We see Alfa Romeo Spiders pop up for sale fairly often, but the Quadrifoglio version appears far less frequently. The four-leaf clovers on the side of Alfa Romeo products has long stood for a high-performance specification that takes an already entertaining driver and makes it even more so. This designation on the side of a Spider hasn’t made many waves over the years because the actual performance numbers didn’t change very much, but the changes were still worth nothing. This 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider listed here on eBay is offered with no reserve and looks handsome with a silver over black interior.
The styling still stands out as unique, combining the classic “boat tail” origins with the modern attempt to mask the ugly U.S. safety bumpers. The integrated rear spoiler remains one of the more intriguing rear end treatments, and it looks much better when found on a car with black or dark blue paint. The Quadrifoglio package got you the unique phone-dial alloy wheels seen here, along with the generous aerodynamic enhancements that include front and rear valences and side skirts. These styling tweaks definitely make the Alfa more aggressive and that’s not a bad thing.
There’s conflicting information out there about the interior color scheme on the Quadrifoglio versions; some sources say a two-tone interior came standard, with red carpeting contrasting with whichever leather choice the owner ordered, but I don’t think that’s the case. The Quadrifoglio came with leather seats and a matching hardtop, and the carpets were anyone’s guess. The interior of this Spider remains in fine shape, no doubt helped by its Massachusetts residence that ensures the sun was never intense enough to bake the interior. Still, the other issue is rust, potentially, so get a look underneath before committing to buy.
The DOHC four-cylinder engine made 115 horsepower and you could reach 60 miles per hour in just under 10 seconds. Four wheel disc brakes provided stopping power, and while none of these numbers are mind-blowing, the engines are generally reliable and reasonable to maintain. The seller doesn’t provide much info about the car’s mechanical history or track record of maintenance, but if an older Italian car looks this good all these years later, it’s a good sign that it’s been looked after. And, with no reserve, it’s hard to fault this Spider as an entry-level classic.
My time with Alfa was fun as l got to drive a lot of them, all of which were fun. Had a customer who had the spoiler only painted to match the car color and it really looked good. Great driving cars. Good example here.
I had an ’89 Quadrifoglio. The carpets were lipstick red. The seat upholstery was grey leather with red stitching. My car was black, and I believe red and silver cars had the same interior. I’m not certain, but I don’t think any ’87-89 cars had monochromatic interiors. That would happen with the ’91.
It was a wonderful car that never let me down. Dumb auto move was not buying the ’94 commemorative edition at the Chrysler Dealer, where they were sold
Note, there are no 1990 Alfas or Lancias in the USA. There was some regulation for 1990 that they could not meet, so they sold ’89 models well into the 1990 model year until the significantly improved ’91 models were ready
I believe that every Quad I’ve seen had the same red carpet and seat stitching as your car. And these Quad seats are a LOT nicer than the ones that were in my ’87 Spider Veloce … reminiscent of BMW sport seats. They look great.
Both the black leather seats and black carpeting look like a high-quality redo of the interior.
I’m not sure about Alfa, but there were no 1980 Lancias in the US, while Fiat was gearing up Bosch L-jet FI for improved emissions, performance, and reliability. Some US Fiats got the new FI setup for 1980, while Lancia dealers were tided over with a glut of remaining carbureted ’79 models until all US Fiats and Lancias for ’81-82 got the FI setup as standard.
After the ’82 model year there were no Lancias or Fiats in the US at all, tho’ Malcolm Bricklin contracted Pininfarina and Bertone to continue production of the Fiat Spider through ’85 and X1/9 through ’87 without Fiat badging or involvement aside from supplying powertrains.
I had both a 1979 Lancia Buyer and 1989 Alfa Romeo Quadra Foglio Spyder
There was no 1990 Alfa Romeo spyder for the reasons given.
My 79 Lancia was the last year of carburetion, but I thought there was a 1980 model before pulling out of the market in 1982
Located in: Bellingham, Massachusetts
While a bit too fuzzy to see well, the photos from underneath would give me pause. Seems like there are quite a few undesirable holes to address.
Needs a closer inspection before bidding.
Those holes were put in underneath with big punches or drills, probably for mounting the chassis on the assembly line equipment. No rust under there.
Item sold on Tue, Aug 12
US $6,252.00
58 bids