According to Veloce.se, production numbers for the Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloce were as follows:

• 1967 LHD: 60 (many chassis numbers, refer to website); RHD: 0
• 1968 LHD: 1 803 (chassis: 105.57.1410003 to 1411865, except those numbers quoted above for 1967); RHD: 193* (chassis: 105.58.1470001 to 1470193) Fusi; USA: 216 (chassis: 105.62.1480001 to 1480216) Fusi

* The first RHD 1750 Veloce was recorded as being imported to the UK in March 1968

• 1969 LHD: 923* (chassis: 105.57.1411866 to 1412788); RHD: 301** (chassis: 105.58.1470301 to 1470601); USA: 1 156 (chassis: 105.62.1480217 to 1481372)

* The final chassis number indicated by the production records does not tally with actual surviving cars, which are known to go as high as 1412898 [+110]

** Anomalously, the last RHD round-tail 1750 was recorded as being imported to the UK in July 1970 with a number outside this sequence (chassis number 1470674), indicating a possible higher production run.

According to the Duetto Register only 601 original 'RHD' models were made. However, according to Fusi only 495 were made. The only explanation for the anomaly (495 vs. 601) is that some (106) of the 1970 models were still Duetto designs, the rest Kamm tails. The same prefixes (57, 58 and 62) were used for both cars.

The 1750 Spider Veloce is desirable because it is the most powerful of the Duettos (Series 1 105 Spiders), and, as illustrated above, relatively rare. This example's exclusivity is further enhanced by the fact that the design is closest to the original Duetto design in that the front indicator lights are behind the wheel arches – this was so only for the earlier models. As the 1750 Spider evolved the lights moved to a position ahead of the wheel arches.

Regardless of which sales figures are to be believed, the car for sale is one of:

• about 4 500 produced in total (L and RHD);
• no more than 601 RHD models in total;
• and about 193 (or 209) 1968 RHD,
  
  models of the round tail (Duetto) 1750 Spider Veloces ever produced.

Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloce RHD (105.58) with chassis number AR 1470124, was verified by Alfa Romeo Italy as “manufactured on the 21st March 1968 and sold on the 28th October 1968 to Alfa Romeo South Africa, Johannesburg”.

The current owner bought the car in 2014 as a runner complete with incorrect soft top – a Kamm tail (square back) Spider unit modified to fit (more or less).

In an attempt to rectify this, a fibreglass mould for a hardtop was sourced but never used (this comes with the car, but seller can’t guarantee its accuracy) as an original hard top for the car was found and fitted. Very few Pininfarina optional hard tops were ordered in the day with the result that they are rare, and much valued today – and this one carries an original period-correct South African AA window sticker.

Cromodora Turbina wheels were fitted (replacing the BMW alloys it arrived with). Turbina wheels were standard Alfa Romeo accessories from about 1971, optional with the purchase of 105-series cars. The wheels now on the car were bought new from a Smith’s Wheels dealer in Primrose in 1984. They were only used for a short while on a Berlina 2000 and a GTV 2000 and still have the original paint.

The 1968 Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloces were assembled in Italy (not CKD) and imported complete into South Africa. The engine number for a 1968 1750 Spider Veloce should be between 00548.04017 and 00548.45483, however the car is currently fitted with 00512.76343, a 2000 engine from a 1973/4 105 series.

A spare 1750 engine carrying the number AR00548.30534 will be sold with the car - this falls within the correct date range as specified by Fusi.

The car is registered, licensed and on the road. However, although very much drivable, the car is ideal for someone who wishes to carry out a rolling restoration on it. Below is a list of various new and used replacement parts that would come in handy to restore the car back to period correct (new unless stated):

• Centre grille
• Badges (Milano) for centre grille and boot
• Pininfarina badges (side)
• 1750 boot lid script
• Indicator lights
• Side indicator lights (used)
• Head light cowls
• Cowl fitment parts
• Radio cover plate
• Heater controls back plate
• Model identification plate
• Window winder and back plate
• Window, door, roof front and boot rubber seals
• Used heater box (as bought, no work done)
• Hardtop cover plates – from car, removed when hardtop was fitted
• Used repaired driver’s mirror – glass required
• Used 1750 engine – top end done, bottom end not (according to the seller at the time, not verified)
• Used 1750 pistons and connecting rods from engine
• Used 8-Tooth starter
• Used cam cover
• Used inlet manifold
• Used aluminium airbox
• Reconditioned air cleaner box and new duct

Available to view by appointment in Johannesburg.

Reminders to bidders:

A buyer's premium of 5% (which includes VAT) for cars and bikes applies.

The minimum buyer's premium is R5 000 incl. VAT for cars and bikes (eg. if R50 000 is bid, buyer's premium = R5 000 and total cost = R55 000).

The maximum buyer's premium is capped at R100 000 incl. VAT for cars and bikes (eg. if R3 000 000 is bid, buyer's premium = R100 000 and total cost = R3 100 000).

Classic Car Africa aims to present each lot as accurately as possible but it is the responsibility of the bidder to be 100% satisfied with the condition of the lot before placing a bid.