The best thing about this 1980 Alfa-Romeo Spider is A) its covered just 19,000 original miles and B) its location in Miami, Florida, which has kept it from the rust endemic east of the Mississippi. It’s here on eBay in Miami, with bidding just over $7,000. The vendor thinks the car is a one-owner deal, with that owner having “passed away years ago.” The car has sat patiently in the garage until now. The listing doesn’t say if it runs currently.
This Alfa is a two-liter version, nearly identical (down to the color) to the 1976 example I purchased for $1,200 some years ago. I mean, a lot of years ago.
There are not a lot of problems visible in this car. The tires are dry-rotted, and there’s a dent, not too bad, on the passenger’s door. The top has definitely seen better days. And even if it were new, it would leak—the voice of experience. The car has a beautiful maroon interior, and its condition reflects the low miles. The shift knob looks discolored. Those wheels are original and look good. The car appears to have last been registered in 1982, giving credence to the low miles.
The Spider grew out of the Giulia Spider and originally appeared with a boattail in 1966. Pininfarina did the shape. The first series lasted until 1969. The most sought-after is called the “Duetto.”
The first-series Duetto got 1,600-cc twin-cam power and was $3,950 at the U.S. launch. That made it pricier than an MGB but cheaper than a Lotus Elan. The Spider was offered a bewildering series of global engines, including 1.3- and 1.8-liter versions. The latter was known as the 1750 Spider Veloce.
Starting in 1969, Spiders in the U.S. got SPICA fuel injection, which is what’s in this 1980. The Series 2 debuted in 1970 and is easily distinguishable by its cut-off Kamm tail. A five-speed manual combined with the low 2,260-pound curb weight produces a fun drive. By 1970, power was increased to a 1,962-cc version of the twin-cam producing 132 horsepower. Now it was the 2000 Spider Veloce. The car acquired federally compliant rubber bumpers between 1974 and 1976.
There were 22,059 of these Spider Veloce 2000 Iniezione (fuel-injected) cars built for the U.S., though it seems like more considering that they’re not hard to find. They’re usually rotted, though. The combination of low miles and no rust is going to be irresistible to some buyers. Classic.com puts a 1980 Series 2 Spider like this one at $11,839. Again, the earlier ones are worth more. Your move! These cars are fun to own, even if “dependable” is not a watchword.
Few points here:
Asa lifelong Miami area guy, cars here can and often do rust, especially if you live within a half mile of the coast. If the car has lived on the beachfront, it may have worse rust than a winter beater from Buffalo. The beach cars rust EVERYWHERE, not just the frame/chassis. Miami also has plenty of rain/moisture/humidity, and that breeds rust as well. Many classic cars here reside close to the coast, as that’s where the people with the $$$ for collector cars tend to be.
That 1982 inspection sticker was for safety inspections, and the state stopped doing that back in 1982.
Bidding sold on Sun, Mar 24 at 7:22 AM
US $7,200.00
11 bids
I’ve had the pleasure of owning five Alfas over the years: two Alfreta GTs, two Spyders, and a Milano. Loved every one! Never had an engine issue other than a water pump and cam cover gaskets. Found them reliable!
The sound of the engine is reason enough to have one. Alas, at 6’2″ and 230 they are simply a tight fit. No long trips without frequent stops. I have thought about a 164 but I cannot reconcile a FWD Alfa! Every car guy should own one at some point!
Someone got out of their chair, looked at it, and got a bargain. Job One is to find a set of Euro bumpers. Then go through the fuel system, brakes, fluids, tires, and have fun!
My cousin had one, he could not afford the car and attend university too, so he sold the car, he was heartbroken.