1961 Alfa Romeo 2000

The Alfa Romeo 2000 was introduced in November of 1957 at the Turin Motor Show. Known as the 'cast iron block two-liter' and serving as a successor to the 1900, the 2000 entered production for the 1958 model year and was available as either a Touring-bodied Spider or 'Berlina' sedan. A coupe body style (Sprint) by Bertone followed in 1960. The 2000 closely followed its predecessor in mechanical terms and was equipped with a 1,975cc four-cylinder engine with dual Solex side-draft carburetors, duplex-chain driven twin overhead camshafts, and hemispherical combustion chambers and was backed by a five-speed synchromesh gearbox. Hydraulic 'Alfin' finned aluminum drum brakes at all four corners provided the stopping power. The exterior styling was modern with minimal yet effective brightwork, a comfortable passenger compartment, and a large trunk compartment with adequate luggage space.

The 2000 Sedan used a column-mounted shifter for its five-speed transmission, while the Sprint and Spider used a floor-mounted gear lever.

The 2000 Spider with coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring was introduced in 1958 and remained in production through 1962. Being the company's flagship open touring model, the 2000 Spider had increased sophistication and luxury than the smaller 1,300cc Giulietta Spider and was capable of cruising beyond 100 mph over long distances. Endowed with Touring's Superleggera (Superlight) method of body construction, the 2000 Spider was a true open GT-class car.

During its production lifespan, 3,443 Spider examples were produced, and 2,804 with saloon bodies.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2009