PRESENTATIONS

«Inspiration – the alcohol-free intoxication.»

Alexander Otto Weber, (1868 – after 1927), German writer

 

Here, I present selected collector’s items from the ISELI COLLECTION in a relaxed, monthly rhythm. My objective here is to present some of my individual treasures to lovers of classic vehicles, in order to inspire them further. These are vehicles that are not for sale.

«A mechanism has now been added to the captivating outer shell, which is velvety soft and sporty and lively at the same time and is complemented by a street posture that is second to none.»

Unknown author with the pseudonym «Tester», in «Automobil Revue» No. 49/1958 of November 20, 1958 

Car of the month autumn 2021

Alfa Romeo 2000 Touring Spider

Model history

The vehicle was presented for the first time at the 1957 Turin Motor Show. The 2000 series consisted of a sedan (Italian name: «Berlina») and the Spider. Only after a few months, in early 1958, did sales begin. A little later in the Spring of 1961, a coupé (Sprint) was also created. The beautiful convertible was made by Dott. Ing.Carlo Felice Bianchi Anderloni, he was clearly a great automobile designer.

In the 1930s, he began his professional career in the Italian bodywork company Carrozzeria Touring Milano, which his father had founded. He was one of the most important body designers in Italy from the 1930s to the 1960s. Famous vehicles included: Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Coupé, Ferrari 166S, Lancia Flaminia GT, Maserati 3500 GT, Aston Martin DB4 and Aston Martin DB5 (James Bond car) and the Lamborghini 350 GT. 

The Alfa Romeo 2000 Touring Spider is a design masterpiece for me, although it may be that the successor 2600 is a more interesting car for many collectors. Definitely in terms of the engine, but certainly not in terms of design.

The slightly long-stroke designed four-cylinder engine (bore x stroke: 84.5 mm x 88 mm, displacement: 1975 cm³) with two overhead camshafts and two double carburettors is essentially carried over from its predecessor, the 1900. The output in the Spider is 115 PS (85 kW). The specified maximum speed is 175 km / h. Thanks to the very well coordinated five-speed gearbox, the beautiful Spider can be driven quite sportily as well as smoothly. 

Model details

The Auto e Moto d’Epoca in Padua, which takes place every autumn, is one of my favourite classic car shows for various reasons.

I have made a lot of interesting contacts, made many acquaintances and purchased some vehicles. This also the case with this car, which is in perfect condition today. 

Italianità totale! This is how you feel when you drive the Alfa Romeo Touring Spider on the road. The right «musica legera» and the right passenger – wow, life can be soooo beautiful!

For me, the Alfa Romeo 2000 Touring Spider is further confirmation that the best cars were built in the 1950s and 1960s. Fotos