1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce in Carmel, CA

Chassis No. AR169000
Engine No. AR0010601593

Conceived at the request of legendary U.S.-based Alfa Romeo importer Max Hoffman, who sought an open-top counterpart to the Giulietta Sprint for the American market, the Giulietta Spider proved an immediate worldwide success. The desirable Veloce variant featured Alfa Romeo's spirited 1.3-liter twin-cam inline-four, fed by a pair of Weber carburetors. As a result, it achieved a top speed of approximately 180 km/h (112 mph), compared to 165 km/h (103 mph) for the standard Spider. Accounting for just 15 percent of total Giulietta Spider production, the rare Spider Veloce remains one of the most sought-after and collectible variants of the model.

Delivered new in the striking Blu Medio and first registered in Italy on 21 March 1961, this Giulietta Spider Veloce is accompanied by an extensive history file including 1989 CSAI and FIA identity papers, invoices documenting engine preparation and maintenance that reflect its competition career, as well as an Alfa Romeo Certificate of Origin, and detailed records of recent service work.

Exported to the United Kingdom in 2012, the car joined the prestigious Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation (HERO) fleet and was campaigned in historic rallies through 2018. Throughout this period, it benefited from continuous maintenance and development, with detailed invoices retained on file. Thereafter, Classic Performance Engineering completed a comprehensive engine rebuild, while DTR European Sports Cars carried out an extensive nut-and-bolt restoration.

Acquired at Broad Arrow's inaugural 2023 Amelia Auction by its current owner, the Giulietta Spider Veloce benefited last year from a program of mechanical, cosmetic, and trim work carried out by specialist The Giulietta Studio of Lake Bluff, Illinois, further refining its earlier restoration. Correct bumpers were fitted front and back, while the balance of the chrome was thoroughly polished, and the exterior paint professionally perfected.

Mechanically, the car was upgraded with a rebuilt five-speed transmission using factory Alfa Romeo synchromesh rings and NOS slider rings, together with the necessary wiring, driveshaft, clutch linkage, crossmember modifications, fresh fluids, and final adjustments. The previously fitted and supposedly original transmission is offered with the car. A fresh set of five Michelin X radial tires was fitted as well on newly restored wheels. The engine compartment also received attention, including refinishing of the oil filter housing, media blasting and refinishing of numerous components, installation of original Lucas relays, and replacement of the tachometer cable.

The interior was upgraded with new firewall and floor insulation, fresh carpeting and vinyl lining, new leather seats, door panels, interior handles, and rear trim, while a new convertible top and matching top cover completed the presentation. Inside the glovebox, a set of Brantz Rallymeters are neatly placed for competitive rally timing. Numerous other finishing details were also attended to, with the work fully documented in the history file.

Benefiting from careful recent attention and accompanied by an extensive history file, owner's manual, tool roll and jack, this Giulietta Spider Veloce is equally at home in historic rallies, on touring events, or simply enjoying the spirit of la dolce vita, promising to delight its next owner.