• Offered from the collection of Raymond Boniface
• One of 2,255 spiders produced
• Finished in Rosso Alfa over Nero leather with matching black cloth top
• Powered by a 145-hp, 2.6-liter DOHC inline-six engine
• Excellent tour car with five-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel disc brakes

Introduced in 1962, the Alfa Romeo 2600 traces its origins back to the earlier 2000—itself a 1958 update of the venerable 1900. However, the 2600 had something which earlier models lacked: Specifically, a double-overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine, which gave it smoothness, flexibility, and a top speed of 125 mph. This 2.6-liter engine fit neatly into the same engine compartment as the 2000’s four-cylinder and had been developed from the Giulietta engine, suggesting that the designers had a six-cylinder in mind for the model from the start. Styling was also Giulietta-derived, as the 2600 added single-piece bumpers, built-in driving lights, and a single air intake perched near the front of the elongated hood.

The 2600 was fitted with a smooth five-speed gearbox and also featured four-wheel disc brakes—a first for street Alfa Romeos. It was offered as a sharp-edged berlina sedan, which was styled in-house, a Bertone-penned coupe, which was one of Giorgetto Giugiaro’s first designs, and the handsome 2600 spider by Touring. In comparison to the smaller Giulietta and then Giulia, the 2600 was a high-speed cruiser, or grand routiere, suitable for a quick and comfortable jaunt down to the south of France for a weekend.

This 1963 2600 spider, offered from the collection of Raymond Boniface, is presented in a traditional Rosso Alfa over Nero leather. This “monospecchio” chassis is one of just 2,255 examples produced between 1962 and 1968. Acquired by Boniface in 1993, with a restoration reportedly performed under previous ownership, the car currently presents with a nicely conditioned patina throughout from years of enjoyable use.

Notable accommodations provided within the richly appointed cockpit include a defroster unit, pair of seatbelts (installed at some point after the car left the factory), and marque-branded vinyl floormats. The manually operated cloth top is stowed just behind the rear seat deck, which also functions as a weathertight top boot with integrated skirt and fasteners. A set of correct 15-inch alloy wheels, presently shod with Michelin X radial tires, still sport their correct “Alfa Romeo” branded hubcaps.

In keeping with Dr. Boniface’s habit of driving and exhibiting his cars to the fullest possible extent, the driver’s side door, rear deck, and front passenger side wheel arch are each adorned with a participation decal from the “1996 Automobile Magazine Celebration Tour,” during which the car was loaned to, and driven by, editor Jean Jennings. This alluring 2600 Spider invites further adventures; it is now accompanied by a spare wheel and set of additional floormats.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo20.