Alfa Romeo 2000 and 2600 Spider (1958 – 1965) Review

When the 2000 Spider was launched it continued Alfa Romeo’s tradition of producing pretty roadsters available at a realistic price. Technically it was nothing too radical – the Spider range sed a reworked version of the old 1900 model's engine and chassis, but the elegant open-top bodies featured styling by the coachbuilders Touring of Milan. Although the all-round drum brakes were a disappointment, the car had a traditional floor-mounted gearshift, and five gears. A detachable hardtop, which complemented the more usual fabric hood was a sound feature. Two additional passenger seats were squeezed in at that back, and that turned the car into a 2+2 – a distinct advantage over its rivals.

The facelift of 1962 saw new front-end styling introduced, featuring a full-width bumper, single chrome strip along the side and the air vents behind the front wheels were removed. The major change was the new twin-camshaft six-cylinder 2584cc engine developing 145bhp under the bonnet. So powere, the 2600 Spider had a top speed of 125mph. Despite all the extra power and sporting looks, neither were light and handling was ponderous. Of the 5698 cars built 3443 had the 1975cc engine.