For Sale: 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider in Saint Louis, Missouri

Many of Europe's prestige automakers suffered great losses during WWII, only to face dire economic struggles in the aftermath. Alfa Romeo, known before the war for high-end, race-inspired sports cars, was one of the few to successfully pivot from niche sports car company to a volume manufacturer - a necessary survival tactic in the post-war economy. Importantly, Alfa Romeo did so without sacrificing its illustrious motorsport heritage, and ushered in a new chapter for its affordable, driver-focused family cars and sports cars, while also supporting Italy's deeply rooted coachbuilding traditions. The 1900 series of 1950 set the stage with its versatile, coachbuilder-friendly platform and spicy performance.
The smaller, less expensive Giulietta Tipo 750 debuted in 1954, furthering Alfa Romeo's mass-production ambitions. Like the 1900, the Giulietta came in a variety of body styles and configurations, first as a handsome Bertone designed coupe, then an in-house designed four-door Berlina, and a gorgeous Pinin Farina-penned Spider, introduced in 1955. Based on a modified Sprint Coupe chassis, the lithe and jewel-like little two-seater sports car was created at the behest of influential New York importer, Max Hoffman, in response to the booming popularity of similar roadsters from England and Germany. Motivation came courtesy of Alfa Romeo's light and powerful twin cam 1.3-liter inline four. Despite its diminutive displacement, it made sufficient power to propel the elegant roadster to nearly 100 mph, with requisite Italian histrionics and a beautifully balanced chassis. The Giulietta gained a longer wheelbase and other refinements for the Tipo 101 series, before giving way to the larger and significantly revised Giulia 105-series in mid-1962.
This lovely 1962 Giulietta 1300 Spider Tipo 101.03 is a rare and desirable model from the final year of production. By the numbers, this car bears body number 370648, making it a 'crossover' car, utilizing the later 105 Giulia body with the earlier Giulietta underpinnings. Finished in a classic shade of red over a creme beige interior, it is an attractive car with a charming period-correct look making it the ideal pick to enjoy on historic rallies and tours.
Documents on file support a consistent maintenance history in recent ownership, with notable work including an interior refurbishment in 2015 and a considerable amount of mechanical and electrical service by noted specialist Patrick Ottis of Berkely, California, in 2011. In 2020, another specialist performed an in-depth service to include fuel system, brake overhaul, ignition service, valve adjustment, detailing, and more, totaling over $7,000. The engine number corresponds with a period-correct late-series 'Tipo 00102' 1300 and is fitted with a high-performance tubular header to enhance the already addictive soundtrack and possibly unleash another Italian pony or two.
As offered, it features a black canvas convertible top, beige top boot, beige cockpit tonneau cover, period Becker radio, Vredestein Sprint Classic tires on factory wheels, and a history file containing service records, a service manual, and an instruction booklet.
Nicely maintained and smartly presented, this desirable Tipo 101 Giulietta will undoubtedly deliver its next custodian endless miles of open-air motoring joy.


Offers welcome, trades considered.