Right Hand Drive 101 Giulia Spiders

AlfaPDent · #1 (**permalink**) 11-30-2006, 03:41 PM

I have a 1963 101 series RHD Spider and was wondering how many other RHD 101 Spider owners there were on this forum.

I know that the run started at chassis number 383001 and ran to 383404.

Mine is an early one being 383007 and has been confirmed to have been built on 22nd June 1963. If you own a 101 Series RHD Spider what is the chassis number? Has any of you got one with a chassis number before 383007?

Also where in the world are all the RHD 101 Spiders?

**Gordon Raymond** · #2 (**permalink**) 11-30-2006, 06:43 PM

This is really interesting

. I've worked on these cars for 40 + years and have never seen a RHD one

. Could you post some more photos, particularly under the hood so we could all see how it was done

? The firewall, and pedal box, as well as all the linkages must differ. I'de love more photos. Please consider posting on Patrick Hung's thread with photos of the 750/101 cars. My AUSCA Spider is in there.

Thanks, Gordon Raymond

**italcarguy** · #3 (**permalink**) 11-30-2006, 06:56 PM

That car looks great. How hard is it to find rhd 750/101 Sprints and Spiders in the UK? A rhd 750/101 Spider would be the ideal Alfa vintage racer here is So Cal.

Alex · #4 (**permalink**) 11-30-2006, 09:03 PM

Very very very very hard. In other words, let's keep some of them in this country or Oz/SA etc for once. I thought these were Ruddspeed conversions anyway.

Shire_GTV · #5 (**permalink**) 12-01-2006, 03:52 AM

I concour with Alex.

My understanding is that Ruddspeed did a few conversions for the UK market but that was it. Any others in other RHD markets will be conversions carried out using canabilised 750/101/105 parts. I don't believe any 750 or 101 cars left the factory doors as RHD, sprints included.

Cheers

AlfaPDent · #6 (**permalink**) 12-01-2006, 07:16 AM

The 101 Giulia Spider was I believe the only 101/750 that did leave the Alfa factory as a RHD. They were only made in 1963 and 1964. They are labelled as the Tipo 101.19. I would guess that due to their price in the UK at the time (more than a Jaguar E-Type) most RHD cars went to those serving in the armed forces (who could buy them tax-free).

My car was sold originally to a Captain in the British Army serving in Aden, as was 383028 which is owned by Richard Hampton of the Giulietta Register. I know of a few other RHD cars in the UK.

Richard Hampton's

Dave Ward's:

Simon Gunney's:

Used to be Matthew Willmott's:

From the Giulietta Register:

Seen at UK National Alfa Day 2006:

Mine is the one on the left:

Pics taken in the last decade sometime:

AlfaPDent · #7 (**permalink**) 12-01-2006, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Raymond

This is really interesting

. I've worked on these cars for 40 + years and have never seen a RHD one

. Could you post some more photos, particularly under the hood so we could all see how it was done

? The firewall, and pedal box, as well as all the linkages must differ. I'de love more photos. Please consider posting on Patrick Hung's thread with photos of the 750/101 cars. My AUSCA Spider is in there.

Thanks, Gordon Raymond

AlfaPDent · #8 (**permalink**) 12-01-2006, 07:53 AM

I have got a few pics that highlight some of the differences with the RHD.

The obvious giveaway from the front of the car if the steering wheel is not visible is that the wipers are positioned the other way round.

The switchgear is totally different. Some may be visible in the next picture:

The main/dip beam switch is on the steering column not the floor. The dash has the light switch and the cigarette lighter. The wipers, fan and panel lights are on toggle switches under the dash.

Under the bonnet (hood) the obvious difference is the steering column. The two pictures show some views including the top of the steering box in the first one. The second one shows the type plate labelled 101.19 and Spider 1600 gd. gd = guida a destra ie RHD.

**pathung** · #9 (**permalink**) 12-01-2006, 08:29 AM

Phil,

This is a wonderful thread on RHD cars - a first on the BB! I assume that these g.d.s are quite rare, as other owners have yet to chime in; but thanks for posting, it's greatly educational for the rest of us.

You noted that the engine is coming out soon; what work are you having done to the car? An engine bay refresh?

Lastly, would you mind if I grabbed some of the photos you posted here and re-post them on the 750/101 photo thread? The shots you've posted here are truly gorgeous!

ppth99 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-01-2006, 09:53 AM

There were 400 right hand drive giulia spiders made by the factory. The giulietta register has about 70 rhd known to exist today, mostly in Britain I think. There was never a factory veloce version, so there are a few abnormales around - like mine.

PPTH
1963 giulia spider
1968 gt 1300 junior

AlfaPDent · #11 (**permalink**) 12-01-2006, 10:05 AM

I am glad I am not the only one on here.

What is the chassis number of yours then ppth99?

Is yours the one on the ClassicAlfa website?

AlfaPDent · #12 (**permalink**) 12-01-2006, 10:12 AM

I see now that it is yours on the CA website.

I had the picture from the website but didn't post it earlier with the others as it came with your name attached to it.

It is a really smart looking car. I think those alloys really suit it. What size tyres are you using on them?

How else is the car Abnormale?

**Gordon Raymond** · #13 (**permalink**) 12-01-2006, 11:44 AM

This is REALLY wonderful! As I mentioned, I was aware, but had never seen one of these. I am AMAZED! I'm sitting here with each photo, saying "WoW look at this one!" My wife thinks I'm nuts as she's listening. Can't wait to see more under the hood photos. Looks like a tight fit. Have any been "Abnomaalized?" Humm? Great thread for 101 lovers in the U.S. Thanks!
Gordon Raymond

ppth99 · #14 (**permalink**) 12-02-2006, 02:35 AM

my car is chassis no. 383166, built in nov 63 but registered in mar 65, the first owner was alfa romeo london - someone told me it was the motor show car, would love to find a pic of that !
as for the abnormale bits, it has new weber 40s, yes its a tight fit but we didnt have to cant over the engine veloce style (was concerned about gearbox mounts, oil level, dipstick readings etc) - just need very short 18mm air trumpets. Other abnormale bits are 2 litre cams, the chris robinson suspension kit - highly recommended, TZ alloys running 175 14 65 kumho tyres - which i can also recommend, and willans 3 point harnesses.
its nicely set up now for fast road / track days ... i did spa and goodwood this year - blew the engine but will save that for another post ...

**Gordon Raymond** · #15 (**permalink**) 12-06-2006, 11:39 AM

Absolutely fascinating! Very very neat thread!

Gordon Raymond