration started with
a sound and solid car needing no major structural repair.
Approximately 8 years ago, while in California, the car received a
high-quality cosmetic restoration and mechanical overhaul, all
finished to very high standards. Finished in a gorgeous livery of
Oro Chiaro with a burgundy roof, the body has superb alignment with
crisp, straight panels. The paintwork is glossy and smooth;
however, we have noted some bubbling in the finish upon close
inspection. That said, these imperfections do little to detract
from the stellar overall presentation. The Pebble Beach
award-winning shop Christensen Plating Works in California
completely restored the brightwork, and it remains in excellent
condition. The factory chrome wheels wear proper metric Michelin
tires, and pleasing details include the jewel-like Carrozzeria
Touring badges and period correct Carello fog lamps. Following the
restoration, it won Best Italian Sports Car at the 2012 Ocean Reef
Concours d'Elegance. Considerably more luxurious than the
Giulietta, the 2600 Spider's cabin is awash in leather and wool
carpet. Beautiful red upholstery and medium gray rugs provide a
lovely complement to the gold paintwork. A noted Alfa Romeo
specialist shop in California handled the interior restoration, and
it remains in excellent condition thanks to the meticulous care and
maintenance performed by the current owner. The hides still appear
taut and supple, with only the slightest creasing from gentle use.
Likewise, the leather-covered door panels, dash, and rear seat all
present in outstanding condition. Controls, gauges, and interior
chrome fittings are similarly excellent. Mechanically, the car is
in fine order. It retains the correct Tipo 00601
Sprint-specification engine, updated with triple side-draught Weber
carburetors, which provide a welcome performance boost. Alfa Romeo
guru Al Cortes handled much of the mechanical overhaul while the
car was in California, and the current East Coast-based owner
continued to maintain the car in top order. The under bonnet
presentation is excellent, with a highly-polished cam cover acting
as the focal point. While this car has been enjoyed on the road,
the engine bay remains very tidy, with only a light patina from use
yet with signs of meticulous care. The sale includes a host of
additional parts that would serve well as the basis for a rally
spares kit, as well as a mostly-complete original tool kit in the
factory blue box. Thanks to the expert restoration work and recent
care, this Alfa performs beautifully and would make an excellent
choice for long-distance touring and events. The torquey six and
five-speed 'box provides the perfect pairing for brisk yet relaxed
cruising. A generous boot and usable back seat further add to the
practicality, and the cabin is delightfully comfortable with the
roof up or down. In this lovely 2600, gorgeous colors, elegant
Touring coachwork, and a rich and resonant Italian twin-cam inline
six combine to create one of the best grand touring cars of the
period.
