With its zingy twin-cam engine, light weight and RWD platform, there’s a simplicity to the Spider that makes it an utter joy to drive. The Alfa Romeo name has been synonymous with devil-may-care toplessness since before Dustin Hoffman started eyeing up Mrs Robinson, with sylph-like Spiders effortlessly complementing free-and-easy lifestyles from the moment the Duetto slunk onto the scene back in 1966.
The arachnid name endured, sticking with the original Spider from ’66-’93; the car we have here is a Series 2, which was in production from 1970-83 – specifically, this is a 1978 model. The Series 2 is instantly recognisable by its Kamm tail (rather than the sloping boat tail of its predecessor), and from 1975-on they were adorned with a pair of small rear seats to turn the Spider into a 2+2.
This particular model is especially desirable – partly for the fact that it’s a genuine UK right-hand-drive model, partly because it’s finished in the desirable factory shade of Dutch Blue, and also for the fact that it received a body resto around 13,000 miles ago – and it’s just recently had a full engine rebuild at a cost of over £6,000, covering only running-in miles since. Bid well, as we’re anticipating a lot of interest in this one!
The History and Paperwork
V5
2023 – invoice for £6,095 – full engine rebuild
2015 – invoice for £425 – new soft-top hood
Invoice for £4,567 – bodywork repairs inc. inner and outer sills
2021 – invoice for £1,112 – new carb mounts and rebuilt throttle linkage
Lots of further invoices for maintenance in substantial history file
Sheaf of old MOTs
The Interior
Good order throughout
Period radio
The interior of a 1970s Spider is a simple and elegant affair, with beautifully cowled dials on a simple dash, a deep-dish steering wheel and tactility in spades. The cabin of this Alfa is very well presented, with neatly trimmed seats in good condition (the driver’s seat cover having been replaced), which tilt to allow access to the +2 rear. The dials function correctly, a period radio is fitted, and there are Alfa-branded rubber floor mats.
Inside the boot it’s dry and tidy, with a matching rubber mat and small tool kit.
The Exterior
Body resto c.13k miles ago
Desirable Dutch Blue paintwork
Dutch Blue is a supremely elegant shade for the Spider, and it really does look very attractive here. The bodywork presents well throughout, having enjoyed a restoration around 13k miles ago. The panel gaps are good, and the doors close with a pleasing thunk. All of the correct badging and trim is present and correct, and in good order. The light lenses and window glass are similarly good. The wheels wear a matching set of Goodyear Eagle tyres with good tread.
The soft-top is simple in its operation – it raises, lowers, latches and stows correctly, has no evident damage or undue wear, and has a nice clear window pane.
The Mechanicals
Full engine rebuild this year
Very smooth and characterful to drive
This Alfa really is an utter joy to drive. The twin-cam engine has always been the jewel in the Spider’s crown, and having been fully rebuilt in August 2023 at a cost of over £6,000, it’s running like a dream. It fires instantly, settles into a happy idle, and pulls keenly through the revs with the characterful Alfa rasp. It’s also received a new radiator, starter motor, fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator, so all is as it should be.
The gearbox is as precise in its operation as you’d hope it to be, and the car rides well on its suspension and has strong-feeling brakes. A very pleasing package overall.
Summary
This is a lovely Spider, with all the right ingredients present. The fact that it’s had so much money spent on its mechanical health this year, and aesthetic qualities not long ago, adds up to an extremely desirable package. This pretty little roadster is eminently usable, ready to enjoy – and, with current market values – should prove to be remarkable value for money. Truly, these are great cars to enjoy and to live with.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
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More about buying with us
1978 Alfa Romeo Spider 2000
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