Object of Desire: Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider

Between the more glamorous and powerful Ferrari and Maserati Grand Touring roadsters of the early 60s, and the tiny but affordable Giulietta and Duetto Spiders, the Alfa 2000 Spider seems to have gotten a bit lost in the shadows over the years. It offers the impressive scale and elegance of the more expensive cars at a fraction of the price. And while it's no match for the Ferrari V12, the DOHC Inline 4 of the 2000 Spider still gives a great sound and decent grunt.  Compared to the Duetto or the Giulietta Spider, the Carozzeria Touring-designed 2000 is far more aristocratic and impressive, not to mention roomy. In short I think it's an underrated classic, and one that is pleasing in its relative obscurity.  It's a car I'm not sick of seeing everywhere. This particular example is available at Exotic Classics of Syosset, NY.  The car is mostly original but has been cleaned up here and there over the years giving it a tidy yet lived-in feel. I don't like the chrome Borrani wheels, but those could be easily changed out for the factory wheels.  Exotic Classics does a great job photographing the cars they sell. Click over to see there whole set HERE.

De Tomaso Mangusta - the ultimate gallery

The De Tomaso Mangusta is, for my money, the finest-looking Italian sports car of its time.  Though notorious for its unpredictable driving dynamics, it sure looks the part when it's standing still!  This stunning black over burnt orange example was recently sold by Exotic Classics of Syosset, NY. What I really love is that Exotic Classics doesn't just buy and sell vehicles in a mercenary fashion. They lovingly and artistically photograph each car in their own high end photo studio as well. I have provided their full Mangusta Gallery here on Automobiliac. Please have a look at their site for more achingly beautiful shots of a variety of cool cars!

All images copyright Exotic Classics.