Introduced at the 1962 Geneva Salon, the Alfa Romeo 106-series was available in Berlina, Sprint and Spider guises. Intended as something of a gentleman's express, the newcomer married an evolution of its 102-series predecessor's basic floorpan to a fresh 2584cc DOHC straight-six engine. Designed specifically for the car, this all-alloy unit's imposing architecture harked back to the powerplants of Alfa's illustrious Grand Prix past. Quoted as developing some 145bhp and 156lbft of torque, it drove the rear wheels via a five-speed gearbox and was kept in check by all-round coil-sprung suspension and servo-assisted disc / drum brakes (though, later 2600s were upgraded to rear discs). Designed and built by the legendary Carrozzeria Touring, the Spider variant was unquestionably the best-looking (with overtones of Aston Martin DB4 Convertible). Despite a reputed top speed of 125mph and spirited acceleration to match, the 2+2 drop-top was judged - in keeping with its market aspirations - more of fast tourer than an out and out sports car. Only in production for three years, just 2,255 Spiders are thought to have been made.

Finished in Red with Beige upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is understood to have had one former keeper prior to entering the current ownership during June 1995. The vendor remembers the Alfa Romeo having a buckled front wing upon acquisition and that he had to have a replacement specially made but was unaware until we told him that his predecessor had made an insurance total loss claim on the car (revealed via an HPi check). A subsequent inspection by the vendor's agent reportedly found no obvious signs of accident damage to the chassis rails / floorpan. Running and driving but not taxed for road use since November 1st 1995, this undeniably handsome 106-series Spider is offered for sale as a potentially rewarding restoration project.