To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$65,000 - $85,000
- One of the first 250 Giulietta Spiders produced
- Matching numbers original engine
- Long-term ownership as part of the Swig family collection
- Multiple time California Mille participant
- Regularly serviced and driven
Alfa Romeo established the "small car, big performance" formula
that would characterize the marque's finest offerings when they
introduced the Bertone-styled Giulietta Sprint in 1954. The Italian
marque's twin-cam inline four-cylinder engine was downsized to
1,290-cc for the 750-series Giulietta, utilizing an alloy cylinder
block in the process. The Sprint coupe was joined shortly
afterwards by the berlina and spider versions, the latter styled by
Pinin Farina and built on a slightly shorter wheelbase.
The Giulietta Spider's combination of a rev-happy engine, fine
handling, a responsive chassis, and good brakes made the Giulietta
a driver's car par excellence, arguably superior in driving
dynamics when compared with its primary competitor, Porsche's 356
Cabriolet and Speedster. These timelessly styled Italian beauties
continue to attract discerning enthusiasts today and are a
preferred choice for vintage rallies and events.
This 1956 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider dates to the first series of
production for the model; it is the 228th Giulietta Spider produced
according to its chassis number. Being an early short-wheelbase
750D series Spider, it is identified by several distinguishing
features, such as the small taillights that are much beloved on
these early cars, as well as its "tunnel-case" four-speed
floor-shift gearbox. It is a US model, as evidenced by its
English-language gauges and MPH speedometer.
Importantly, the Giulietta retains its original matching numbers
engine as well as its original under-hood data tag. It has enjoyed
long-term California ownership, having been with its current owners
amongst a stable of vintage Alfa Romeos since 2003. Prior to that,
it was looked after by a woman from California for many years --
its 1970s-era California blue plates serve as a testament to its
tenure in the Golden State.
Cosmetically it is best described as a driver, with an older
repaint in what is believed to be the original white, and red
upholstery done using correct style materials. An older black cloth
soft top (replaced in 2004) stows behind the seats. Brightwork is
presentable yet shows its age in places, and panel fit throughout
is slightly indifferent. Some evidence of prior bodywork can be
found upon inspection, yet the car drives straight and true, and is
absolutely a delight out on the open road. In short, it is not a
Concours candidate but rather an ideal choice for an event "driver"
that can be enjoyed without guilt or reservation.
In that capacity, it has been driven regularly both on weekend
drives to the coast for oysters, as well as more serious multi-day
motoring expeditions such as the California Mille, an event it has
finished on several occasions. All told, it has been driven over
7,000 miles in its current ownership, with approximately 1,500
miles added in the past five years. It makes good power and
wonderful noises from the original high-revving 1,290-cc inline
four-cylinder, with a raspy and satisfying exhaust note. A 4.10
ratio rear axle has been fitted and the engine has been upgraded
with a single Weber downdraft carburetor - two subtle modifications
that offer more spirited performance. The four-speed tunnel case
gearbox shifts confidently, responding best to a driver who
understands how to properly rev-match and double de-clutch.
Many correct details and finishes can be found throughout. The
interior features the correct original steering wheel, shift knob,
gauges, switchgear, and Pininfarina radio-delete plate. The
full-size spare tire and jack are cleverly stored underneath the
top. All factory trim is present, and door window glass are the
original Securit items. The engine bay is tidy, and an original
body number tag is found spot welded to the hood. Upon close
inspection underneath, the tunnel case gearbox bears stamping
'188', while the rear differential housing bears '217', both of
which appear to be strong indicators of originality given the car's
early chassis 228.
A significant file of service receipts documents restoration work
and maintenance by Alfa Romeo specialists since the car was
acquired by Martin Swig in 2003. Noted Alfa restorer Conrad
Stevenson did a great deal of work on the car in the 2003-2007
period, including major work to the engine, replacement of the
exhaust system, the fitment of a 4.10 ratio rear axle, as well as
an alternator and negative ground conversion. Additional
significant sorting work was also performed to get the car
event-ready and reliable. From 2008-2011 maintenance was entrusted
to Larry Buskirk's Italian Auto Repair of Novato, California.
In recent years, the Giulietta has been cared for by Alfaman of
Novato, California. It received a major service in 2016, in which
all fluids were drained and replaced, the cooling system was
flushed, a new brake master cylinder was installed, and various
other items such as an axle seal were attended to. In 2018 a fresh
set of Vredestein Sprint Classic tires were installed, the
transmission mount was replaced, and a new alternator was
fitted.
Bound to provide many more miles of Italian open-air adventure,
this example of Alfa Romeo's beloved Giulietta Spider will surely
become a favored motoring companion.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0520.