Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider 1750 review

[@johntechwriter]

When I was 17 my Dad purchased a 1966 Alfa Duetto Spider 1600 in red, exactly like the one in the film "The Graduate." I drove that car to a nearby city (Ottawa, Canada) to watch the film, not knowing at the time I'd be seeing Dustin Hoffman driving the same roadster I was. That little Alfa gave me a first-class education in sports cars. Now at 70 I'm retired, living in California, and driving a new-edition bare-bones Mazda MX-5 Sport. While nothing feels the way it did when you were 17, driving this car on twisty back roads with the top down comes close.

[@minibus1351]

Duetto has always been my favourite classic car of all time.

[@nicotinedeals]

Same here! So beautiful

[@carloduroni5629]

Let's put a few facts straight about names: The "Duetto" name (which came from a nation-wide contest - I remember my self and my father sending our suggestion on a postcard) was used for the very early run of the car, therefore only for the early 1600 (1570) version, aside of the "1600 Spider" name, because after selling 190 cars it was found that the name was already registered by a snack, whose producer won the lawsuit vs Alfa Romeo. This happened in 1966, so when the "1750 Spider Veloce" was launched in 1967, the Duetto name was already dumped (although it remained in the popular jargon). Another issue about nicknames: the first series, called "boat-tail" by English-speakers, is know in Italy as "Osso di seppia" = Cuttlefish bone. The "1750" was so called to honour the mythical "6C 1750" of the 1920/30's (one of the winningest cars ever), therefore the actual 1779cc displacement is just a minor issue. By the way, the same 1779cc engine was later used in late 1970's "Alfetta 1.8" ("Alfetta" being the nickname of two almost similar racing cars: the Tipo 158 of 1938 and the Tipo 159 of 1950, the car winning the first F1 championship.)

[@RobertKarlBerta]

I bought a 1969 1750 ALFA spider new and kept it for over 40 years. No issues with rust on mine as I kept door drains blown out and dry. this was the US version with Spica injection. Over the years I blue printed, balanced, did port work, mild cams, etc. as well as recalibrate the injection. Suspension was upgraded with bushings, bigger sway bars and Koni adjustable shocks, and slightly decambered front suspension. I sold it to a collector and bought a new 2015 ALFA 4 C Launch Edition. I would still have both if I had more garage space. For a few years the 69 was my daily driver but than added another car so I could keep the spider pristine. It was flawless when I sold it.

[@nagylevi3827]

Another classic that I'd gladly use as a daily drive. Brilliant simplicity and exquisite style. A true Alfa and, as always, a worthy presentation by mister Harry. Cheers.

[@Rickusty]

God, that Alfa is stunning

[@drchunkybiscuit9973]

Don't blaspheme!

[@ale16_69]

@@drchunkybiscuit9973???

[@at_lightspeed]

God is an Alfa Spider

[@amosmicah6140]

I guess Im asking the wrong place but does anyone know a trick to log back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot my login password. I appreciate any help you can give me

[@marlonkannon9986]

@Amos Micah instablaster :)

[@angliase]

My mother had this beautiful car in powder blue & I once drove it at 109 mph as a young woman in 1970 with 2 boyfriends in it - what a thrill!! The engine literally purred - so smooth....

[@skysthelimit2986]

You know it's a good day when you get home from work. Relax, and check you're subscriptions and see Harry has uploaded a new video 👍🏻

[@h3x6g0n6]

That look in Harry's eyes :D He's absolutely smitten. He didn't even stand a chance against the charms of this bellezza. She will end up in his garage for sure and he will take excellent care of her.

[@edoardocasagrande4339]

I am currently restoring a 1968 duetto 1300. So easy and clean, a lovely car. My best project car ever.

[@carig121]

mid 60's to mid 70's, definitely the golden age of car design, no computers, no real safety constraints ruining it, just pure inspiration and talent from passionate men... RÉPONDRE

[@TheRealCoyote]

You gotta love Alfas. You see them, then hear them, and you feel them, and before long you realize you're smitten. I've owned Alfas for soon 20 years and if I had the means I'd jump at the chace to get one of these.

[@P.Galore]

I just keep coming back to this video again and again.....The car is perfection and Harry's respect for it is compelling. I want one!

[@ThatMumboJumbo]

Stunning car.

[@isaacteo5355]

Hey Mumbo what are you doing here? I shouldn’t be surprised because you are quite the car nut. A bit late but loving the hermitcraft content coming out lately :)

[@justingabbard4718]

man I've never been a car guy, stumbled on this somehow and can't stop watching. love this guy

[@fureenaezlin6407]

Harry is simply an enthusiastic fan of Alfa Romeo's, cars with a aoul built with such a deep passion and love..

[@TT_1221]

Such a Beautiful little car, love the steering wheel and gear box position. I love its simplicity, and it looks amazing. Proper classic in every sense.

[@antonoat]

Another great video review Harry, it's a very pretty little car as you rightly say. Your knowledge and enthusiasm make these videos so watchable. Cheers tony

[@stephane_edouard]

New Harry's video => like before watching

[@vtr0104]

Same here, good Sir :)

[@RdcsVtec]

that is just stupid, but I find myself, also doing it everytime a new video comes out! :P

[@tim2468]

Love your reviews Harry. This is the perfect car to pop down to the King's Head on a Fall afternoon.

[@onnoanton1670]

I always feel butterflies when I see your XJ-coupe, standing there in the back. ;)

[@bmwcarrmann429]

hello old champ I really enjoy your reviews.my wish list is having a collection like yours.i really appreciate you taking time to show blokes like me self great automobiles.good day

[@Sean-if7rp]

Love the beard, and the car, and the dealership and the garage and the video haha

[@Plus_Escapee]

I saw that thing, heard it was from the late sixties, and my jaw dropped at how cute it was...liked the video in under a minute.

[@mennofz3220]

You live in a beautiful area(I don't know if you actually live there) and having the joy of a convertible Alfa to explore it with is a great way to spend the sunday afternoon.

[@900108Chale]

Ohhhh yeah!

[@waynebrinker8095]

An ex of mine had a red Spyder, circa '75/'77....and I was in love. I never knew then just how much I would miss that little roadster.

[@fish4free1]

Ha! I think the chap on the bike @ 11:50 is riding a Bianchi; how perfectly appropriate that 2 Italians meet on a country road.

[@markcaporale2559]

Yes indeed. Can't miss the classic Celeste frame color.

[@T4TipsGuides]

My dream car, sadly getting further out of reach. I should have bought one when I had the chance. Stunning example, a true Italian classic.

[@oldrrocr]

Mine came with a little protective cage protecting the bottom of the engine WHEN you bottom out. Well worth it.

[@stevebaker2457]

Lllpll9

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

The return of the llamas, I see. Lovely video!

[@ajovialyoutubecommenter8691]

They were so cute! And looked surprisingly interested in the car.

[@Wacoal34d]

This is an evocation of beauty, perfectly suited to the subject.

[@hommebizzare]

Harry, you really need to show us your bike collection - especially the Dakar bikes!

[@fastdays_1]

Hi Harry, for "vetrosina" I suppose you mean "vetroresina" that means fiberglass. You are THE man for classics and iconic cars review. I hope you will do more videos. Congrats from an italian petrolhead living in London. Cheers

[@harrysgarage]

I thought that's what I said but maybe not? Thanks for the kind words and for watching the vid.

[@NicholasSpartan]

Thumbs up if you want Harry to buy this beautiful Alfa...

[@NicholasSpartan]

MATTBOESSE hahaha thanks mate... don't have a twitter account. cheers .

[@davidfarmer2049]

super

[@5amH45lam]

Not arsed.

[@andrewrparken5267]

Too bad the steering wheel is on the wrong side for UK.

[@daniellarge9784]

I want Harry to have all the wonderful cars I will never own.

[@hoaxerable]

It's nice to see this enthousiasm about this car! I recently bought a '74 2.0 liter and i love it! All my friends don't understand it al all because i am 23 and have a mx-5 and spider next to each other in my grams garage.

[@joshuuaaaa440]

It was really good to meet you and have a chat today at the NEC classic car show ! Look forward to seeing you again at another event hopefully driving my car again! Keep up the great videos !

[@DavidM-mb1vx]

I have a 69 1750. I purchased a wind screen for the later model spiders at Centerline Alfa. With a few simple mods I installed on mine. huge difference 😊

[@tarikwildman]

Gorgeous. IMO the perfect combo of everything. 1600 shape (markers behind wheel arches) best colour, best engine size, period alloys, and as Harry says swap out air box and trunking and so on (store!) and put on trumpets (KN´s , NO ) and a bit more rort and a tiny bit more torque, utterly delightful. (I have had 4 Duettos since I bought by first at 19), and this is "Best of Breed".

[@dodgehemi5045]

'93 S4 hardtop 30k miles black/tan 5spd plan to replace midpipe with glasspack, have Stinger catback. did hydraulic shocks, stiff air shocks beat me up like go kart. Hydraulic suffer in fast corners yet glide over bumpy roads, good travel but rebound is slow, more luxury refined ride vs hard airshock early Miata feel, also hydraulics lower the ride a bit with OEM springs.

[@italsounds001]

I hired a (later) duetto for a week in Tuscany a few weeks ago loved every minuet of it, had a fiat 124 spider for a couple of days too, preferred the Alfa but both were great little cars for exploring the hill towns.

[@jfaz]

This is the best video I can find on a Duetto or round-tail Spider! Thank you!

[@hughchamberlain5018]

Really love the car and the video, but since no one else has mentioned it I feel I should point out even though the engine is always refered to as a 1750 it is actually 17 7 9 cc ' s. Small point, I know but.....

[@harrysgarage]

Thanks for the note, I believe I said this in the video at a later point but can't be certain. I know I said it was 200cc bigger than the 1600 engine, though..

[@johnnichols9056]

You could put the liners an pistons from a 1.6 or a 2.0 and no one would know the difference but you. The beauty of the Alfa engine design, Triumph did that with their big 4 cyl motors in the TR2 thru TR4A.

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

Truly beautiful car. Italian cars of this period were just lovely. If Alfa could build something as pretty as this today, but with a truly modern look, make it reliable and sell it for sensible money, I am sure they would have a hit on their hands. Bella macchina!

[@johnmarris2965]

Harry, I had one of these in the 90s. 1750 in white (and right-hand drive). Spent 20k on a full restoration and sold it for exactly what I paid for it. When the engine died I had it rebuild and blue printed. New cam profiles, balanced crank and flywheel. 135 bhp at the rear wheels I think. Would spin them in 3rd in the wet. Thanks for the videos, I'm feeling very nostalgic right now!

[@harrysgarage]

I bet, sounds ace!

[@TomStrogen]

Hi Harry, I met you today at the classic car show in Birmingham and I have subscribed to your channel. Your videos are great and they have really inspired me to achieve a huge garage collection in the future Thanks, Tom

[@gregorytimmons4777]

I had a 1966 Guilia Spider and i believe that kind of innuendo is spread by people who have never owned an example of this storied brand of car. I would say that you as a collector are in big Healy territory to get Alfa's build quality from any sports or GT car produced in England.

[@phoenixrising7047]

I dont know why we dont see more of your videos Harry because you do such a good job of the few that we see.

[@mattharvey78]

I was trying to figure out why this version of the spider was so much more desirable than any other and you pointed out it has to do with the tail. Now it is obvious why this is the superior version. Thank you.

[@delboy2596]

Lovely car Harry and the Cotswolds. Was there last week driving around Burford,Woodstock and surrounding villages. Trees were a stunning colour in the Batesford arboretum.

[@glenjo0]

Harry, you're the man! I owned the 1600 Duetto years ago, never should have sold it. What a great car!

[@oscarpimentel3315]

I have one buyed in 1979 since with me at today, dificult tô sell It, lovely car the cats talking ever,"" Guy give me this car please !!!!""

[@dallisb1047]

I always enjoy Harry's videos. Entertainment with style and class.

[@msrx8ajr]

Bet it's sold already ..Hairpin must love you Harry! First Gens were indeed beautiful. Brilliant video once again, noticing more camera angles and tracking etc. Thanks.

[@900108Chale]

Love your taste for cars and this one definitively belongs in your garage! Later when you get tired of it, I would definitively be interested in buying it. It ranks very high in my personal All time Automotive Gems List.

[@rocketn8]

I want Harry to read me a bed time story.... I'm 34

[@Andrew-on5do]

Whittle Moore 👍🏽 he would also sound good narrating anything on National Geographic

[@900108Chale]

LOL1

[@jonlyons1033]

Yep, me too.🤣

[@marcussingh3719]

Lmao hahahah

[@onesri6108]

I am 80... can't sleep

[@MikeG-fo1lb]

Lovely video Harry of a pretty little car within reach, I must confess to always wanting one

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Can't beat the passion a classic Alfa Romeo inspires, if I was in the market for a 60's roadster it'd be high on my list.

[@jackpontiac52]

I have a 1985 Alfa Spider 2L that came with Solex carbs from the Factory. Started life as a new car in Japan and later imported into Canada. No rust on mine, either !

[@johndrake2729]

Impressive little machine. It's got a bit of a modified A-series sound to it, or like that of an early Datsun.

[@whispjohn]

Its an Alfa Harry, they did make very good cars, we could not give the old Alfas away back in the day but now a good 1970s GTAm will set you back a pretty penny, even the old GTVs and others are fetching premium prices these days. The one you drove in the Mille Miglia is probably worth a few bob now too. Great stuff Harry, I enjoy your videos and if it makes you smile how about this, an old mate of mine came to visit and I showed him a couple of your videos and he has seen them all now. .

[@ruzzum12345]

my man harry's back at it again. nice video!

[@sidewaysalways259]

My 2L alfetta was the last of the Nord engines, full stainless exhaust, Dellortoe Carbies and is simply amazing little car. Love the Spider as well

[@robertstitt9943]

Harry, we can tell that you're smitten with the Alfa. Forget about the non standard engine and buy it! What a beaut!! Love the Alfa's.

[@murrieteacher]

Thanks Harry, so you did buy it as I had not seen this video untill after you did your garage tour recently. You showed this gem and the 105 Alfa side by side. Now I have to see if I can find the video of the 105. This car and the 105 are in my top 10 cars I would like to own. Keep up the great videos and I must vist your area next time we go to the UK and hire a little roadster instead of a Passat!

[@kingofalldoughboys]

Of course he bought it! You can see it in the background of and he briefly mentions in the video of his Alfa 2000 GTV.

[@Andrew-on5do]

That dip in the body coming off the front wheel arch is slick.

[@DavidSwanson6576]

I think this could easily be a new addition Harry!!

[@rustyjeep2469]

I’ve got an uncle here in the US that is into these cars, they definitely look like a lot of fun to drive.

[@cfytcf]

Is there anything nicer than seeing beautifully engineered objects driving through cloistered rural roads?

[@Rob901]

Revisiting. Great review . I always enjoy your perspective.

[@NicholasSpartan]

Dear Harry, this is an excellent review. And I must say what a beautiful Alfa..! First thing, get rid this ghastly front plate. I think it reduces it's beauty . Never understood the nesecity of a front plate to be honest! Great review !

[@relic222]

It's a legal requirement to have a front numberplate in the UK so he can't get rid of it if he wants to drive it on the road.

[@NicholasSpartan]

Pat Gaunt thanks mate. I know the UK legal requirement , my question was why in God's name they don't use the sticker plate.. think it's much much better than this one. At least looks much better on my old Jag. Never had a "pull" so far... Cheers .

[@GREGALBU]

How the hell you never understood the necessity of a front plate? is super useful

[@relic222]

Ah, yeah sorry, could put a sticker plate on - would keep the lines better but I guess less close to the original look of the car (UK models at least)

[@NicholasSpartan]

Greg Albuquerque mate, touchez!

[@MetalTrabant]

Gorgeous little car, probably my favourite Alfa ever! :)

[@shanehnorman]

Eastleach, my home, seems to be Classic Car Central, these days. We had a 250 GTO burble through recently - and now its Harry in the Duetto. Can't wait for the GT40s, E Types, and Miuras to show up !

[@Gundun]

Glad you got this one covered, Harry.

[@WereInATightSpot]

One of my all time favorite channels on KZbin. Such relaxing videos featuring such unique cars.

[@r0smor]

Without a wind stop it blows quite a nice parting in the back of Harry's hair from 13:00.

[@tonyp.1182]

A superb little car, thanks for the review Harry.

[@casa0123]

Harry that shape of Alfa in Italian was called " Osso di sepia " squid bone, the ones you found on the beach and you put in the bird cage. Hey !!! Harry I hope with those trendy sun glasses on you're not chasing any Mrs Robinson 😂😂😂😂 Grate little car as usual from Bertone

[@NorthTimes]

A beautiful example Harry. The 1750 engine is a gem even though the AROC will be apoplectic that it's not totally original. Should be a good investment!

[@JustJooZt]

what a lovely car, would love to own one of these or a gt oneday when im finished with my golf gti. btw have you ever driven a gt and if so what would be the major differences between these cars except styling and the roof obviously

[@classiccarssp]

Nice test Harry! As usual coming from you.. Like the point of having an upgrade engine from the period and driving better with more torque.. 👌

[@johnner7796]

I love Alfas my sister had a 1973 spyder. It was such a wonderful car. I really wish that i could have bought it from her.

[@Alfa147]

I haven't read all the comments so apologies if somebody else has said this. Cat tax on imported carts was punitive when these cars were imported ....50% something like that. I loved my 1300 junior this brings back memories. Great review!

[@Alfa147]

car tax.

[@3ducs]

Throw the hate at me but the current Mazda MX-5 Miata is the Duetto Spider perfected. I am 71 years old, my first car, in 1967, was a 101 Alfa Sprint, there were many Alfas to follow. I did a rotisserie restoration on a square tail 1750. I still remember getting into it after a hard freeze following a hard rain, the seat was a frozen ice block from a roof leak. No such problems from my 2016 MX-5, a car driven year round in New Hampshire, USA. It is the perfect car for NH back roads, roads similar to those Harry drives, wider though hillier and curvier. If I had Harry's resources I'd have a 105 Alfa GTV, but with full MX-5 running gear, suspension on up. That would be a sweet little GT car.

[@antoniobravetti7483]

Seems crazy to compare a 1960s Alfa with essentially a 1990s Mazda...all modern cars are more relaible than older ones,if thats the criteria then one must simply keep buying modern cars.

[@3ducs]

@@antoniobravetti7483 Every time I see a 105 GTV I get the wants. The Mazda ND is not basically a '90s Miata, everything from the ground up is changed. My first car, bought in 1967, was a 101 series Sprint, many Alfas followed, I've paid my dues with them. The ND Mazda is ideal for my purposes now, the Alfas were my choice for many years but I'm too old to be messing with them now.

[@thehutt2]

Buy it, talking of wind noise I can see the outside world out of the top window gap. Part of the charm, a lovely Alfa. They usually are.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Go on Harry buy it. Its a little honey. Your face said it all. Just rem you cant take it with you. Great vid as always. Thanks for uploading.

[@andrewgurney6019]

Sold to the man with the grey beard....beautiful car

[@lillocaruso3979]

lovely car been italian this is one of my best alfa car

[@snelmau5]

What a nice car! And as always, great video. I really enjoy your videos Harry!

[@TheMarcball]

awesome, you finally FIXED the MICROPHONE ! thanks a million ! great car, great review, Chief ! Keep on trucking ! (from France)

[@muddyboots1881]

Nice one.You got me trawlin' the clasifieds now...

[@franciscoamaral4383]

Amazing! you convey your love for cars ( italian in particular) with such passion, its contagious :-) Keep it up Harry

[@clonSanG]

harry love the jag in the back round

[@seinsmeld13]

Thanks Harry. Cheers from a Canadian fan.

[@AsinineComment]

What a delicate little body design this first series had. Pininfarina really understood the value of subtlety and simplicity, yet still created such beautiful cars. Am glad his son's videography skills have improved since this was recorded. 🙄

[@zTheBigFishz]

Buy it Harry. I have a 71 Berlina 1750 that is in the middle of a "casual" resto. New suspension from Alfaholics. Going to do a major engine rebuild in the early spring. Even in its partially restored state I love driving it. I have a 997.1 C2S that has suffered a bit from lack of attention lately, all because of my weird but wonderful little Alfa.

[@64Alvis]

I had one of the last Bertone coupés, a 1600GT Junior, an absolute joy to own and in its own way just as pretty as the spider. It had the better intake system but also the rare Campagnolo wheels and some naughty cams that gave it 1750 performance. It had the bark but, even with only 20mph per 1000rpm in top, it just hummed like a sewing machine on the motorway.

[@Rob901]

buy this car harry. they are great. I have always liked the alfa spiders , and agree it needs the twin carb set up for that unique engine sound.

[@jonlyons1033]

I can just imagine him saying "hmm, put it on Paris plates and add the yellow headlights, lovely"

[@mercoid]

Gorgeous little machine Harry. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@tuohivalo1235]

Such a beautiful find Harry!