1968 Alfa Romeo

One of only 193 right hand drive examples supplied new to the UK market and without doubt one of the finest following a full restoration some years ago by the renowned Roger Longmate of Spiders Web in Thetford, Norfolk. Roger retired some years ago, however the high standard of his work has reached almost legendary status. The fit and finish of this Spider bear witness to this reputation, you very rarely see Spiders like this, especially 27 years on from being completed.

This Spider was manufactured on the 4th March 1968 and sold on the 9th March to Alfa Romeo UK Ltd as detailed in a letter on file from Alfa Romeo. The car was sold to a Greek gentleman based in Finchley, London who retained it until 1983. Used initially, it was in storage for the latter years of his ownership. In 1983 it was purchased from him by a friend and fellow Greek who enjoyed the car on a number of continental trips (there are a number of photographs of the Alfa on such trips on file). In 1987, in a complete very original, although rather forlorn state, the car was purchased by Alfa specialist Benalfa from this second Greek owner.

In 1992 Benalfa sold the car as documented on file to a Mr Timothy Utley, a London based Alfa enthusiast, who had searched extensively for a very original UK supplied 1750 Boat Tail to restore to concours standards. An invoice on file from Benalfa confirms the purchase, in addition there are a number of photographs showing the cars collection from their premises.

Spider Web had a waiting list for restoration work at the time and it was several years later when the Boat Tail was dispatched to Thetford and the restoration commenced. The car was completely stripped and placed on a rotisserie jig for work and every item of componentry was either replaced or where possible refurbished. Extensive invoicing on file details the work completed as do a series of photographs showing the body on the jig and engine stripped.

Following completion of this work Mr Utley enjoyed the car on fine summer days, storing it carefully and maintaining it correctly until June 2014 when he sold the Alfa to specialists, Black and White Garage, in Newbury.

The next owner purchased the car thereafter and continued to use it sparingly in fine weather, indeed only 3,600 miles have been covered since the restoration was completed. He has continued to look after it carefully and correctly maintained it with invoices for servicing on file from noted Alfa specialists including most recently the renowned Ian Ellis Alfa based in Sussex.

We purchased the Alfa directly from this last owner in the summer of 2017 and sold it quickly to the last owner, an Alfa enthusiast based near us in Gloucestershire. He has continued to look after the car without regard to cost as detailed in the extensive invoicing on file. Not only has he maintained it perfectly but has also incorporated a number of desirable upgrades including an Alfaholics exhaust system, 123 electronic ignition system and set of Alfaholics alloy wheels. The original wheels accompany the car with new tyres and the correct hub caps.

Today the car presents superbly, it is a very rare occasion indeed to see such a finely detailed Boat Tail, panel fit and finish are excellent as is the body colour, finish underneath and in the apertures. A real testament to the standard of the restoration completed and careful ownership subsequently. On the road the Alfa doesn't disappoint, these cars really do drive exceptionally well when properly sorted, giving little away to much more modern cars.

A superb example of a rare and desirable Alfa in a condition rarely found amongst Alfa Spiders. It comes with all keys, tools, and a substantial history file documenting the cars life and restoration.