18 months ago I addressed some cosmetic scratches and paint fade on the mirrors by getting the car repainted. I had always been drawn to the very rare red metallic paint that Alfa offered in 1991, and decided to convert the car from its standard red. The conversion to a raspberry metallic hue has been quite a hit. The car’s refined lines are enhanced by the metallic paint, and it gets tons of compliments. I drove the car to the Alfa Romeo Owners Club National Convention in Nashville this summer, where it was awarded second place for 1983-1994 Spiders in the Concorso!
The car made that 700 mile journey to Nashville, participated in show and rally events (not track or autocross), and cruised home with not the slightest problem. The fact that I drove this car on that trip reflects the confidence that I had, and continue to have, in this excellent Alfa.
This is an exciting time to be involved with Alfas, as the brand has returned to America after a two-decade absence, building on the legend of cars like this Spider. The original Pininfarina Spider design launched 50 years ago in 1966, and many of its classic lines endured into this “Series 4” Spider – a final revision that is itself now a quarter century old. The redesign looks fresh today and this car is a definite head-turner. Alfa Romeos from the 1960s and 1970s have surged in value recently and these beautiful final generation Spiders are going to follow that curve.
When I bought this Alfa, some boards had fallen on the back of the car in its garage, causing cosmetic damage to a rear fender top and tearing what had been a brand new black soft top. Its frame and mechanicals were not in any way affected. There was no damage at all to the interior or front of the rust-free car. There was an insurance payout, but nothing approaching a salvage or rebuild situation. I fixed the dented panels, put on a new tan cloth top, and this Alfa has had no ill effects during the past 30,000 miles.
The sharp wheels came with the car when I bought it. They are a rare look and also help set this car apart. They are shod in good Pirelli tires with less than 10,000 miles on them and plenty of life remaining. Other than the wheels, top, paint, a nice leather shift boot, and a four-speaker CD stereo, this is a highly original car.
This Alfa is in fine mechanical condition. Before the trip to Nashville, I spent $2,000 this spring on two major items: Replacing the U joints in the driveline, and putting on new rear shocks and replacing the springs.
Though in amazing shape for a 25 year-old with 79,000 miles, the car has a few quirks, and I know how important it is to have the full story when you are looking at it from afar online. Down the road the new owner may choose to attend to these things but they’re nothing urgent. This car passed Virginia's tough safety and emissions inspections less than 500 miles ago.
· - Second and third gear synchros are worn, as is typical for this model. They work fine as long as you don’t shift too hastily. They were like this when I got the car and have not gotten any worse in a decade.
· - Speedometer and tachometer read low. (The odometer and other gauges work fine and the mileage is accurate.)
· - The Alfa logo on the trunk has lost its enamel.
· - Minor crack in driver side taillight.
· - This car has been garaged so the dash is decent, but it has a few cracks as shown. The glovebox lid is warped but functional.
· - The A/C system is complete and worked well a few years ago. It now blows, but not cold.
I am located in Alexandria, Virginia, 10 miles from Washington, D.C. If you are local, come see the car and take a test drive – you won’t be disappointed. You can fly in to one of three major D.C. area airports and drive your new Alfa home. If you send a shipper I’ll be glad to meet them and ensure the car gets loaded safely. And delivery may be possible too depending where you are located. If you are buying this car for a special holiday present, I will work with you to ensure a speedy turnaround.
I request a $500 deposit within 48 hours of the auction’s completion, and the rest within one week. Deposit may be by PayPal; remainder should be a personal check, bank check or money order. I can mail the title once payment clears if you wish to have it in advance, or deliver it with the car.
Thank you for checking out this shiny, happy Alfa Romeo Spider!