1971 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce 1750

Alfa Romeo produced the Spider from 1966 to 1993 and during its nearly three-decade-long-lifespan only minor aesthetic and mechanical changes were implemented. The last Spider was produced in April 1993 and the last rear-wheel-drive Alfa Romeo produced before Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione was introduced on 23rd May 2012.

The Spider was introduced as a prototype at the Turin Motor Show in 1961, however, due to the continuing success of existing models and the economic challenges facing Italy at the time meant that the first pre-launch production Spiders only began to emerge from the Pininfarina production line at the end of 1965. The Spider's mechanical underpinnings were very similar to those of the Giulia saloon, comprising independent front suspension, coil-suspended live rear axle, and four-wheel servo-assisted disc brake. The engine was the Giulia Sprint GTV's 1.6-liter four.

The Duetto was made for just two years before being superseded in 1967 by the 1.8-liter '1750' Spider Veloce. The 1750 Spider was the next step in the genesis of the Duetto Spider and its appearance was nearly identical to the earlier Spider 1600 Duetto.

Produced until 1970, the 1750 initially wore the Duetto's 'round tail' coachwork while later examples gained the 'sawn-off' Kamm-type tail that would characterize the successor 2000 model. It had improved luggage space and several other minor changes including a slightly different grille, a more raked windscreen, improved interior trim, top-hinged pedals, and new door handles.

The Spider Veloce gained a 1,962cc engine with 132 horsepower in 1971 and consequently, the name was changed from 1750 Spider Veloce to 2000 Spider Veloce. The following year, production of the 1600 Spider restarted and was called the 'Spider 1600 Junior,' wearing a design that was visually identical to the 1300.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2021