The Geneva motor show of 1966 was the launch
of the Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider, and was the last complete
design from Battista Pininfarina.
Despite initial sales
being disappointing the basic model managed to stay in
production for 27 years.
At first the shape attracted some criticism, but over
time, the car's lines became more graceful which culminated
in the square-tailed cars made during the late 1980's.
The variations of the Alfa twin cam engine grew from 1300cc
through to 1600, 1750 and finally, a full 2-liter in the
early 1970's.
Popular opinion rates the 1750 the highest,
due to its refinement, although the 1600 was known to
give great acceleration.
But the two-liter model clearly offered the most torque.
Although distinctively slower, the 1750 Spider was priced
similarly to the Jaguar E-Type making it an expensive
acquisition in 1969.
But it did give the driver smoother
steering, slicker gears and fine disc brakes considered
far and above most cars of its time.
Its hood was both
watertight and easy to use, with one hand only needing
for its lifting.
The car was made famous by Dustin Hoffman in the film
"The Graduate".
