1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloce ‘Duetto’

39 Years in the Same Ownership | Original White over Red | Remarkable History | French Carte Grise Collection

We are delighted to offer this wonderfully charming 1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloce, finished in its original combination of Biancospino white paintwork with a striking red interior, and now offered for sale following an extraordinary 39 years in the same ownership.

Affectionately known as “Bianca”, this beautiful early round-tail Spider has been far more than simply a treasured classic car. Purchased by its current owner in California in 1987, it has accompanied him on countless adventures across America and Europe, from the spectacular landscapes of the American West to the mountain passes of the European Alps and the Mediterranean coastline.

Fortunately, many of these adventures have been captured in a wonderful collection of photographs, providing an unusually personal and fascinating record of the car's life.

History & Provenance:

According to Alfa Romeo's historical archives, chassis AR1480693 was manufactured on 4 December 1968, finished in Biancospino white with red upholstery, and sold to the American market on 11 December 1968.

The car was originally supplied in California, where its first owner was Henry Look, a San Francisco architect known for his work designing restaurants for the Benihana chain. Remarkably, the current owner was able to trace Mr Look through original documentation discovered in the car, subsequently corresponding with him and obtaining further historical photographs from his family.

Purchased in 1987 as a restoration project, the Spider was gradually returned to the road and has since been lovingly maintained, improved and enjoyed over almost four decades.

Its remarkable photographic history documents restoration work, American road trips, European touring adventures and even its appearance as the owner's wedding car.

This is precisely the sort of provenance we love to discover — not simply a collection of paperwork, but a genuine record of a classic car being used and enjoyed as its makers intended.

Mechanical Condition & Improvements:

The car is powered by a correct-type 1779cc Alfa Romeo twin-cam engine with SPICA mechanical fuel injection, sourced from a 1971 Spider and rebuilt by the current owner in 1996. The five-speed manual gearbox was rebuilt in 1995 and shifts beautifully up and down the gears.

In 2018, a later Spider rear axle incorporating a limited-slip differential and taller 4.1:1 final-drive ratio was installed, making the car particularly pleasant for longer journeys.

Further improvements include electronic ignition, braided brake hoses, uprated suspension, H4 headlights with attractive original and rare Carello covers, and a set of handsome 14-inch Cromodora Daytona alloy wheels.

More recent maintenance includes a replacement windscreen and rebuilt front brake calipers in 2023, a new heater radiator, heater valve and starter motor in 2025, and a replacement ignition switch in 2026.

Condition & Driving Experience:

Today, the Spider presents as a lovely, honest and well-maintained example, retaining the charm and character of a classic that has been genuinely enjoyed.

The white paintwork presents well, with some minor imperfections consistent with an older restoration, while the underside is reassuringly solid thanks to almost 40 years spent in the dry California climate. The attractive red interior features retrimmed seats in great condition, wool carpeting and period-correct details, including the original Blaupunkt Frankfurt radio (currently non-functioning but easily repaired and upgraded with modern internals if the new owner so wished.

Most importantly, this is a superb car to drive.

The lively twin-cam engine, slick five-speed gearbox and beautifully balanced chassis deliver everything one could hope for from an early Alfa Romeo Spider. It feels responsive, engaging and entirely at home on the winding roads of the South of France.

This is not a concours trailer queen, but something arguably more appealing: a extremely smart, genuinely enjoyable classic that encourages you to lower the roof, turn the key and take the long way home.

Ready for Its Next Chapter:

Now registered in France with a carte grise de collection, this charming Duetto is ready to begin the next chapter of its remarkable story.

With its original colour combination, documented California origins, 39-year ownership history and wonderful driving character, it represents an opportunity to acquire an early Alfa Romeo Spider with genuine personality and provenance.

Having already travelled from California to the European Alps and beyond, we very much hope its next custodian will continue to enjoy it in exactly the same spirit.