Giulia Spider FAQ

• What is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider?

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  It's the 101-series Pininfarina spider built from 1962 to 1965 — the Giulietta Spider body carrying Alfa's 1,570 cc twin-cam engine, with a five-speed gearbox and front disc brakes.

  Full detail: The Car

• Is it the same as the Alfa Spider or Duetto?

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  No. The Duetto and later 'Alfa Spider' (1966 onward) are the different, Kamm-tailed car. The Giulia Spider is the earlier, Giulietta-shaped spider that came before it.

• What's the difference between the Normale and the Veloce?

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  The Normale has a single carburettor and around 92 bhp; the Veloce has twin Weber carburettors, around 112 bhp, and a raised bonnet scoop. The Veloce is rarer and more valuable.

  Full detail: Normale or Veloce

• How do I tell a Normale from a Veloce?

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  The bonnet scoop (only the Veloce has it), the carburettors (twin Webers on the Veloce), and the type number: Veloce 101.18; Normale 101.23 for LHD and 101.19 for RHD.

• Are Giulia Spiders rusty?

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  Rust is the model's biggest issue — there is essentially no rust-free survivor. Check the sills and jacking points, floors, boot floor, battery tray, wings and doors.

  Full detail: the Buying Guide

• Are they reliable?

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  The twin-cam is robust when maintained, but the cooling system demands respect — neglected coolant damages the alloy castings. Kept well, they're rewarding and genuinely usable.

• Are right-hand-drive cars rare?

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  Yes. Most Giulia Spiders were built left-hand-drive; right-hand-drive 'guida a destra' cars were made in far smaller numbers, so a UK RHD car is comparatively rare.

  Full detail: the identity article

• What tyres does it use?

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  15-inch wheels with 155 R15 tyres, which are tube-type and need innertubes. Borrani wire wheels were a desirable period option.

  Full detail: the wheels and tyres article

• What oil and servicing does it need?

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  The factory specified SAE 20W-40, roughly 6.2 litres, at about 3,700-mile intervals; many owners today run a classic 20W-50 multigrade.

  Full detail: the servicing article

• Can I use modern petrol?

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  Yes — it's designed for around 92 octane and modern super-unleaded is fine. Just be mindful of ethanol's effect on old fuel lines and seals.

  Full detail: the fuel system article

• What should I look for when buying?

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  Structure and rust first, then the cooling system, the carburettors, the gearbox's second-gear synchro, and originality and matching numbers.

  Full detail: the Buying Guide

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