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Low-Mileage Survivor: 1989 Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio

Ugo Sivocci. Sound familiar? Unless you are a die-hard Alfa fan, you probably don’t know that it was Sivocci’s idea to paint a white diamond with a four-leaf clover on the hood of his Alfa Romeo race car in 1923. Until then, Sivocci had only the glory of racing with Ascari, Masetti, and a newbie named Enzo Ferrari – but never a podium. Once the quadrifoglio badge graced his hood, he began to win, starting with the Targa Florio. Later that year, Sivocci was track-testing a new car at Monza- sans badge. He crashed and died instantly. Ever after, Alfa has paid homage to Sivocci, installing a three-cornered white emblem inset with a four-leaf clover on its best cars. In the mid-1980s, to distinguish among its series of spiders, it created the Quadrifoglio trim level incorporating dual spoilers front and back, a special hard top, side skirts, and distinctive grey leather seats accented by red carpeting. Here on craigslist is a 1989 Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio in original condition, with an asking price of $16,800. This Alfa can be driven to its new home from Easton, Connecticut. We received this tip from sharp-eyed Barn Finder Pat L. – thanks, Pat!

While the Spider received various cosmetic facelifts throughout its history, after about 1983 the mechanicals remained stagnant. This spider should have a 2.0 liter DOHC four-cylinder, equipped with Bosch fuel injection (US delivery cars) replacing the SPICA injection of previous years. This kit was good for about 125 hp. Alfa’s five-speed manual gearbox brought the power to the wheels. This example has apparently covered only 36,000 miles from new and retains original features such as its tonneau cover and hard top.

The Quadrifoglio came in three exterior colors – red, silver, and black. No matter the paint, the interiors were the same, with soft grey leather seats and bright red carpets. A console was new for this series; this one has a very minor blemish. But the remainder of the dash looks great. The seller does note that the sound system has been upgraded to a modern Nakamichi player, with new speakers in the original locations. The air conditioner is in working order.

The black trim around the mirrors and on the spoilers is slightly faded, but that’s what Mother’s Back to Black is for. The convertible top is in fine shape. These cars are cheap fun, provided the owner has some basic mechanical ability. A high mileage example recently sold near the asking price of our subject car, and one very comparable car with the same mid-30k odometer reading sold for over $26k. Both these results make this tidy Alfa look like a bargain.

Comments

  1. Frank Sumatra

    Why bother painting them any other color than red? Seems like a huge waste of time changing over the painting equipment. Ciao!

    Like 4
    • Michelle Rand Staff

      No doubt red was popular, but I think they look stunning in black, with the grey seats and red carpets.

      Like 1
  2. Nevada1/2rack Nevadahalfrack Member

    Well done, Michelle-an Alfa feature with homage to Ugo Sivocci instead of the movie of a cougar on the hunt for a kid with one!
    Though most that appreciate Italian cars think of the other big names ending in “I” before mentioning Alfa Romeo, it appears Alfa has always been one that we that are fiscally less endowed can still afford to buy-and sometimes keep when it needs work.
    What would be a really nice Barn Find would be a rust-free Duetto at a garage sale for a reasonable price…the stuff of dreams.

    Like 3
  3. Jim in FL

    Fun little car, but it looks like it’s on tippy toes. I’m sure it looks better in person. Didn’t know these came with AC – pretty viable fun car at that price.

    Like 2
    • Bryan

      I’ve got an 84 with a. Unless I’m dreaming it started in 82-83 but I believe only in America

      Like 0
  4. steve

    The 91-93 cars have a cleaner. nicer look to them. Then again I like my rubber bumper MG’s, so what do I know.

    Like 5
  5. Eric_13cars Eric_13cars Member

    Michelle, Anyone – What does the script behind the right side door read as? The one on my 89 Veloce is missing and I don’t know if it’s the same script as on the left side back of the door.

    Nice write up and interesting the badge history.

    Like 4
    • Frank Sumatra

      “Take the cannoli”

      Sorry, I couldn’t help it. Free pass because I’m Italian-American and I don’t wear any chains and my shirts are always buttoned.

      Like 5
      • Michael A . Lopez

        Yep, and leave the Gun.

        Like 0
    • Billybo

      Pininfarina

      Like 2
      • Eric_13cars Eric_13cars Member

        Thank you.

        Like 1
    • BryanT

      It says Pininfarina

      Like 0
    • Bryan

      The 89 and below non-quads just had the “F” Pinninfarina badge on both slides in that location

      Like 0
  6. jwaltb

    Nice, Michelle! I never saw one of these before, and it’s much more interesting than the ubiquitous Spiders. I used to live in Easton, and I think I know where this one is.

    Like 0

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