Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider 1750 review

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[johntechwriter]

When I was 17 my Dad purchased a 1966 Alfa Duetto Spider 1600 in red, exactly like the one in the film "The Graduate." I drove that car to a nearby city (Ottawa, Canada) to watch the film, not knowing at the time I'd be seeing Dustin Hoffman driving the same roadster I was. That little Alfa gave me a first-class education in sports cars. Now at 70 I'm retired, living in California, and driving a new-edition bare-bones Mazda MX-5 Sport. While nothing feels the way it did when you were 17, driving this car on twisty back roads with the top down comes close.

[carloduroni]

Let's put a few facts straight about names:
The "Duetto" name (which came from a nation-wide contest – I remember my self and my father sending our suggestion on a postcard) was used for the very early run of the car, therefore only for the early 1600 (1570) version, aside of the "1600 Spider" name, because after selling 190 cars it was found that the name was already registered by a snack, whose producer won the lawsuit vs Alfa Romeo. This happened in 1966, so when the "1750 Spider Veloce" was launched in 1967, the Duetto name was already dumped (although it remained in the popular jargon).
Another issue about nicknames: the first series, called "boat-tail" by English-speakers, is know in Italy as "Osso di seppia" = Cuttlefish bone.
The "1750" was so called to honour the mythical "6C 1750" of the 1920/30's (one of the winningest cars ever), therefore the actual 1779cc displacement is just a minor issue.
By the way, the same 1779cc engine was later used in late 1970's "Alfetta 1.8" ("Alfetta" being the nickname of two almost similar racing cars: the Tipo 158 of 1938 and the Tipo 159 of 1950, the car winning the first F1 championship.)

[minibus]

Duetto has always been my favourite classic car of all time.

[RobertKarlBerta]

I bought a 1969 1750 ALFA spider new and kept it for over 40 years. No issues with rust on mine as I kept door drains blown out and dry. this was the US version with Spica injection. Over the years I blue printed, balanced, did port work, mild cams, etc. as well as recalibrate the injection. Suspension was upgraded with bushings, bigger sway bars and Koni adjustable shocks, and slightly decambered front suspension. I sold it to a collector and bought a new 2015 ALFA 4 C Launch Edition. I would still have both if I had more garage space. For a few years the 69 was my daily driver but than added another car so I could keep the spider pristine. It was flawless when I sold it.

[angliase]

My mother had this beautiful car in powder blue & I once drove it at 109 mph as a young woman in 1970 with 2 boyfriends in it - what a thrill!!
The engine literally purred - so smooth....

[edoardocasagrande]

I am currently restoring a 1968 duetto 1300. So easy and clean, a lovely car. My best project car ever.

[nagylevi]

Another classic that I'd gladly use as a daily drive. Brilliant simplicity and exquisite style. A true Alfa and, as always, a worthy presentation by mister Harry. Cheers.

[skysthelimit]

You know it's a good day when you get home from work. Relax, and check you're subscriptions and see Harry has uploaded a new video 👍🏻

[P.Galore]

I just keep coming back to this video again and car is perfection and Harry's respect for it is compelling. I want one!

[DavidM-mbvx]

I have a 69 1750. I purchased a wind screen for the later model spiders at Centerline Alfa. With a few simple mods I installed on mine. huge difference 😊

[mennofz]

You live in a beautiful area(I don't know if you actually live there) and having the joy of a convertible Alfa to explore it with is a great way to spend the sunday afternoon.

[TheRealCoyote]

You gotta love Alfas. You see them, then hear them, and you feel them, and before long you realize you're smitten. I've owned Alfas for soon 20 years and if I had the means I'd jump at the chace to get one of these.

[onnoanton]

I always feel butterflies when I see your XJ-coupe, standing there in the back. ;)

[fureenaezlin]

Harry is simply an enthusiastic fan of Alfa Romeo's, cars with a aoul built with such a deep passion and love..

[hxgn]

That look in Harry's eyes :D He's absolutely smitten. He didn't even stand a chance against the charms of this bellezza. She will end up in his garage for sure and he will take excellent care of her.

[justingabbard]

man I've never been a car guy, stumbled on this somehow and can't stop watching. love this guy

[carig]

mid 60's to mid 70's, definitely the golden age of car design, no computers, no real safety constraints ruining it, just pure inspiration and talent from passionate men...
RÉPONDRE

[waynebrinker]

An ex of mine had a red Spyder, circa '75/'77....and I was in love.
I never knew then just how much I would miss that little roadster.

[TT_]

Such a Beautiful little car, love the steering wheel and gear box position. I love its simplicity, and it looks amazing. Proper classic in every sense.

[hommebizzare]

Harry, you really need to show us your bike collection - especially the Dakar bikes!