I think you have a pretty good understanding of the basics. I would recommend you look at the area behind the seats, on the 'shelf' for rust through. The car looks to have certainly been repainted, so take a good look at the inside of the trunk, side panels and rear panels for color and correctness. Some previous damage is almost inevitable after almost 50 years, but if it has been repaired properly it shouldn't be a problem. Check the wiring for the obvious DIY fixes that could cause some problems down the road. Good luck with you search, this one looks pretty good.
1969 Spider on Ebay
So I'm going to look at this 1969 1750 Spider tomorrow -
Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto | eBay
I've owned old cars before (with a '67 Pontiac in the garage now) so I know what to look for in general, but is there anything specific I should concern myself with when inspecting a '69 Spider? I know to especially look for rust in the rockers, wheel wells, spare tire well, jacking points - any place else particularly troublesome? I know to check the nose "dimple" for signs of damage. Anything else where I should apply extra focus?
I appreciate any advice for this Alfa newbie looking to finally scratch the Alfa itch :smile2:
Thanks in advance for any help,
Frank
Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto | eBay
I've owned old cars before (with a '67 Pontiac in the garage now) so I know what to look for in general, but is there anything specific I should concern myself with when inspecting a '69 Spider? I know to especially look for rust in the rockers, wheel wells, spare tire well, jacking points - any place else particularly troublesome? I know to check the nose "dimple" for signs of damage. Anything else where I should apply extra focus?
I appreciate any advice for this Alfa newbie looking to finally scratch the Alfa itch :smile2:
Thanks in advance for any help,
Frank
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
The lowest/rearmost edge of the trunk lid can collect water. Open it and check the rearmost four inches or so from inside and out.
I see what looks to be bubbling of the horizontal surface of the dash. It may be that he has a dash cover rather than a replacement or restored dashboard.
Put your head under the dashboard for a minute and take a look at the wiring... I learned the hard way that they can be badly butchered by previous owners installing radios, etc. I unknowingly brought home my first '69 with lamp cord (literally lamp cord) used in under the dash wiring.
It looks beautiful (I don't care for the cam cover though) Good luck!
I see what looks to be bubbling of the horizontal surface of the dash. It may be that he has a dash cover rather than a replacement or restored dashboard.
Put your head under the dashboard for a minute and take a look at the wiring... I learned the hard way that they can be badly butchered by previous owners installing radios, etc. I unknowingly brought home my first '69 with lamp cord (literally lamp cord) used in under the dash wiring.
It looks beautiful (I don't care for the cam cover though) Good luck!
I think the color looks good on the car but I don't think it's one of the original offered is it? Looks more like the perwinkle blue offered on later GTVs
There are a few more photos here 1481000-> under VIN 1481077, photos from 2010. Nice color, though not an option in 1969.
WOAH!! please take someone with you who knows these cars .. ask for a PPI from anyone on here and offer $200 + gas. I would do it if I was within a 100 miles.. It will be the best $200 you have ever spent. Santo Spadaro might know someone.. If you've never heard of Santo, you are hunting lions with a bow and arrow. Good luck... I hope you don't get yourself eaten.. that "Alfa itch" might turn into more than a rash..So I'm going to look at this 1969 1750 Spider tomorrow -
Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto | eBay
I've owned old cars before (with a '67 Pontiac in the garage now) so I know what to look for in general, but is there anything specific I should concern myself with when inspecting a '69 Spider? I know to especially look for rust in the rockers, wheel wells, spare tire well, jacking points - any place else particularly troublesome? I know to check the nose "dimple" for signs of damage. Anything else where I should apply extra focus?
I appreciate any advice for this Alfa newbie looking to finally scratch the Alfa itch :smile2:
Thanks in advance for any help,
Frank
Thanks all for your quick replies, advice, suggestions, concerns for my well being, etc. :smile2:
I decided to pass on this car since I felt it had more "needs" than I personally want in my next classic car. I've gone down the "rabbit-hole" of a restoration, where addressing a few little nagging items (like the wavy dashboard for example, which would probably drive me nuts every time I sat in the car) starts you down that evil path that eventually leads to either piles of parts in the garage or piles of invoices - been there, done that! I just can't seem to avoid that snowball effect, so after discussing with my conscience (aka, the wife), we agreed that I should spend a few extra bucks up front and get a car that is closer to turnkey.
I will also likely take the good advice to have a PPI done by someone who knows these cars if I find one that I like since I realized in looking over this car that experience with 60's american iron isn't completely helpful when looking at 60's european classics.
Anyway, thanks again for your help, already on the lookout for other options….
I decided to pass on this car since I felt it had more "needs" than I personally want in my next classic car. I've gone down the "rabbit-hole" of a restoration, where addressing a few little nagging items (like the wavy dashboard for example, which would probably drive me nuts every time I sat in the car) starts you down that evil path that eventually leads to either piles of parts in the garage or piles of invoices - been there, done that! I just can't seem to avoid that snowball effect, so after discussing with my conscience (aka, the wife), we agreed that I should spend a few extra bucks up front and get a car that is closer to turnkey.
I will also likely take the good advice to have a PPI done by someone who knows these cars if I find one that I like since I realized in looking over this car that experience with 60's american iron isn't completely helpful when looking at 60's european classics.
Anyway, thanks again for your help, already on the lookout for other options….
whew! This car has far too many legs under it.. starting in GA ( from a known to me and others, Alfa trader, not implying that as a negative but really not the pedigree you want) and ending in NY. Notice the photos in the listing with two different state plates. Something weird is going on there... like why?Thanks all for your quick replies, advice, suggestions, concerns for my well being, etc. :smile2:
I decided to pass on this car since I felt it had more "needs" than I personally want in my next classic car. I've gone down the "rabbit-hole" of a restoration, where addressing a few little nagging items (like the wavy dashboard for example, which would probably drive me nuts every time I sat in the car) starts you down that evil path that eventually leads to either piles of parts in the garage or piles of invoices - been there, done that! I just can't seem to avoid that snowball effect, so after discussing with my conscience (aka, the wife), we agreed that I should spend a few extra bucks up front and get a car that is closer to turnkey.
I will also likely take the good advice to have a PPI done by someone who knows these cars if I find one that I like since I realized in looking over this car that experience with 60's american iron isn't completely helpful when looking at 60's european classics.
Anyway, thanks again for your help, already on the lookout for other options….
If you are looking for a specific car let em know. .. I have a friend in Boston with a very nice Super Nuova which is half what this would have been and every bit as good an investment and a thrill to drive. The car has been on the net but the NE ( salt, never seen) seems to drag it down. It is a very nice car. We don't treat our cars as snowmobiles, counter to what the left coast thinks, so there are ways to get a very good car here. Just because we don't have palm trees doesn't mean we leave our cars in a salt bank. PS nobody questions Wayne Carini's cars for whether or not they never had black plates.
Thanks divotandtralee - I think the super nuovas are cool since they are different, but my heart is mostly set on a spider. I've also had to negotiate for the wife's spot in the garage (since "my" spot is already housing my '67 Pontiac), and she has her heart set on a spider. We originally toyed with the idea of a Giulietta or Giulia a couple of years ago, but those prices have now moved well past my budget for the level of quality I would want. I might consider a nice Guiletta/Giulia coupe or GTV, but very nice examples of those seem to be out of my price range as well. The Duettos and boat-tail spiders seem to moving in that direction as well but are still within my budget. I would also consider an early-70's kamm-tail spider (71-74? before the bumpers were stylistically destroyed by crash-standards) - there was a gray one in the Boston area on ebay not too long ago (I think a '74?) but it disappeared quickly.
Might offend some, but I definitely don't want a red car, so I know that limits options a bit. I especially love Alfas in dark blue, ivory/cream, and gray/graphite/silver - and red interiors tug at my heartstrings. I know, I'm picky! I've been trading some emails with gprocket regarding a Spider he is selling, just challenged with the idea of getting to Detroit and getting the car home, which is why I was trying to stay somewhat local (2-4 hour drive) in my searches. I've looked through the classified posts for the last couple of months on this board, but not much has caught my eye - makes sense since I'm sure most people are enjoying their spiders during the summer months, so hoping that as the weather turns colder some more cars become available.
Anyway, thanks again for your thoughts and help. I will definitely reach out to you if I find anything that interests me in New England, and if you know of anything available in my rambling list of options above please let me know.
Might offend some, but I definitely don't want a red car, so I know that limits options a bit. I especially love Alfas in dark blue, ivory/cream, and gray/graphite/silver - and red interiors tug at my heartstrings. I know, I'm picky! I've been trading some emails with gprocket regarding a Spider he is selling, just challenged with the idea of getting to Detroit and getting the car home, which is why I was trying to stay somewhat local (2-4 hour drive) in my searches. I've looked through the classified posts for the last couple of months on this board, but not much has caught my eye - makes sense since I'm sure most people are enjoying their spiders during the summer months, so hoping that as the weather turns colder some more cars become available.
Anyway, thanks again for your thoughts and help. I will definitely reach out to you if I find anything that interests me in New England, and if you know of anything available in my rambling list of options above please let me know.
My friend, thanks for the come back.. I read you through the peep hole of the net... If you are under 6'2' and she wants wind in her hair, dip into the later model cars right up to '86.. Pain free, bulletproof, no rust, no >>>>>$$$$$$...going down the drain. Anything from '71-74 would be my choice and the after that like '82-86.. I'm really on thin ice here but the later cars from like '78-79 were kind of not the best looking with the safety laws that were designed around later.
I think in the grand scheme of things the pipe line is full of opportunities in this genre to get acquainted with the marque at terrific values.... and she is happy....and you can pick and choose those wonderful color combos...that will be fittty cent.
And they are oh so much easier on the wallet. Wish I could fit in one. They are a no brainer. I was in sales for 27 years. Hope I saved your marriage .. some haven't been so fortunate......
I think in the grand scheme of things the pipe line is full of opportunities in this genre to get acquainted with the marque at terrific values.... and she is happy....and you can pick and choose those wonderful color combos...that will be fittty cent.
And they are oh so much easier on the wallet. Wish I could fit in one. They are a no brainer. I was in sales for 27 years. Hope I saved your marriage .. some haven't been so fortunate......
Hi Frank,
Perhaps I should have spoken up sooner but I needed to verify a few details. I have know of this car for over 20 years and have known three of the previous owners up to the current one. I knew one owner, Victor, who kept this unrestored car in his basement for 10 years. One night at an AROC Atlanta chapter meeting a friend Jacob mentioned that he was interested in finding a Boat Tail spider; probably to see if I was ready to let go of one that I've had since ~1983. Well, I noticed that Victor was at the meeting and mentioned to Jacob that Victor had a Boat Tail. Jacob bought Victor's spider and restored it to 'his taste' and a very nice driving standard. Jacob owns a BMW repair shop in Atlanta but really loves Alfas and has had several. Jacob had the car stripped to bare metal, replaced floor the boards and rockers, completely rebuilt the 1750 with new pistons, sleeves and a complete head job. The suspension was rebuilt with new springs and shocks, etc. It is a nice driving car with a sweet transmission that he enjoyed driving occasionally for about 8 years.
About four or five years ago Jacob was offered not one but two, number 1 condition, Boat Tail spiders! One car was fanatically original down to the last nut and bolt. It is one of the best I have ever seen in over 30 years of Alfa ownership (it was green)! The other was an 8 year ground up nut and bolt totally 'New Old Stock' restoration that needed only a few minor details to be complete. Wisely, Jacob sold the blue car (now on eBay) to Ivan (a true Italian car nut) and purchased the pair of number one condition, concurs cars. The green spider went to his cousin who is also a big time Alfa collector. Jacob kept the red NOS car and now has what I easily consider one of the best restored boat tail spiders in the world. I do not know the current seller of the 'BMW blue' spider in NY, with the eBay listing or what he has done with the car since his purchase.
I do sort of resent the implication that since the car has traded hands three times in the last 4 or so years that it may be a questionable car but I have no dog in this fight. It is a nice driver and not a show car. Mecum sold a different restored Green Boat Tail and this car is comparable to Jacob's NOS red car. I know of several people that are trying to buy his red car but it is not for sale.
Award Winning 1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloce Restoration | Car Build Index
Mark
Perhaps I should have spoken up sooner but I needed to verify a few details. I have know of this car for over 20 years and have known three of the previous owners up to the current one. I knew one owner, Victor, who kept this unrestored car in his basement for 10 years. One night at an AROC Atlanta chapter meeting a friend Jacob mentioned that he was interested in finding a Boat Tail spider; probably to see if I was ready to let go of one that I've had since ~1983. Well, I noticed that Victor was at the meeting and mentioned to Jacob that Victor had a Boat Tail. Jacob bought Victor's spider and restored it to 'his taste' and a very nice driving standard. Jacob owns a BMW repair shop in Atlanta but really loves Alfas and has had several. Jacob had the car stripped to bare metal, replaced floor the boards and rockers, completely rebuilt the 1750 with new pistons, sleeves and a complete head job. The suspension was rebuilt with new springs and shocks, etc. It is a nice driving car with a sweet transmission that he enjoyed driving occasionally for about 8 years.
About four or five years ago Jacob was offered not one but two, number 1 condition, Boat Tail spiders! One car was fanatically original down to the last nut and bolt. It is one of the best I have ever seen in over 30 years of Alfa ownership (it was green)! The other was an 8 year ground up nut and bolt totally 'New Old Stock' restoration that needed only a few minor details to be complete. Wisely, Jacob sold the blue car (now on eBay) to Ivan (a true Italian car nut) and purchased the pair of number one condition, concurs cars. The green spider went to his cousin who is also a big time Alfa collector. Jacob kept the red NOS car and now has what I easily consider one of the best restored boat tail spiders in the world. I do not know the current seller of the 'BMW blue' spider in NY, with the eBay listing or what he has done with the car since his purchase.
I do sort of resent the implication that since the car has traded hands three times in the last 4 or so years that it may be a questionable car but I have no dog in this fight. It is a nice driver and not a show car. Mecum sold a different restored Green Boat Tail and this car is comparable to Jacob's NOS red car. I know of several people that are trying to buy his red car but it is not for sale.
Award Winning 1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloce Restoration | Car Build Index
Mark
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
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