Sunday, May 18, 2014

Alfa Romeo Guilia Spyder 1600 Model 10123

Back in the mid 1970's  I had two Alfa Romeos.   One was a coupe, Veloce 2000 GTV and the other was a two seater Spyder convertible


Today as we were heading home I noticed this orange Alfa Guilia Spyder so of course I had to go around the block and stop for a few photos.   There are not many of these cars around Vancouver.  I have only see a handful in over 35 years and each time I try to wave them down and talk to the owners.


I am not sure if orange was a factory colour but I think not.    I couldn't help myself.   I had my good camera with me so I started to snap photos from all directions


This model comes in two engine variations.   This is the 1600 DOHC and is known as the Guilia Spyder.  The 1300 is called the Guilietta Spyder and does not have the fake hood scoop


It is not easy to find parts for this model as when I had mine I had to order stuff from Italy and it took nearly 2 years to get lenses for my signal lights.   I also ordered a windshield but after 2 years of waiting, I gave up


Everything seems to be original.   The owner of this car was having a new convertible top installed and I was not the only one who stopped to admire this classic beauty.   The owner of the repair shop came out and let me look under the hood


It has the original manufacturer's plate showing the model 10123.  My Spyder was a 1963 but I was told that this was a 1964


Looking under the hood brought back memories as I had spent many hours under the hood making adjustments


This car has all the original hub caps which I was missing


It is actually quite a pretty car with classic lines


and here is a view of the interior.   In my opinion this car is complete and seems to have all the right original parts.   It's going up for sale in the $70K range.   A lot more than I sold mine for back around 1977

Speaking of classic vehicles,  I came across this old Moto Guzzi which you can recognize from the V engine configuration.  Notice that the levers are mounted backwards


I have no idea what year this is but it seems like an early model


The instrument cluster is very simple

I also admired this BMW.  I wouldn't mind one of these for tootling around town on a nice day


seems in very nice condition


It sort of has that cafe racer look with the bar end mirrors .  I'm not so sure I want to be hunched over in this riding position, but I like the looks

Seeing that we are on a classic theme, here is a photo of the original


Fiat 500.   They were ahead of their time and have recently come back in a larger form


16 comments:

  1. Bob

    Is it a spider or spyder? Intriguing.

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    Replies
    1. Nikos:

      expensive 2 seaters are known as Spyders around here, even though they may actually be Spiders

      Delete
  2. That would be a fun little car to drive in the mountains. It's crazy how much old cars sell for. But then, they really are irreplaceable. Nice captures.

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    1. Kathy:

      Over the years I have had many convertibles. I also used to have a 1st gen Firebird Convertible and in the 60's I had a Mustang convertible, a couple of MGB's to just name a few but I am downsizing. I used to be a car guy but I don't want any more old cars

      Delete
  3. I know a fellow Airhead owner who has a pristine Fiat 500, cute car.

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    1. Dom:

      I like the older Fiat 500, but I would prefer a Topolino . . . or maybe a new Mini

      Delete
  4. Quite the eclectic mix of machines. A nice combination.

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    1. Trobairitz:

      It's nice to admire old, classic vehicles but I like something newer and reliable with disc brakes and fuel injection with easy to find parts

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. Kathy:

      I don't think it's easy to find an original Fiat 500. There are a few around town and I know where there is another one I should get a photo of.

      Delete
  6. I've always thought that the Alfa two-seaters looked pretty good. But not $70K worth of good...

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    1. Richard:

      look at this listing on Hemmings:

      http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/alfa_romeo/giulia/1648664.html

      Road and Track had an article on collectible cars a decade ago and stated that this model was one of the 10 most desirable cars to look out for. I bought it around 1975 and owned it until around 1978 when I bought a new Chevy Malibu. I sold it for $3,500.

      Delete
  7. Bob: I bought a new Honda 350 in 1970 and 71 and I saw those bikes for sale at Pearson World of Pleasure in Victoria. It was the Guzzi Ambassador V7 which was a 700cc bike. They were used by Saanich as police bikes.

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    1. David:

      I also had a 73 Honda 350cc parallel twin. I'm not sure of the designation but I loaned it to a friend and I never got it back so I technically still own it. I still have the ignition key

      Delete
  8. Bob that looks like it was quite the trip home ... did you happen to find all of those classics just sitting by the roadside?

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    1. Karen:

      All of those vehicles were parked on the street and the Alfa was in the parking lot of the convertible top place, waiting for a new top to be installed. I have not seen an Alfa Guilia Spyder for many years and when I do I have to make an effort to talk to the owner

      Delete