• Seller: Sorbello Used Auto Sales (Contact)
• Location: Haverhill, Massachusetts
• Mileage: 62,222 Shown
• Chassis #: ZARBA5642H1045692
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 2.0-Liter Twin Cam 4-Cylinder
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual

In 1967, the movie The Graduate put the Alfa Romeo Spider in the spotlight. To honor its role in the movie, Alfa Romeo debuted a special trim package for the Spider known as the Graduate in 1985. The Spider Graduate came with the same drivetrain as the more expensive Veloce and Quadrifoglio, but fewer standard features to keep the price down. It also helped keep weight down and simplified the cars, which is a major plus with a 35 to 40-year-old Italian sports car. This 1987 example is a driver that presents nicely and is ready to enjoy! It’s being offered here as a Barn Finds Auction and is located in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

The Spider was one of Alfa’s most successful models, with production running from 1966 until 1993 and spanning four generations. The Graduate is based on the base model Series 3 Spider, but with the optional 2.0-liter twin-cam 4-cylinder with the 5-speed manual transmission. To keep costs down, it’s equipped with steel wheels, vinyl seats, a vinyl convertible top, manual windows, and options were limited. While you could get a Graduate in any of the standard Spider colors, this one is painted red, just like the car Dustin Hoffman drove.

With each series update, Alfa updated the Spider’s body and interior to meet market demands and government regulations. Even with these changes, they managed to keep the character that made the Spider unique and fun to drive. As you can see, the interior is sporty with all the flair you expect from an Italian car. The soft materials are showing sun fade, but look to be in good overall condition. The dash looks to be free of cracks. Other than an aftermarket steering wheel and a newer stereo, the interior looks to be original. While the shifter location may look odd, it actually feels great when rowing through the gears and minimizes movement from the steering wheel to the shifter. For an Italian sports car, these are well laid out, easy to get in and out of, and are very comfortable.

Two engines were offered in ’87, the base 1600 and the 2000. The larger and higher-performance engine was typically reserved for high-trim cars, so getting it in a base-trim car made the Graduate a very popular option for buyers on a budget. The additional 23 horsepower and 26 foot pounds of torque make a big difference in a car that weighs 2,400 pounds. Early Series 3 cars received SPICA fuel injection, but by ’87, Alfa Romeo had switched to Bosche L-Jetronic. The electronic fuel injection system lacks some of the charm of the mechanical system, but it’s simpler to maintain and repair. Parts are readily available to keep this system performing its best. The car recently received a new clutch, battery, front calipers, and pads.

These cars are very fun to drive, with excellent handling, an engine that loves to rev, and unique Italian charm. This example is said to be solid, and from what can be seen in the provided underside photos, it does look to be solid in the usual problem areas. There is some surface rust showing that should be treated. The seller has also provided a video of it running and driving, it seems like it goes nicely. If you have any questions for the seller, please leave them in the comment section. So, will you be hitting the street in this Graduate?

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