Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider

VIN – AR377604
Engine No. – AR00112*13137*
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – White
Engine – 1600cc DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder
Transmission – 5-Speed manual
Current Miles – 18,758 miles (TMU)

Highlights of This Car

-Imported new to California where it has remained since 1964
-Owned by the same California resident from 1964-2021
-Numbers matching engine verified by original purchase documents
-Ordered and delivered with center knock-off Borrani wire wheels

General Overview

Throughout the prewar era, Alfa Romeo exemplified Italian artistry, crafting some of the most beautiful handmade cars in the world. And while so many Alfas were painstakingly assembled using often laborious and complex fabrication methods, all this changed after the war when industrial processes and advanced production machinery allowed the stylish low-cost Giulia and Giulietta to enter the market at a relatively low cost. These new offerings were sporty and charming, yet finely trimmed, giving an air of sophistication that fashionable men and women greatly admired. Both models enjoyed success, with strong sales in Europe and America, a consistent trend that remains true today with the Giulia Spider often regarded as the most balanced and desirable combination of elegant design and sporting pleasure.

History of This Car

Supported by the July 23, 1964, purchase invoice indicating the original delivery to US Alfa Romeo dealer Aldo Sonvico, Los Angeles, CA, this Alfa Romeo was delivered to the first owner, Markus J. Russi, West Los Angeles, CA, at that time, married to Donna Freese. Ordered and delivered with center knock-off Borrani wire wheels (painted silver), additional documentation includes overseas transport and delivery documents naming Russi, confirming delivery to the original owner, and confirming the matching chassis and engine number still with the car today. Russi took delivery of this Alfa Romeo in Europe, driving the car while traveling abroad where it was assigned license plate TI-1517Z in 1964 (retained with the car today). The Russis would keep the car for many years, supported by copies of service invoices dated 1965 and dated letters involving the Alfa Romeo, insurance paperwork, and numerous other documents supporting the purchase and original ownership.

In February 1967, the car was titled to Donna Freese, Saratoga, CA (no longer going by her married name) as confirmed by a copy of the 1967 California pink slip title bearing her name and purchase date. Freese continued her uninterrupted ownership with the car until her passing in 2021. A 2017 service invoice from Roselli Foreign Car Repair, San Jose, CA indicates work performed including a carburetor kit, trail arm bushings, steering arm bushing, left and right tie rod ends, Koni front and rear shock absorbers, rear wheel brake cylinders, alternator belt, and various adjustments, as well as alignment performed on the car. In June 2021, the car was sold to the current consigning owner, a close friend of the Freese family.

Condition Overview

Today this Alfa presents in very good driver quality condition with glossy paint, smooth coverage, and cohesive visual finishes. Although the age of the paint is unknown, it appears to have been professionally applied exhibiting good door gaps, uniformed paint coverage and attention to detail on various surfaces and around the chrome trim. There are a few minor stone chips in the paint, but the chrome trim throughout the car is quite nice and obvious care has been applied to original features including both headlight trim rings retaining the correct original Carello stampings. Doors, hood, and trunk lid open and shut properly however it should be noted that fit and finish while not exact, are honest reflections of an original car that has been cared for and modestly repainted. The vivid red finish is nicely accented by the contrasting white interior and rarely seen Dayton wire wheels, capped by Alfa Romeo branded knock offs. A set of matching Michelin 155/HR15 tires are mounted. A fresh and nicely stitched black canvas convertible top is in place and sits nearly flush to the windshield header when manually mounted in place. The rear plastic window is clear and free of blemishes.
Opening the driver’s door, the door jambs appear to be preserved, retaining what may be the original paint finish and a vintage Castrol oil change sticker from a service performed decades ago. The matching red carpeting, contrasted by black Alfa Romeo logo rubber mats and white seats, creates a very dynamic 60s era presence. The white seats and door panel inserts are nicely prepared using good quality materials and finishes. A pair of black contemporary lap belts have been installed. The dashboard black padding is in excellent condition as are the various chrome trims, knobs, and features. A very nice array of instruments is in place displaying the muted tones that only original aged instruments can convey. Smaller internal gauges in the main units appear to have been more recently replaced. The black-rimmed steering wheel completes the factory look with a nicely finished Alfa Romeo center emblem. Overall, the interior has a very nice feel to it with pleasant touches including a red shift boot, radio blank-out trim, a handsome ashtray, and a nicely finished matching white rear compartment cover. Behind the seats, the spare tire and factory supplied Borrani painted wire wheel is mounted using factory hardware. The trunk appears to be original to the car with evidence of original finish and a correct Alfa Romeo rubber floor mat.

Under the hood shows once again what are believed to be original paint finishes and a surprising delight, the original matching numbers 1600 engine, complete with what appears to be original unrestored factory finishes and correct components. The engine and gearbox appear to have been maintained consistent with more than 50 years of single ownership. Details include a single Solex carburetor fed by a correct air intake system, cast aluminum Alfa Romeo branded twin cam cover, tufted silver diamond-quilted hood insulation pad, and correct factory stampings and tags for the chassis number, and single strike numbers shown on the engine which match all the import and sales documents included with the car. Underneath the car appears essentially unrestored with evidence of mechanical attention to various items when needed, revealing a car that has been serviced over the years and mercifully preserved. The chassis appears structurally sound, as do the various suspension mounting points. In keeping with documented California ownership since new, the chassis has been preserved, showing only mild evidence of corrosion in the splash areas.

The engine starts well under choke and engages a smooth idle when warmed to operating temperatures. The engine delivers good power, and the clutch takes up nicely with smooth upshifts and easy downshifts. The steering box has a bit of play at top dead center, and the car sits high on the currently mounted wire wheels, but the brake pedal has a solid feel, and the handling is generally good, with overall highway ride consistent with cars of this period.
Nicely finished and ready to enjoy as intended, this 1964 Alfa Romeo Spider awaits the next fortunate buyer to engage in the pleasure of open-air Italian sports car driving in a car that has enjoyed California roadways for more than half a century.
Items Included with the Car

The car is accompanied by a set of four Dayton wire wheels, red carpeted floor mats, Alfa Romeo sales and service network booklet, Alfa Romeo green vinyl ownership folio, service coupon flier, various handwritten notes for specs on the car, workshop manual, an original Alfa Romeo sales brochure, original purchase and ownership documentation, a California Golden State personalized license plate, and what appears to be the original Italian issued license plate delivered with the car after import to the US.

Giulia Walkaround video: https://youtu.be/Jo8tcy5LA0M

Giulia Driving video: https://youtu.be/GUzdoIB95gw

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608