A reader of ours from Australia left us a message recently that he was looking for a clean Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. Last week, this mint 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider in Germany caught my eye, but I thought why not follow up with a Giulietta that is a little less expensive but could use a bit of work for the intrepid buyer? This Giulietta for sale in Texas is pretty much complete but needs a good sorting to get it to a good driver level.

1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce Spider. VIN# AR1495F04191. The car has a 1962 Giulia Sprint or Spider 1600 Twin Carb motor #0011205344 and a 5-speed gearbox. I do not know when it was swapped, nor do I know the whereabouts of the original drivetrain. I have an invoice from 1979 when this motor was rebuilt by Bob Wallace Cars in Phoenix, Arizona. It has had one family ownership since the late 1970s. I have a repair order from 1989 with 35,546 miles.

The car runs and drives, but the carbs need rebuilt, there is some power loss due to the car having been stored for a long time. I had the gas tank cleaned, new fuel pump, rebuilt the master cylinder and a new battery. The brakes are hard, I had the left front wheel cylinders rebuilt due to leaks, but the brakes still need more work. It stops, but has a hard pedal. You can't drive this car home. Body, very solid and straight, no rust holes or patch panels.

Original floor and trunk in excellent shape. Paint is an old paint job that shines, but has chips and scratches and faded spots and a few dings. The hood has been repaired, the front of the hood has a few bubbles, missing the long chrome trim and the underside cross structure was modified. Best to et another hood eventually. Good glass. Tires old. Top is black, but it has shrunk because it hasn't been used for over 30 years.

Interior, good quality driver. Oil pressure is 55 when engine is running. Please look at all the photos. I have additional photos I can email. Car can be seen by appointment in Plano, Texas. Good clear Texas title in hand. Texas residents to pay 6.25% state sales tax and all license fees. No fees to export out of state buyers or dealers. Sold as is. Vehicle and title released when funds clear.

A Giulietta Spider in fair condition, as described by Hagerty, is valued at close to $25,000. If I was in the market, I wouldn't spend much more than that for a Spider in this condition. Putting the engine, brakes and convertible top right will not prove to be cheap repairs and could easily push your total investment above the $30,000 mark. After that, who knows what other issues may arise which need ironing out. Still, black over red leather is a classy combination for these roadsters and this particular car certainly isn't a lost cause. For those with the funds, it may prove to be a worthwhile project.

-Paul