Knowing what a Giulia Spider *is* — down to its type number — protects you when buying and matters for value. Here is the essential framework.
The type numbers
The 101-series Giulia Spider carries different type designations by version and steering:
- Normale — 101.23 (left-hand drive) / 101.19 (right-hand drive, *guida a destra*)
- Veloce — 101.18
Check the chassis and engine numbers against the type the car is described as. It is a quick, revealing sanity check.
Matching numbers and the 101/105 interchange
Because 101-series and later 105-series parts interchange freely, a "101" car can carry later components or a later engine without it being obvious. For originality and value, confirm the engine is the right type and, ideally, that the numbers match the car and its paperwork. A mismatched car isn't necessarily a poor buy — but it should be priced and described honestly as one.
Why right-hand-drive cars are rare
The Giulia Spider was built overwhelmingly in left-hand drive. Right-hand-drive *guida a destra* cars were made in far smaller numbers, so a genuine RHD car — particularly a UK-market one — is comparatively uncommon. That rarity, matching numbers and documented history all add to a car's standing.
Normale or Veloce for value
The Veloce (twin Webers, the raised bonnet scoop) is faster, rarer and commands a premium over the single-carburettor Normale. Confirm which you are looking at both by its type number and its features — the two are covered in the companion article on telling them apart.