The Alfa Romeo Spider debuted as a 2-seat sports car and would stick around for much of the 20th Century. “Series 4” models appeared in 1991 and provided an evolution of the auto that had become so popular on his home turf in Italy. This 1991 edition with Veloce trim (a higher level than standard) looks nice from 10 feet but get any closer and you’ll find the same flaws the seller did when he/she bought the automobile unknowingly. Located now in Star, North Carolina, the seller wants to move on and has listed the Alfa here on eBay. The current bid is $9,100, the reserve is unmet, and the take-it-home-now price is $12,500.
This car may be one of those “buyer beware” stories. The seller acquired the vehicle off eBay from a dealer that he/she refers to as dishonest now (and is still selling cars on eBay). As the story goes, this car was presented as a flawless example by the dealer and yet when it showed up for shipping, there were hail marks on the body, at least on the front clip. But the money had already changed hands and the dealer didn’t return any calls from the seller to find out what happened.
It was a one-owner machine with 44,000 miles when the seller took notice of the red sports car on eBay. There is no rust, and the body appears good except for the hail damage. Upon delivery, the brakes turned out to be spongy and the cabin smelled of gasoline thanks to a leak in the gas tank when filled. The airbag light blinks and the low fuel light stays on. But otherwise, the car seems fine.
While the interior looks good, the seats are either very dirty or stained, but perhaps you can overlook this. The seller is not interested in fixing anything as he/she thought a turnkey car was being purchased. So, the next owner can sort out the problems with the Alfa Romeo, and that may be reflected in the seller’s asking price. It’s one of only 9,000+ built in 1991. Is anyone up to taking these repairs on?
Sounds like the owner is trying to pawn off his mistake on someone else. Given the appearance of the interior and its other problems, I wouldn’t touch this one. Let him bask in his own mistake for a while.
I don’t think the owner is trying to “pawn off” anything. They got screwed and admits it and is trying to be honest about the real condition of the car. His/her loss could be the next buyer’s gain. Most of the problems listed could be fixed in an enthusiast’s garage over a couple of weekends. Take it to MAACO to fix the hail damage.
I agree. The hail damage can be fixed relatively cheaply w. heat and suction, one hole at a time by a mechanic w. the necessary equipment. The fuel gauge from copper inside the gas tank, can also be easily fixed by bending and/or cleaning the platinum contacts (if it’s similar to my Fiat Bertone X1/9) or a new one can be purchased cheaply. The air bag is from a faulty sensor inside the fuse box, take it out & replace, the gas tank smell is fixed by replacing the plastic sealer at the top of the tank.
At least it sounds as though he is being honest about the car’s issues. Interesting approach to just let it be as is and presumably take a loss. It seems a bit overpriced to me, but I know these things have gone up like everything else the last few years.
I thought maybe the seats have suede inserts in the center that are a darker shade, giving the appearance of being dirty.
That’s correct. This generation had suede in the middle. That’s not dirt
Sounds like a brake bad master cylinder for brakes which isn’t the end of the world.
Fun cars! I drove an ‘86 for a few years
Sold for $12,500 as of 11/24, a fair deal both ways. Painting the front hood and bumper won’t be killer expensive. The seats aren’t dirty; it’s suede or cloth. These late Spiders look better than the black-rubber bumper versions because the bumpers are body color. Someone will have fun driving an Alfa!
US $12,500.00
20 bids
Ended11/24, 09:42 AM