This super European delivered Duetto Spider was restored some years ago by the highly respected Dutch Alfa specialist, Jan Steutel. A full restoration was completed to high standards and during this work the opportunity was taken to upgrade the original 1600cc engine with a period correct 1750cc engine from 1968 production. The 1750 unit which became standard in the Duetto in late 1967 is a desirable upgrade and it has consequently become difficult to source a period correct 1750cc engine.

This restoration was completed for an elderly gentleman who retained the car for a number of years. During this period the car was carefully stored in dry conditions but remained virtually unused. As a result, the car was offered for sale with the well-established Dutch dealers Strada e Corsa, who specialise in high quality Italian classics. The Alfa sold quickly to an English enthusiast and following a full checkover and service it joined his small private collection based in the Cotswolds. He continued to look after the Alfa carefully and drove it infrequently in fine weather only.

We purchased the lovely Duetto in 2016 and following a major service and detail sold it to well-known motoring writer and EVO Magazine founder Mr Harry Metcalfe. Since then Harry has greatly enjoyed the Alfa using it frequently in fine weather, indeed of the many great cars in his collection, it was the Alfa he chose as his steed to follow last year’s Mille Miglia. Since purchase he has maintained it well most of this work being completed by the highly respected Alfa ‘Pope’ Ian Ellis. Improvements have included an engine rebuild as detailed in invoicing on file along with much detail work such as heater rebuild, new regulator and so on.

Today the Alfa remains in excellent order throughout with very good and correct detail, the underside is particularly well finished and it is clear the car has seen minimal use in mainly dry conditions since the restoration. This has to be one of the most beautiful cars of the era – the silver coachwork really accentuating the sublime shape and it so delivers on the road exhibiting all of the verve and competence this great marque is deservedly known for.