1959 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring
Registration no. VvS 334
Chassis no. AR102 0401637

Replacement for the 1900 line, the 102 Series '2000' cars first appeared in 1958 , a Bertone-bodied Sprint coupé followed in 1960. Nowadays referred to as the 'old' 2-litre, the twin-cam 2000 engine combined elements of the superseded 1900 and new Giulietta, retaining the former's cast-iron block and separate cam covers but featuring the latter's bucket-and-shim method of valve adjustment. Spider and Sprint versions came with 115bhp on tap, good enough for a top speed in excess of 110mph. Beneath the skin the 2000 remained much as the last of the 1900s, with independent front suspension, live rear axle, five-speed gearbox, and drum brakes all round. Touring's renowned Superleggera (Superlight) method of body construction was employed.

Despite a relaxed high-speed cruising ability and excellent smoothness, the 2000 in its day tended to be overshadowed by the smaller and cheaper Giulietta, and only now is the model beginning to receive the attention it deserves.

Few Alfa Romeo 2000 Spiders came to the UK as new cars, this left-hand drive example was originally exported to the USA and is one of the few in this country. Imported circa 1990 from the USA by its former owner, the late Robert Gharibi, this Touring Spider was restored by him and his friend and business partner, Harry Abrahamian. Both Robert and Harry were knowledgeable Alfa Romeo enthusiasts, Robert already having restored two classic Alfas to concours-winning condition prior to this 2000. The restoration was carried out in his home garage, which was well equipped with Alfa tools, while all parts used were purchased through Alfa Romeo dealers or Alfa parts specialists both in Europe and the USA. This extensive restoration culminated in a class win (against strong opposition) at the National Alfa Day in 1993 and runner-up place (by a single point) in the Master Class category the following year. The immediately preceding owner, Mr Lodovico Crescenzi, purchased 'VvS 334' in October 1994 and kept the car in garage storage for the next six years without ever driving it.

In June 2000, the Alfa Romeo was offered for sale at Bonhams' Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale (Lot 916) where it was purchased by the current vendor. After six years off the road, the car had been re-commissioned prior to sale by marque specialists Thorobred Cars of Laleham, Surrey.

Since buying the Spider, the owner has won prizes at the Auto Italia Festival Concours and the Alfa Romeo Owners' Club Annual concours. Regarded as one of the finest examples of its type anywhere, 'VvS 334' has previously been invited to be displayed on the Alfa Romeo Owners' Club stand at the International Classic Motor Show. It has also been featured in Auto Italia magazine, described as a 'superb concours winning 2000 Spider'.

For the last 18 years, the car has been used sparingly and always dry stored. It has been regularly serviced and MoT'd, as evidenced by bills on file from marque specialists Andrew Thorogood Restorations together with numerous expired MoT certificates confirming its limited use. The most recently service was carried out in May 2017 at a cost of £1274, and the car is MoT'd to 18th May 2019. A wonderful opportunity to acquire one of these under-appreciated Italian thoroughbreds restored to concours-winning condition.