Fantasy Junction

Description

1969 Alfa Romeo Duetto

Chassis No. – AR*1480301*
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 1750 SPICA injection twin cam 4 cylinder
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 44,490 miles TMU
Current Owner – Purchased in 2021

Highlights for this car

Handsome driver level car with solid cosmetics
Recent mechanical work performed by known specialists
Round tail design with 1750 engine and 5 speed gearbox
GTA-style cast alloy wheels
California car titled in 1969 with black/gold license plate

General History

Enjoying increased success in the new line of Alfa Romeo cars that evolved in the early 60s, Alfa Romeo released the first series spider at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. Originally named via customer competition, the winning entrant “Duetto” had to be delayed due to trademark issues, releasing it officially as the Spider 1600. Well-appointed, beautifully finished, and successful in competition venues, Duettos have since offered new generations of enthusiasts exciting motoring experiences at nominal cost.

The series 1 cars (1966-1969) outfitted with 1570cc twin-cam engines, featured disc brakes and a 5-speed manual transmission. By 1969 the engine was updated to the 1750 adding SPICA mechanical fuel injection to all cars destined for North America. Among the most unique features of the series 1 is the beautifully tapered “round tail”, directly carried over from the Alfa Romeo S3000 Superflow show car. This distinctive feature was later changed in series 2 cars, making series 1 cars even more desirable today. The basic design of the Duetto Spider would continue largely unchanged for three decades, including fame in the critically acclaimed movie “The Graduate”.

General Overview

This Alfa Romeo was sold new to the first owner who purchased it from Carl Block Alfa Romeo, Oakland, CA. The car remained in the Oakland/Berkeley area for many years with two prior owners until it was eventually purchased by John Anderson in 2002 with 132k miles. Having been in California since new, Anderson recalls purchasing the car for the originality and sound cosmetic condition. At that time, Anderson was working as a mechanic at Griswold’s Alfa Romeo in Berkeley, eventually establishing his own shop, John Anderson Racing. During Anderson’s ownership, he rebuilt the engine to stock specifications, updating the engine with a 1971 fuel injection unit which is of superior reliability than the 1969 unit. In 2016 the next owner commissioned Larry Eisner, San Francisco, CA to remove and reinstall the 5-speed gearbox, with the rebuild for the transmission performed by John Anderson Racing. At the same time, the fuel tank sender was replaced, a new speedometer cable installed, the speedometer head was serviced, and the clutch master and slave cylinders were replaced. In 2020 a set of Koni shock absorbers were installed.

The current owner purchased this car in 2021 and in 2022 Prestige Autohaus, Walnut Creek, CA replaced fuel lines, replaced castor bushings, replaced front and rear springs, installed new bump stops and catch straps, brake fluid flushed and hoses replaced, rear axle seal replaced, new pinion nose seal, exhaust hangers and support bushings replaced, and the ground and positive terminal for the main fuel pump replaced.

General Condition

Today with 44,500 miles indicated (believed to be 144,000), this Alfa Romeo offers driver level cosmetics including older paint that has been generally well maintained showing good gloss and generally good cosmetic finish, with a few cracks and paint chips, and marks primarily visible at the front valance and grill area. The trim is in good condition overall appearing original to the car with a few exceptions including the grille which was more recently replaced and in very nice condition. A set of plastic headlight covers have been installed echoing the Alfa concept car the Duetto is based on. The lenses, lighting, bumpers, and various trim and script are in very good condition, here too in driver level condition. The panel gaps are consistent showing good closures and tight fit, even for both doors which show good part lines. The windshield has a crack on the passenger side which is delaminated and fogged. A new windshield is included with the car. Outfitted with painted silver wheels, the rims are in very good condition shod with a set of contemporary Michelin Defender 185/70R14 tires.

The interior is uniform in presentation including the black bucket seats which have been previously reupholstered, retaining a very nice look and feel to the material and pleating. The overall interior presents at driver level with most of the interior surfaces appearing in very good condition, likely a mixture of replaced items and original features. The door panels, carpeting, and side panels have a generally good quality feel to the finishes, though showing evidence of use primarily to the carpeting in the driver’s footwell area. The dashboard is quite nice, featuring clean and nicely detailed instruments with very good color and contrast. The black dash padding is in very good condition and an aftermarket Nardi Alfa Romeo branded steering wheel is in place. The convertible top is in very good condition having been recently replaced with good fit and finish overall, good rubber, and a clear rear window. The trunk is clean and well-maintained, retaining a factory jack and matching red exterior finish though also generally of driver level cosmetics.


Under the hood, the engine bay delivers a correct presentation reflective of original specifications. Though not detailed for show presentation, the engine appears largely correct in general detail with correct period airbox, cam cover, and various details. The engine is an unnumbered replacement block. Overall, the engine compartment displays finishes that are typical of cars that have been driven and enjoyed not restored for show. The undercarriage is representative of an unrestored example with some areas showing signs of use, including typical corrosion often found in even west coast dry climate cars that have not been restored. Koni shock absorbers at front, coil over Koni shocks at the rear, correct aluminum casting pans and casings, and other correct parts and components. There are two floor areas with rust intrusion, cracked metal, and metal voids, but otherwise this car retains a sound chassis with no visual evidence of structural compromise to the floor or key suspension mounting points.

The car starts, stops, runs, and drives remarkably well as evidenced in the driving video accompanying the photos in the gallery.

Items Included with the Car

A spare windshield is included with the car.

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.

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