Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 Veloce

We respect those who treat their car like museum art. Keep it behind closed doors is the only way to save a classic such as the Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 Veloce and keep it completely spotless. But is this sports car meant for such a destiny? We don’t think so. Certainly not in this specific case: our Spider has proven to be a proper drivers car and is technically totally ready for it. Don’t expect to win the concours competition with it, but the Rosso lacquer is still sleek enough to melt many Alfa hearts. If not, the Cioccolato interior, Philips radio and wooden steering wheel will do. A beautiful autumn awaits you…

History
This 1982 Alfa was built at the end of the "Coda Tronca" era. Which means it’s the 2nd generation Spider, made just before the "Aerodinamica" version came out. The original concept dates from 1966, carrying the name Duetto. Production of the Type 4, the 4th and last generation Alfa Spider based on the original, stopped in 1993. The Italian roadster was only slightly updated each time. That’s how strong the concept was! The same goes for the technique: the 4-cylinder Twin Cam got an upgrade in 1971, replacing the 1750 for the 2000 Veloce. An name that emphasizes the sporty character of this top version.

Exterior
Originally called Duetto, the Alfa Romeo Spider was launched back in 1966 during the Geneva Motor Show. It’s striking that the Italians showed their Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT Veloce to the public at the very same time. Because the contrast between Pininfarina’s roadster and Bertone’s coupe couldn’t be bigger: round and stylish versus angular and sturdy. The similarities with predecessor Giulietta Spider, on the other hand, were very clear. In 1970, Alfa Romeo exchanged the round shaped rear of the 2-seater for a more straightforward solution in order to create some extra luggage space. This 2nd generation Spider was labeled “Coda Tronca”; the kind of name that says it all. Which type of rear you prefer is very personal, although it must be said that the fiery red Rosso Alfa lacquer always works well on any Alfa Romeo Spider. And in particular on this 2000 Veloce.

Interior
Anyone who’s making plans to go out a lot with the classic roadster will find the decoration of the interior at least as important. Our Alfa won’t disappoint: instead of standard Nero, a super stylish Cioccolato finish awaits you in the Spider cockpit. In addition to the leather seats, the dark brown color is also shown on the dashboard, the door panels and even the center / tunnel console is finished in Cioccolato. The characteristic black tubes around the speedometer and tachometer, the chrome-rimmed instruments plus other details, as well as the large wooden 3-spoke steering wheel deserve a lot attention too. The old school Philips radio/cassette player has been given a place right under the beautiful Jaeger meters. Further down, but still relatively high in the center console, there’s the gear shift of the manual 5-speed transmission. Time for some action!

Technique & performance
It’s an Alfa tradition to send all power to the rear wheels for a sportier and more playful driving experience. In case of the 2000 Veloce, we’re talking about 132 hp and 178 Nm of torque, which is even more than the Quadrifoglio Verde version had. The output comes from a 4-cylinder engine with Twin Cam technology. After 41 years of having fun, this power unit is still very much awake. Besides accelerating, our Spider shifts, steers and brakes excellent. With the soft-top down and the sound of the 2.0 liter Twin Cam in the background, it’s not difficult for you to stay sharp as well. Have you ever been to the Netherlands before?

Cordiali Saluti,
team Prins