1964 Alfa Romeo

1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider
s/n AR375773, engine no. AR00112*08146
Red with Black Interior

The Giulietta, and later the Giulia are the cars that took Alfa Romeo from being a relatively small production company to being an economically viable and successful firm. Prior to that, they had produced large and expensive cars, and never in very large numbers. With the Giulietta/Giulia, however, Alfa Romeo produced significant numbers of these charming and capable cars. Its success was due in part to its unique placement in the market. It was neither a large hugely expensive car, nor was it very small utility car (such as the Fiat 500). Instead, they were affordable enough so that many could buy them, yet permitted a more glamorous and useful approach to motoring that really struck a chord with buyers on both sides of the Atlantic.

This particular car has been sold twice by Fantasy Junction in the past and came from an owner in the Eureka area, who kept the car for 5-6 years, during which period he restored the car. Its next owner purchased the car in 2011, and used the car sparingly before having Fantasy Junction sell it to its current owner in 2013. At that time, the engine was completely rebuilt with new pistons, liners, bearings, valves, and guides by Jaan Hjorth at a cost of over $14,000. It is believed to be a matching-numbers example.

The car is structurally excellent with no evidence of corrosion, damage, or prior repairs. During the restoration, the car was completely repainted, the chrome was renewed inside and out, new upholstery and top fitted, and new rubber mats installed. The carburetors were also rebuilt, a new exhaust system fitted, a new windscreen fitted, and the brake hydraulics overhauled.

Cosmetically, the car is well above a driver. The body is solid and straight, with great door fit and high quality paint. The fit of the front and rear deck lids is consistent with other Giuliettas and Giulias that have recently received new gaskets, so they sit a bit high. The paint is nearly unmarked, and the chrome is also excellent. The glass and lights are also excellent other than the rear lights which show some aging. The wheels and hubcaps were redone and are crisp in their presentation as well.

The interior is also excellent, including upholstery, carpets and dashboard. New rubber Alfa Romeo mats were fitted as well, and the chrome redone. The steering wheel is very nice, with minor crazing to the horn button, which is also present on some of the dashboard switches. The gauges show some fading. The top was also replaced and is excellent.

The engine compartment is crisp and clean in presentation and is nicely detailed. The often missing original intake components, hood pad, and windscreen washer fluid bag are all present. The trunk was repainted and a new rubber mat fitted.

The car runs and drives well. The motor is well-tuned and responsive, and runs well from cold. The gearbox has good synchromesh and the chassis, suspension, and steering are tight and permit the driver to place the car precisely. The brakes work properly, with symmetrical, confidence-inspiring operation. 

Thanks to its 1600cc engine and 5-speed gearbox, this Giulia makes an ideal touring car, and its excellent road behavior and cosmetics will make it a car that please the owner and passers-by alike. With recently rebuilt motor and comprehensive restoration, the car should prove to be a relatively turn-key example ready for casual drives and tours alike.