In August of 1980, we were on our way to Monterey when an ad in Hemmings Motor News caught my eye: “1965 Alfa Romeo Spider. Twin carburetor version. Two owners. Gray with red. $22,000.” This was followed by a Portland phone number.
Times being what they were, I waited a couple of weeks until we were back home to call the seller. It turned out he lived two blocks from me and had owned the car since 1967.
I test drove the Giulia Spider Veloce and bought it.
I can say with certainty that I never imaged that 43 years later my as-yet unborn daughter Alexandra would be sitting in the same car for her wedding pictures, or that another two years after that my son would be driving the car to his senior prom this past weekend.
According to the Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider Veloce Register, S/N 390290 was built on January 28, 1965, and was the only one with Grigio Mare (sea gray) paint with a red interior. A total of 1,090 were built.
Looking at the pictures of Alex and Bradley, I marvel at how timeless the design of the car has turned out to be. It is now 60 years old. Imagine if in 1965 you had driven a 60-year-old car to the prom. It would have been built in 1905, pre-dating the first Ford Model T.
As I have said, “Old cars create adventures,” but little did I know the adventures that were awaiting me decades in the future with this car. As a dad, I’m thrilled beyond words to see how this Alfa has become connective tissue in our family.
We plan on taking it out on the Alfa Romeo Owners of Oregon’s 46th Annual Old Spider Tour next Saturday.
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“I’m thrilled beyond words to see how this Alfa has become connective tissue in our family.” Well said, and I am most pleased to see that the next generation appreciates the automobile, and more importantly, the value of memories made.
It’s fascinating how cars can get under your skin. I was brought home from hospital after being born in my Father’s 1951 Mk V Jaguar, that he bought in 1961 (and still has, but can’t drive any longer) and I’m on my 36th year with my 1970 1750GTV – using it as my daily commuter this last couple of weeks – battling the M25 motorway past Heathrow every day! It’s hard to explain the emotional attachment to people who don’t understand…
custom hood scoop? be well!
Keith, the best Post ever!
Kudos to all.
“Family collective tissue”!
Wow! Who’da thunk it in 1980??
Wow!
Who’da thunk it in 1980!