Alfa Romeo Duetto 1300 Junior (1969)
The Alfa Romeo Duetto is the last model for which Battista 'Pinin' Farina has taken up his design pencils. Many Alfisti are convinced that this is also the best design that the Italian master has ever drawn. Whatever color you see the Duetto in, it is a timeless appearance, a beautiful design such as only the Italians can create.
Usually a Duetto is red, white or green, but this original Dutch example that Peet Classics offers is covered in a much rarer paint color: Grigio Grafite, or graphite grey. This color gives the Duetto a sober, almost mysterious appearance, but the subtle details incorporated in the sheet metal really come into their own. The chrome work has also been kept very subtle. This car is not glamorous, it was built with a different purpose in mind: pure driving pleasure.
Because that is what this Duetto has to offer without a doubt. In the past, its original 1300 engine has been replaced by a 1600 cc four-cylinder twin cam, taking the roadster's performance and speed experience to the next level. The chassis was also modified: the car is slightly lower on its springs, which further improves road holding. Around the bronze-coloured six-spoke light-alloy wheels – a sleek and straight-lined design, which we think fits the Duetto perfectly – are classic Pirelli's Cinturato in size 185/70 R 14, which give the car even more grip.
This Duetto is a real pleasure to travel with. With the wooden three-spoke sports steering wheel – which contrasts beautifully with the black leatherette upholstery, the dark gray lacquered dashboard and the black Jaeger clocks – the car changes direction with sharpness and feeling. As befits an Alfa Romeo, the 1600 cc double cam responds enthusiastically to the movements of the accelerator pedal. From idle it's a little reluctant and somewhat grumbling, but as soon as it sucks in a gulp of fresh fuel mixture, it ramps up eagerly and feels like an Italian after a double espresso. Two twin Weber carburettors provide the engine with rich power. Shifting through the five gears is also a pleasure, with the gear lever moving tightly through the shifting pattern, and you can really feel how the gears fit together.
What makes this dark gray Alfa Romeo Duetto extra special is that it is an original delivered in the Netherlands. The car still has its first historical registration. Since the car was delivered new in 1969, it has had only three owners. Naturally, the entire maintenance history of the car is complete and verifiable.
Contact Peet Classics for more information about this seductive Alfa Romeo Duetto.