1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider
Lovely West Coast Example
Beautifully Restored and Finished in Classic Dark Green / Brown Leather Interior
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HISTORY
By the late 1950’s, Alfa Romeo had become a top tier name in the world of sports cars with adequate performance both on and off the track. Despite the reliable power derived from the 2000 series inline four cylinder cars, Alfa Romeo saw the need for a larger, more powerful engine. The new flagship model, the 2600, was introduced at the 1962 Geneva Motor Show. The coach-built Sprint by Bertone and the Spider convertible by Carrozzeria Touring in Milan were expensive and were rare even when new due to being constructed by hand. While the coach-built examples would represent the last of the hand assembled Alfa Romeos, it was the 2600 Spider by Touring that was fit for long distance driving. It offered drivers a sense of style, performance and comfort that could only come from Italy. The 2600 models would be the last inline six cylinder Alfa Romeos to feature dual overhead camshafts and as a result are some of the most sought-after classics by Alfa Romeo enthusiasts and collectors today.
The engine fitted to the 2600 was a direct derivative of the previous Twin-Cam but now with increased displacement to 2584cc. The exotic all alloy engine was stout and was chosen for use in the Italian Carbinier’s “Squadra Volante”as high speed “Pantera” police puursiuit vehicles. Racers around the globe took notice and raced the Sprints with notable success. In 1967 Alessandro Ragazzi won the European TT 3 Liter Championship in a 2600 Sprint.
The Alfa 2600 was more well appointed than the Guilietta and Guila Spiders resulting in a refined performance touring car equipped for comfort. Better suited for long distance touring events with their larger displacement, wider torque band, standard 5 speed transmission and larger carrying capacity, the Spider is popular among driving enthusiasts who expect to travel of hundreds of mile over the course of several days, and arrive in comfort.
The 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider by Touring featured here is finished in stunning Dark Green over a dark brown interior with a black folding convertible top. This wonderful handbuilt Alfa Romeo Spider is one of only ~2,255 examples and is an incredibly desirable model today. A recent service has been performed including a complete engine top end rebuild, making this 2600 Spider the perfect candidate for a vintage rally or tour. We are proud to offer this investment-grade Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider by Touring to the most demanding collector, investor or enthusiast who understands and appreciates the rarity of this great Italian classic. Classic cars have proven to be among the most resilient and rewarding investments in recent years with the Historic Automobile Group Index (HAGI) jumping 39% in 2013, 16% in 2014 and 17% in 2015 while posting gains of 467% over the last 10 years.
THIS PARTICULAR ALFA ROMEO
This Alfa has the distinction of being featured in print and video productions including an article on Eva Mendes in Flare magazine and a Jesse McCartney music video, “Superbad.” Links to the articles/videos can be seen at:
https://www.hawtcelebs.com/eva-mendes-in-flare-magazine-canada-may-2014-issue/
This featured 2600 Spider is a desirable, collectible example, beautifully finished restoration in an exquisite and color combination. The Alfa remains in virtually stock configuration including the Solex carburetion. The Spider recently benefited from an upgrade to electronic ignition and a tune-up to improve reliability, and serviceability. This car comes to us, as most of our cars, from a long time customer as part of a collection of fine automobiles. The Alfa is being offered for sale only as a result of unexpected medical realities.
The 2600 Spider was acquired from an Arizona owner with a long-time Southern California history. It was comprehensively restored to a very nice standard and was fully serviced including a tune-up, oil service, wheel alignment, new wheel bearings, and rebuilt voltage regulator when the current owner purchased the car in 2006. Since that time, very few miles have been added to the car and it has been properly stored and well maintained. It was pre-inspected and notations on the inspection included “new front brake pads, Compression readings of 160/160/175/170/170/165, and a new exhaust system.
Finished in a lovely shade of green with a beautiful brown interior and color coordinated top, the car presents very nicely. Paintwork was completed to high standards, with excellent smooth gloss, and virtually no surface or prep issues. There is one very minor touched up chip on the front of the car with any other minor imperfections requiring close, critical inspection to be noticed, and not detracting from the cars appearance. The body panels are straight with good fit, including the hood that releases properly and the locking trunk. The chrome is excellent, with a fresh and recent appearance showing no swirls, scratches, or pitting. The hubcaps are similarly nice and the wheels wear costly and appropriate Michelin “X” tires. The trim and badges are excellent with the front Alfa badge showing light crazing, but a pleasing patina. The lights, glass, and lenses are excellent with with only light pitting on the Carello fog lamps. A lovely “Alfa Romeo Classico” badge adorns the front right side of the grill. Other pleasing details include the jewel-like Carrozzeria Touring badges on both front fenders.
Considerably more luxurious than the Giulietta, the 2600 Spider’s cabin is awash in leather and wool carpet. Beautiful brown leather upholstery was done very well and reflects only slight mellowing. The interior brightwork and other trim appear to be original adding to the appeal of the Alfa. Gauges also appear to be original, unrestored, and very nice, indeed. The dark brown carpeting is in excellent condition and covered in high quality material as is the dashboard. Period correct cocoa mats in an attractive multi-color cover the carpeting. The dash includes an 0riginal steering wheel in nice condition with signs of minor and slight crazing to the center horn button. The interior remains in excellent condition thanks to the meticulous care and maintenance performed by the current owner.
The engine compartment is consistent with a nice driver level example, being attractive and tidy, and partially detailed. The car is equipped with correct intake system including triple Solex carburetors, trunking, and air filer housing complete with FISPA decal. The engine itself is quite clean. The firewall appears to have seen some restoration work in the
Thanks to the expert restoration work and recent care, this Alfa performs beautifully and would make an excellent choice for long-distance touring and events. The torquey six and five-speed ‘box provides the perfect pairing for brisk yet relaxed cruising. A generous boot and usable back seat further add to the practicality, and the cabin is delightfully comfortable with the roof up or down. In this lovely 2600, gorgeous colors, elegant Touring coachwork, and a rich and resonant Italian twin-cam inline six combine to create one of the best grand touring cars of the period.
Classic Cars Ltd.
925-846-1451