Vehicle Description
1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 750D Spider
Coachwork by Pinin Farina
Chassis Number AR1495 02124
Engine Number AR1315 42109
Alfa Romeo, a proud multiple world champion and builder of some of
the finest automobiles of the Thirties, was transformed in 1954
with the introduction of the diminutive 1,290cc Giulietta.
The Giulietta changed Alfa forever, becoming the taproot of Alfa's
family tree for the next six decades. Over 177,000 were built over
the next 11 years.
Giulietta was all-new but entirely conventional with independent
front suspension, live rear axle and coil springs. Its innovation
was a beautiful little all-aluminum 5 main bearing four-cylinder
engine with chain driven dual overhead camshafts and a Solex dual
throat downdraft carburetor making 65 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.
Chassis construction was, unusually for the time, a sheet metal
platform that adapted easily from the 2,380 mm wheelbase Sprint and
Berlina to the 2,200 mm wheelbase Spider.
Key to Giulietta's success was its light weight. Despite the mass
of its liquid cooling system the Giulietta Sprint weighed just
1,764 pounds. The comparable air cooled Porsche 356A coupe weighed
1,870 pounds, 106 more than the Giulietta Sprint.
Giulietta's Berlina sedan and Sprint coupe dominated in Europe but
Alfa's U.S. importer Max Hoffman offered to buy 600 Spiders if Alfa
made them. It was too good an opportunity to pass up and Bertone
and Pinin Farina presented prototypes. Pinin Farina's design was
chosen and secured the contract to build the production coachwork.
The Spider's design was characteristically Italian and Pinin
Farina, aided by Alfa's adoption of a lower radiator and low
profile air filter assembly. Roll up side windows and a tight soft
top made the Giulietta Spider superior to many of its
roadster-style competitors with side curtains and flimsy, leaky,
drafty tops.
This matching numbers engine and gearbox (documented with
correspondence from Alfa Romeo Centro Documentazione) 1957 Alfa
Romeo Giulietta Spider was acquired by Giulietta restoration
specialists Giulietta Studio. A complete car when acquired, it came
from New England in good condition, an acknowledgement of good long
term care in a tough environment. Restored to original condition
for its immediately preceding owner with exceptional bodywork and
Alfa Red paint, everything was redone including jewel-like chrome
on all the exterior and interior trim. The Alfa teardrop grille
fits perfectly to the body without needing gaskets to fill in gaps.
The matching-numbers engine was built by Alfa Specialist Mike
Besic. It was then delivered to the preceding owner, who proceeded
to spend the next three years bringing it up to his own high level
of assembly and perfection.
The result is an extraordinary Giulietta Spider with the correct
(and highly effective) finned aluminum brake drums, period-style
Pirelli Cinturato tires, and a tunnel case gearbox upgraded to five
speeds by gearbox specialist Reed Cearley. The engine compartment
is meticulously presented with clean body seams and accurate
finishes, textures and colors. The upholstery is correct original
style vinyl with a new top and clear back window. A correct
California build year license plate is affixed to the rear deck and
is the current California registration.
It looks as good from underneath as it does from the top. Take off
the door panels and what's inside is sharp and better than new.
1957 Italian cars rarely get a restoration and overall detailing as
good as this 1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, even if their badges
say "Ferrari" or "Lancia". It will be proudly presented at any
concours or prestigious gathering. Among Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Spiders this one stands alone.
