Silver Spider: 1969 Alfa Romeo Giulia
In the world of classic vehicles, small two-seater roadsters are a bit of a niche group, specifically when it comes to Italian cars. This 1969 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider is definitely a recognizable one, and our reader PRA4SNW let us know that it’s available here on craigslist in Petaluma, California. Read on to see more about it!
Conceived as early as 1956, the model was introduced at the 1966 Geneva Auto Show as a replacement for the Giulietta. Alfa produced the Giulia for nearly 30 years, in four generations or ‘Series’, all of which are visually similar from the front. Total production was approximates 124,000 units in two facilities in the Turin area of Italy. Design house Pininfarina created the look, featuring a rounded tail, or “osso di seppia”, which means “cuttlefish bone” in Italian. The first generation, or “Series 1” as it is often called, spanned 1966 to 1969 and came at first with a 1570cc engine but 1967 saw introduction of a 1750cc mill, mated to a 5-speed manual box and rear wheel drive. For 1969 (or 1970, depending which information source) the American market received a mechanical-fuel-injected engine while the European market cars had dual Weber sidedraft carburetors.
The example presented to us in the ad looks very nice overall. We see silver paint over a dark interior and what appears to be a dark blue convertible top. Everything looks rather tidy in general, the engine bay with side-draft carburetors and the rear with amber lenses, suggesting that this unit was not originally sold in the American market. We’re told in the ad that it was recently serviced, runs and drives fine, the top and tires are new, and that the odometer reads 78676. “Great weekend cruiser” as they put it.
I admit that I do not know much about these beautiful machines but I would consider this a neat, fun weekend cruiser for sure. Rumor has it that Italian cars are great…when they work…and when they don’t, they’re expensive…but what do you think? Is the classic-car market wrong for overlooking anything that’s not a Ferrari? Are Italian cars, specifically older Alfas, a challenge? Did I miss a detail somewhere? They’re asking $31,000…Let me know in the comments!
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Comments
“Rumor has it that Italian cars are great…when they work…and when they don’t, they’re expensive…”
It’s a good bet you-and all the BF staff plus most readers-know this to be true, but the same can be said of most English and German cars as well.
This is a heart stopping beauty, and while some might consider it too much money it’s a screaming deal for someone looking for an Italian icon-that many can actually work on if needs be..
Put the top down, slather on the 1000 SPF and enjoy life while you can..
Alfa prices are going up, and I don’t know if this one’s out of line.
Not sure if it’s the photography or a paint patch, but I’d want to inspect the car closely for front-end damage. I’ve seen a fair number of Duettos of this vintage that have taken a hit on one end or the other.
But if everything’s okay underneath and it drives well, there are much worse ways to spend $31K (or whatever you could negotiate the seller down to). An early car that has been cared for, which this one looks to be, is an absolute joy on the road. And with proper maintenance, it will be a joy for many, many miles to come.
Craiglist again… you would actually send somebody $31,000.00 off a Craiglist ad? In a legit auction house such as Sotheby’s or Barrett-Jackson you’re talking around $25-29k in pristine condition. Nobody can repair these old Alfa’s being the fact most can’t repair a new Alfa. Nice to look at, pain in the butt to own. jv – smashpalace
Nobody can fix Alfas? Nice to meet you, Nobody.
Looks like a flipper to me. Found it recently sold at https://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/1969-alfa-romeo-giulia-spider-1300-junior-c-13287.htm. Probably a lot less than 31K.
Whatever the price, it won’t be worth less a year after you buy it.
I don’t know why Alfa’s get a bad rap on this site. Usually from opinionated people with no real experience with one. I’ve owned several vintage Alfas, various models. Easy to work on, old parts readily available from multiple suppliers and for the most part they’re reliable. Never in 40 years broken down or gotten stuck somewhere. Plus really fun to drive.
Likewise. Nothing but a lovely experience with our Alfa (same model as this one, later year). I wish I had it back to be honest
bt
I have worked on Alfa’s & I own a Lancia Zagato 82,and have never had a problem with it, I have rebuilt the engine , because the person i got it from had let it run low on oil, if you have the engine manual & you are a mechanic they are not that hard it work on, including tuning.I am a retired heavy equipment mechanic.
Before owning an Italian car I was of the same opinion that is until I purchased one. In 2018 I purchased a well cared for 67 1300 GTJr that I take out almost weekly weather permitting. It is a pleasure to drive and has been a joy to own. I find many times people form opinions on things they have never owned, I know as I was one of them.
Never heard this model ever referred to as a Guilia???? State side these in 1969 were Spider 1750 as Duetto was dropped …..Back in the day lots of these spicia fuel injection set ups were replaced with webers, did several myself as owned 3 69’s and did several for other folks ………oh and WTF is the Temu ad popping up and overtaking the ability to read and even look at comments doing, Be best to get rid of that crap unless this site supports the Chinese Communist Party
uBlock is your friend……….
Also non-USA spec, headlight covers.
I think it looks fantastic, I’m sure it’s a blast to drive ……unfortunately, I will be spending that chunk of cash on my garage :-(
Beautiful car. Don’t think I have ever seen a round tail model in silver, nor had I noticed the little peak in the front valance on the early cars which is a cool little feature. The early cars will always command more money, but old Alfa Spider prices have really gone up across the board.
Speaking as a former factory employee, let me assure you of two things…the upper front valance panel on all 1300, 1600 and 1750 Duetto (Spider) vehicles worldwide had the characteristic upward pointed crease to which you refer but that the crease you see is not the original stamping. The front has been tapped as most have been over the past 50 years, with fiberglass filler to create the shape and resprayed. The obvious point here is that the crease is ‘way too long and upwardly protuberant.
Speaking as a former factory employee, let me assure you of two things…the upper front valance panel on all 1300, 1600 and 1750 Duetto (Spider) vehicles worldwide had the characteristic upward pointed crease to which you refer but that the crease you see is not the original stamping. The front has been tapped as most have been over the past 50 years, with fiberglass filler to create the shape and resprayed. The obvious point here is that the crease is ‘way too long and upwardly protuberant.
nice
nice