Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 Veloce (Duetto)
The 1750 Spider Veloce represented the evolution of the original Duetto Spider, retaining the beautiful Pininfarina bodywork while upgrading the powertrain. The engine grew from 1570cc to 1779cc, boosting power to 118 horsepower and significantly improving mid-range torque. Twin Weber DCOE carburetors fed the twin-cam four, and the characteristic Alfa engine note became even more purposeful.
The '1750' designation had deep historical significance for Alfa Romeo — it recalled the legendary 1750 Gran Sport of the 1930s, which had won the Mille Miglia. Using this number for the new engine expressed confidence in the modern car's sporting credentials, and it delivered on that promise.
The Spider Veloce drove beautifully. The larger engine made the car more relaxed at highway speeds while losing none of its sparkle when revved. The five-speed gearbox's ratios were well-matched to the engine's broader powerband, and the car felt equally at home on a twisting mountain road or a grand touring run across the Italian autostrada.
The 1750 Spider Veloce is cherished by enthusiasts as the sweet spot of the Spider range — more refined and capable than the original 1600, yet still pure and unsullied by the emissions equipment that would later strangle the engine's performance. It offers the ideal blend of usability and classic sports car character.
As with all Alfa Spiders, rust is the main concern. European-spec twin-Weber cars are more desirable than US-spec SPICA fuel injection models. Check that the Kamm-tail rear end hasn't been crudely grafted onto a round-tail shell. Mechanical parts are widely available through Alfa specialists.
Produced from 1968 to 1971 at Alfa Romeo's Arese plant. The body transitioned from the round-tail Duetto style to the Kamm-tail design during this period. European-specification cars retained twin Weber carburetors throughout.