Of the many sporting Alfa Romeos produced during the 1960s, the Giulia 1600 Spider remains one of the most elegant, and factory right-hand-drive examples are particularly scarce. Just 404 were produced in right-hand drive, and this 1963 example was sold new the following year through Chipstead Motors Limited of Holland Park, London.

Presented today in its original colour, the car’s story also includes a period in the ownership of British racing driver Peter Sutcliffe. One of the accomplished privateer racers of his generation, Sutcliffe competed at Le Mans on four occasions and raced some of the great sports and GT cars of the period, among them the Jaguar Lightweight E-Type, Ferrari 250 GTO, Aston Martin DP214, Ford GT40 and Ferrari 330 P4.

That sporting connection feels entirely appropriate for an Alfa Romeo of this period. Beneath the bonnet sits the marque’s celebrated 1,570cc twin-cam four-cylinder engine, coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox — a remarkably sophisticated combination at a time when many contemporary British sports cars were still making do with considerably simpler mechanical specifications. Combined with the compact Pininfarina bodywork, it gave the Giulia Spider the balance of performance, delicacy and usability for which these cars remain so highly regarded.

Today, the Alfa presents as a very usable and characterful example rather than a car that has been restored simply to be displayed. It can be enjoyed immediately as it stands, with the opportunity for its next owner to enhance its presentation over time should they wish — without losing the charm that comes with a classic that has been used and enjoyed.

With its original colour, rare factory right-hand-drive specification, London delivery and previous Peter Sutcliffe ownership, this Giulia 1600 Spider brings together a particularly appealing collection of attributes. More importantly, it remains the sort of Alfa Romeo that can still be driven and enjoyed for precisely the reasons these cars became so admired in the first place.