6 Minutes
Alfaholics gives a 1972 Spider Veloce a modern heart
Alfaholics, the UK-based Alfa Romeo specialist, has taken a beloved 1972 2000 Spider Veloce and turned it into a concise example of what the best restomods can be: period-correct, thoughtfully upgraded, and utterly focused on driving pleasure. Rather than gutting every original element, the team kept what made the car special — notably the factory chassis — and fitted one of the most iconic Alfa Romeo engines, the three-liter 24-valve "Busso" V6.
If you know classic Alfas, you know they can be divine to drive when everything is working. The tricky part has always been reliability and usable performance. Alfaholics' approach blends the old-school charm of the Spider with mechanical sensibilities that make it enjoyable and dependable on modern roads.
What Alfaholics changed (and what they preserved)
The project began with a full strip-down to bare metal, leaving the body shell and the original tubular chassis — chassis number AR2470207 — intact. Many restomods discard the original underpinnings in favor of bespoke frames, but Alfaholics judged this chassis to be too well-engineered to replace. Instead, they reinforced, refined, and reimagined systems around it.
Key upgrades include:
- A fitted 3.0-liter, 24-valve Alfa Romeo V6 (Busso) tuned to deliver roughly 220 hp at the wheels and about 200 lb-ft of torque.
- A five-speed manual gearbox, preserving pure driver engagement.
- Modernized suspension tuning, brakes, and ancillary systems for safer, more predictable handling.
- Conversion to left-hand drive to suit its current market and buyer location.
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Why the Busso V6 matters
The Busso V6 is part of Alfa Romeo folklore: a sonorous, characterful engine that many enthusiasts say sounds like no other. While it doesn't produce the monstrous horsepower numbers of modern V8 swaps (LS or Ford Coyote), the Busso's combination of linear power delivery, high-revving temperament, and intoxicating exhaust note is perfectly matched to a light, well-balanced roadster.
In the Spider Veloce, roughly 220 hp at the wheels transforms the car. Numbers only tell half the story — the chassis' original geometry, the gearbox ratios, and low curb weight make the power feel much greater than on paper. In short bursts and on twisty roads, the result is a car that feels razor-sharp, lively, and very, very fun.
Transmission and driver interface
Alfaholics wisely retained a five-speed manual transmission. For a classic roadster whose appeal depends on driver involvement, deleting the clutch pedal would have been sacrilege. The conversion to left-hand drive makes the car better suited for its current listing location in New York State and broadens its appeal to North American buyers.
Quote: "We didn't want to lose that tactile connection to the car," the builder might say. "Keeping a manual and the original chassis preserves the Spider's soul while making it more usable."
Design, feel and on-road character
Visually, Alfaholics' Spider remains faithful to the 1972 Veloce's elegant lines. But closer inspection reveals meticulous panel work, quality paint, and modern touches hidden where they matter: improved brakes, refreshed suspension components, and discreet reliability upgrades under the skin.
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On the road the car is immediate. Expect sharp turn-in, nimble responses, and an engine note that rewards revs with a mixture of melodic highs and a burly midrange. It’s the kind of car that invites short, frequent drives rather than long highway slogs — though with modernized components it is far more comfortable and tractable than an unrestored example.
Specifications (high level)
- Model: 1972 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider Veloce (restomod)
- Engine: 3.0L 24-valve Alfa Romeo V6 (Busso)
- Power: ~220 hp to the wheels
- Torque: ~200 lb-ft
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Chassis: Original AR2470207 (retained and restored)
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive
- Conversion: Right-hand drive to left-hand drive (LHD)
Market context and value
Alfaholics' cars occupy a growing niche: classic cars that have been sensitively modernized to provide the best of both worlds. For buyers who want the charm of a classic Alfa Romeo Spider without accepting chronic fragility, these restomods are attractive. Listings like this one — currently offered on Bring a Trailer in New York State — tap into a collector and enthusiast market willing to pay a premium for thorough, sympathetic builds.
A price expectation north of $150,000 isn't surprising for a well-executed Busso-swapped Spider. For many buyers, the combination of the original chassis, a period-correct yet potent engine, and modern usability justifies the cost. The broader trend shows collectors valuing authenticity and drivability in equal measure.
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How it compares to alternative swaps
You’ll see other restomods using modern V8s or crate engines for sheer power. Those swaps deliver massive acceleration and effortless torque, but they change the character of the car. Alfaholics' choice of a Busso V6 keeps the sensory identity of an Alfa: soundtrack, revs, and balance remain true to the marque. It's a reminder that for many enthusiasts, driving feel matters more than straight-line speed.
Highlights:
- Retained original chassis for authenticity
- Busso V6 delivers classic Alfa sound and drivability
- Manual gearbox preserves engagement
- LHD conversion makes it practical for U.S. buyers
If you’re shopping for a classic Alfa that can be driven and enjoyed on a regular basis, this Alfaholics Spider Veloce is a compelling example. It’s a reminder that the best restomods don't erase history — they refine it.
Source: autoevolution
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