1965 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider by Touring

1965 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider by Touring
Sold for $93,500 Including Commission
RM Auction, Monterey, CA. 2013
Chassis no. AR 193133
Engine no. 08283
145 bhp, 2,584 cc dual overhead-camshaft inline six-cylinder engine with triple Solex carburetors, five-speed manual transmission, front independent suspension and solid rear axle with coil springs, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 98.5 in.

•Extensive, recent restoration
•Only 26,100 miles since new
•Matching-numbers engine
•Rare and desirable original factory four-wheel disc brakes


Alfa Romeo's 2600 models were first introduced to the public at the 1962 Geneva Motor Show as the replacement of the 2000-series cars. The 2600 was offered in three distinct body styles, the Berlina sedan, the Sprint coupe, and, the rarest and most desirable of the lineup, the drop-top spider.

With its body hand-built by Carrozzeria Touring, the 2600 Spider was conceived with long-distance touring in mind. Luggage space is copious, the cabin is luxuriously appointed, and a five-speed manual transmission made the 2600 Spider easier to drive at highway speeds. As a result, owners had no qualms driving their 2600 Spiders a few hundred miles in a single day.

Alfa Romeo's DOHC inline six was a gem of an engine, producing 145 horsepower, which could power the Alfa Spider to 124 mph, enough to rival such cars as the Mercedes-Benz 230SL. Sadly, this would be the last of Alfa Romeo's dual overhead camshaft inline six-cylinder engines, marking an end of an era for a company that became famous as a result of these wonderful engines.

The Spider offered today was built in late 1965, and it was sold new in April of 1966 to George Bobello, a U.S. serviceman stationed in Germany. It came equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, which was a rare and desirable improvement that was only made near the end of the production run. This 2600 Spider was then imported to the United States. After being stored for more than 30 years, and with only two owners for the majority of its life, it has recently undergone extensive restoration work wherever needed.

Exhausting and comprehensive work was undertaken to restore this car to its former glory. Work included a full repaint in dark blue over red leather and a new top, carpets, chrome, shocks, brake and fuel soft lines, clutch master cylinder, and spark plugs have all been fitted. Also, the original Solex carburetors, disc brakes, and wiper motor have been rebuilt, and the original wheels now wear correct, new Michelin tires. Included in the sale are several booklets concerning the car's Blaupunkt radio, as well as the original service record book.

The Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider is a fantastic driver's car that begs to be enjoyed, and it represents incredible value compared to similarly equipped sports cars, like the Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder. Considering its recent restoration, desirable brakes specification, late production, and just 21,600 miles, this car is a fine example that drives as good as it looks. It has been said that every car enthusiast needs to own an Alfa Romeo once in their lifetime, and this 2600 Spider is an excellent example of al fresco Italian motoring.

Robert Myrick Photography