Vehicle Description
At the 1962 Geneva Motor Show, Alfa Romeo released its successor to
the flagship 2000 series, known as the 2600. Alfa engineers sought
to address criticism 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 six-cylinder made between
130hp for the first sedans to 165 hp 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 substantial Berlina body, the 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 maintained
a fleet of 2600 Sprint Coupes, which proved to be useful 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 for 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. The 2600 Spider is less of a
hardcore sports car, feeling most home as a relaxed high-speed
grand tourer. A refreshing and practical alternative to a Jaguar
E-Type, Maserati 3500, or Lancia Flaminia, the 2600 Spider brings
exceptional performance, Italian coachbuilt style, and high levels
of luxury. Our featured 1965 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider is a highly
desirable late-production example, well preserved in marvelous
condition in crisp bright white over a red interior. The serial
number denotes this as a very late-production Touring-bodied Spider
equipped from new with desirable four-wheel Girling disc brakes and
an improved electrical system with alternator charging. This 2600
is superbly well-sorted, with an honest, highly original character.
Save for a respray and possibly an interior retrim some years ago,
it has been cherished and well-maintained through the years, and
feels as though it has never been completely apart. The bright
white paintwork presents well overall, with some minor
imperfections and touchups found under scrutiny, but with a
character that invites regular driving. The bodywork displays
consistent panel gaps and doors that shut with satisfying ease.
Exterior brightwork is very good, and details include Carello fog
lamps and the delicate Carrozzeria Touring cloisonn� badges on the
bonnet and front wings. Rolling stock consists of factory-correct
steel wheels adorned with chrome center caps and fitted with
period-correct 400 mm Michelin X radials. The interior of this Alfa
presents with a lovely patina that makes it ideally suited to
regular use. There is some moderate creasing and wear on the seats
which is appropriate for the age. However, the leather remains
remarkably supple, with delightful careworn charm. The 2+2 rear
seats have a similar character, and the remaining soft trim,
including the door panels, leather convertible top boot, and gray
carpets, are consistent with the overall presentation. The seats
are comfortable and fit like a favorite old shoe, and the original
three-spoke, black-rimmed steering wheel, and gear lever fall
easily to hand. Interior fittings, controls, and Veglia instruments
are in excellent, original condition. The sale will include an
original tool kit and an extremely rare factory-issued emergency
fuel canister, complete in its factory packaging. Alfa-Romeo's
2,584 cc inline-six sits snugly under the bonnet. The Spider shared
the Sprint's Tipo 00601 engine, which produced about 15 horsepower
over the standard 2600 saloon. Alfisti would feel right at home
working on the engine, as it shared the same twin overhead-cam
layout and distinct polished cam cover as its four-cylinder
cousins. This car retains the original trio of Solex PHH
carburetors along with the correct alloy airbox and remote air
cleaner assembly. The engine presents in good, honest, original
condition appearing tidy and properly serviced. This Alfa truly
shines out on the road. The inline-six fires with ease and delivers
silky-smooth performance from idle up through the top of the rev
range, and it remains impressively quiet and civilized even at
speed with the top down. Likewise, the 5-speed gearbox shifts well
with slick, effortless changes through all gears. The steering is
direct, and the chassis feels properly planted, delivering a
controlled and comfortable ride. This refreshingly honest example
of Alfa Romeo's sublime Grand Tourer is ready to enjoy on your
favorite roads, with the practicality and comfort to suit use on
long-distance driving events. Offers welcome and trades considered