1968 Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Duetto

Few classics capture the spirit of open-top Italian motoring quite like the Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 Duetto. Finished in classic Alfa red, the car has fantastic visual appeal and strong road presence. The paintwork has clearly been resprayed at some stage in its life, although not to the highest standard, and this is reflected in the finish upon closer inspection, e.g. areas of overspray. While it still presents well from a distance and photographs beautifully, there are imperfections consistent with an older repaint, giving the car an honest and usable classic feel rather than concours presentation. The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint. The bodywork presents as a straight and honest example, with the elegant Pininfarina lines still looking every bit as striking as they did in 1968. Panel fit appears respectable throughout with just the rear boot showing potential signs of alignment issues on the overhang. There are some age-related cosmetic imperfections to note, including marks to the passenger-side sill area and a small chip on the passenger-side front arch, but nothing that detracts significantly from the overall presence of the car. We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves. The dashboard layout is beautifully simple and unmistakably Italian, with its elegant instrument cluster and classic switchgear giving the cabin a proper late-1960s sports car feel. The dash itself presents well and remains true to the car’s original character. Paolo has assured us that everything is in full working order at the time of our visit, giving confidence that this is a car ready to be enjoyed rather than one needing immediate attention. This is exactly the kind of classic that reminds you why people fall in love with old Alfa Romeos. Light, responsive and full of character, the Spider feels engaging at every speed. With the roof down, the twin-cam soundtrack and classic roadster driving position create a proper vintage sports car experience that feels special every time you get behind the wheel. The glass, brightwork, and exterior trim all present well for the age of the vehicle and maintain the car’s authentic period charm. The chrome details, mirrors, and surrounding trim pieces all suit the car nicely, while the windscreen and lights appear to be in good order. The black soft top also completes the classic roadster look well, giving the car the proper late-1960s Alfa Romeo feel whether the roof is up or down. Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself. The Alfa sits on its correct classic steel wheels with chrome Alfa Romeo hubcaps, which suit the car perfectly and preserve its original character. The wheels present well overall and complement the timeless styling of the Duetto beautifully. It is worth noting that the front left hubcap is currently missing, but otherwise the setup remains nicely original. The tyres appear in good usable condition and the car sits properly on the road with a confident stance. Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old. The cabin presents as a wonderfully classic Alfa Romeo interior, full of charm and period character. The black seats remain comfortable and retain their original style well, although they are beginning to show some age and wear, particularly with some visible tiredness to the upholstery. This is most noticeable on closer inspection, but it feels appropriate for an honest and usable classic rather than taking away from the experience. The carpets and floor areas present well overall and maintain the vintage feel of the cabin nicely. Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself. The engine starts cleanly and runs well, with no unwanted noises present and everything operating exactly as it should. The twin-cam four-cylinder feels eager and responsive, perfectly suited to the lightweight character of the car. The manual gearbox selects gears well and delivers the engaging, analogue driving feel you would expect from a classic Alfa Romeo sports car - no problems selecting second or reverse. We did notice a potential thrust bearing noise on the clutch as you'll hear in the cold start video - this goes when the clutch is depressed. Paolo has assured us that everything is in full working order at the time of our visit, with all major functions operating as they should. The car comes with the paperwork to confirm its South African origins, along with a good amount of invoices and MOT certificates that help support its maintenance and ownership over the years. Paolo has owned the car for around 9 years, during which time it has clearly been cared for and enjoyed properly - he's also told us the jump in mileage from that recorded in 2017 to 2020 in the MOT history was due to the substitution of the speedometer / odometer. The original speedometer is included in the sale. The Spider comes with a fresh MOT valid until 05/05/2027. Combined with its strong mechanical condition and timeless styling, this makes for a very appealing example of Alfa Romeo’s iconic Duetto Spider. We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check. We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming. If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. The suspension feels composed and settled on the road, with no unwanted noises reported and the car maintaining the balanced handling these Spiders are known for. It drives with the light, direct feel that makes these cars so enjoyable. The braking performance is strong and confidence-inspiring, allowing the car to feel usable and reassuring whether on shorter drives or longer summer runs. The wooden-rim steering wheel is a real highlight of the interior and perfectly suits the Duetto’s classic sporting character. It offers exactly the kind of vintage driving feel you would hope for from an Alfa Romeo of this era. The manual gear stick sits neatly in place and completes the traditional driver-focused cockpit, adding to the engaging and analogue driving experience that makes these early Spider models so desirable today.