Mystery Machine: 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider
Some classic cars are genuine mystery machines, which is the case with this 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. Its history is unclear, but evidence suggests it isn’t an original survivor. However, that hasn’t deterred potential buyers, with the car receiving twenty-one bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Bellingham, Massachusetts. The action has pushed the price to $17,255, although it remains short of the reserve.
Alfa Romeo introduced the Spider to its existing Giulietta range in mid-1955, with the bodywork completed by Pinin Farina. The model remained unchanged until a 1959 restyle, with the VIN Tag confirming that this is a 750D model from the final year of the initial version. It presents as a tidy driver with Burgundy paint that sports a few chips, scratches, and imperfections. That brings us to the first aspect of this Italian gem that poses questions. Evidence suggests the paint shade isn’t original, with this car rolling off the line wearing a vivid shade of Red. It is unclear when the change occurred, but I don’t believe it has done the appearance any favors. If I bought this Alfa, I would eventually reinstate the factory color. The Spider comes to its new owner with a factory hardtop and tonneau but only the frame for the soft-top. The seller supplies no information on potential rust problems, but I located photos on another site confirming the underside is rock solid. The chrome is acceptable for a driver-quality car, and there are no apparent glass issues.
Modifications and changes to this Alfa aren’t restricted to its paint because its interior has also received attention. The Black seat upholstery with its Red piping isn’t original, and the stretching would prompt me to spend $500 on a pair of correct replacements. The carpet is faded, and the wheel center has developed a yellow tinge. Before replacing that last item, it might be worth investigating restoration options. I’ve seen enthusiasts address the issue using a hydrogen peroxide bath and UV lights, but it is worth talking to someone with experience before attempting that process. The last thing the new owner needs is the center crumbling to dust because genuine replacements are difficult to source and can be hideously expensive. Beyond those problems, this interior has no apparent needs.
The engine bay provides the final piece of the mystery surrounding this Alfa. The “2000” badge on the rear of this gem raises questions about its mechanical originality, which is further complicated when we examine the car’s engine number. It rolled off the line with a 1,290cc twin-cam four that produced 79hp. The power fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, allowing the Spider to cover the ¼ mile in 18.5 seconds. I can confirm the existing motor isn’t original and that the badge on the rear of this car is purely aspirational. The motor occupying the engine bay is still a 1,290cc unit, but it was initially under the hood of a 750B Sprint. The change makes no difference to the performance potential, but it could be a consideration for enthusiasts focused on complete originality. The seller indicates this Alfa runs and drives well and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
Finding an older Alfa Romeo that isn’t beset with significant rust issues can be challenging, but that appears to be the case with this 1958 Giulietta Spider. It isn’t 100% original, and the engine change may deter some purists. I could speculate on where the seller set their reserve, but some detective work provides a guide. I found this classic listed elsewhere with a price of $28,000, which is in the ballpark for a car requiring restoration work. With that thought in mind, would you consider pursuing it further?
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Comments
The cost to bring it back to originality exceeds its present value, no doubt. But the future value may well be in line (a keeper for some period of time). Put together the numbers and soon you will know that this is a driver, leave in its present condition, drive it and enjoy it. As an investment, not on top of the list. Value: depends on the buyers short- or long-term goals. Short term $23-25K ; long term should easily go for $60-70 K in less than 5 years with proper restoration. Peace!!
That engine compartment is a mess…seems like someone put on a funky paint job to flip to the unassuming…bet lots of rust issues..
Side profile is reminiscent of a Fiat 124 Spider. I dig it.
If the price is below $30000 and the car is compete and running, from a European viewpoint, it is excellent value.
Structural integrity is key. Jack it up and try to open the door. I think the colour would be Prugna, which is a later Alfa colour. Current fashion in Alfa is “anything but red”….
I like the looks of this car, and it is definitely a driver… but it could be a show piece if someone was willing to put in the money and then hold it a few years.
The Alfa Giulietta Spider profile predates the Fiat 124 Spider by eleven years and predates the Fiat 1200 TV Spider by two years.
The seller has 15 other vehicles listed, this is the only auction one. This looks cool but not crazy over that color.
I see there is a new listing with a Porsche auction.
If it’s really solid underneath, make the seller a fair offer then drive it and do a rolling restoration. I bought a similar car in 1992 for $4,200 and recently turned down $45,000; meanwhile have had 30 years of fun with it. Most parts are available for less than Porsche parts. In fact, if this were a Porsche, the asking price would be at least double.
Friend of mine had one of these 40 years ago. Frame was made from swiss cheese, but it came with three extra frames, all loaded into the trunk in buckets of rust and dust. Sweet sounding engine though…
Frame? What frame? These are unibody
True … unibody. Had one … a 1600 cc w/ dual side draft Webers
pocket rocket
first car w/ metrics …grrrr
$20k usually gets a750 Spyder that needs body work and has incorrect 4 cylinder that doesn’t run, this car looks very good for entry level buyer in price range. Needs a good look over, as is , surprised it’s under $30k. Correct versions hit $90k.
Sold for $25k. Not an incredible deal, but a pretty good price if the underside is as solid as the seller claims.
Does anyone know who the buyer is? This car was purchased from a family in Ellington CT. They are moving which is why the car had to go. I was helping them clean out their house this week for the move and I am currently in possession of 2 rear ends/axles, a driveshaft, spare wheel and cap, various front and rear suspension parts, brake assemblies, etc. I could not, in good conscience, let these parts go into a dumpster. I would like to give them to someone who could use them. Does anyone need these parts? My name is Jeremy Philbin- Vernon, CT.
If you or anyone knows anybody that could use these parts, please message me. Thank you.
Jeremy,
Kudos to you for trying to find a home for these parts instead of becoming scrap metal. Hopefully the purchaser will message you back here.
I suggest you contact the Giulietta Register 750-101, the can be found at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/246734757269887/
Make sure they understand that time is of the essence if someone wants the parts.