1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

This 1957 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce Monoposto is one of only 24 Alfa Romeo factory-prepared race cars constructed for factory-backed racing efforts. To prepare them for competition, they were outfitted with race-tuned Veloce engines, alloy body panels, and a modified suspension. This vehicle has a four-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts and an available 140 horsepower. There is a five-speed manual gearbox and Girling drum brakes. An aluminum tonneau cover was fitted to each of the twenty-four cars, which satisfied its Monoposto designation.

Of the twenty-four created, five stayed in Europe and 19 were sent to America. Only one appeared at the 1956 Mille Miglia with its tonneau cover. Many have failed to survive to modern times; many were discarded after their racing service was completed. This example is one of the few to have survived in America and the only one of ten to retain its original aluminum tonneau cover.

Two of the cars that came to America were, with factory support, sent to SCCA Amateur racers. One went to an East Coast racer, the legendary Carroll Shelby, while the other was given to a West Coast driver named Bill Pollack from Southern California. The car campaigned successfully in numerous events at Riverside raceway, Pomona, Palm Springs, and Monterey. From 1974 to 1976, the car was campaigned by Al Leake Jr. to many SCCA National victories. Due to his efforts, he was awarded the Alfa Romeo Driver of the Year. The car later crashed at Laguna Seca, and the damage required the car to be fully rebuilt. The task was completed swiftly, and it was re-entered into competition.

This car has been driven in SCCA and vintage race events in modern times, including the Mille Miglia in 1991. It was awarded 'Race Car Best in Class' at the 1966 Alfa Romeo National Concours. It has its full FIA documentation and multiple historical documents that describe its lengthy history.

This Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce Monoposto was treated to a complete nut & bolt restoration in the mid-1990s. It was given modern safety features such as an on-board fire extinguisher, safety harness, and race seat. There is a modern fuel cell and stainless steel braided lines.

This vehicle was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $120,000 - $160,000. At the auction, the car was sold for $99,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007