1987 Alfa Romeo S3 Spider
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- Beautiful condition throughout
- Classic Italian spider
- Fairly low ownership and mileage
The Background
Following on from the Duetto, the boattail and the S2 Kammtail spiders, (and still designed by Pininfarina), the S3 of 1983, carried on its forbears’ traditions of simple, graceful lines (albeit with a few Eighties embellishments).
The roadster was based on the very capable 105/115 series Alfa Giulia mechanicals – it’s two-litre engine driving the rear wheels through a five-speed gearbox. In America, the model sported Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, but in Europe it retained the more aurally resonant twin carburetor set-up.
The roadster was based on the very capable 105/115 series Alfa Giulia mechanicals – it’s two-litre engine driving the rear wheels through a five-speed gearbox. In America, the model sported Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, but in Europe it retained the more aurally resonant twin carburetor set-up.
Throughout the Eighties and early Nineties, the convertible would gain more spoilers and side skirts before what seemed like all-encompassing bumpers and side skirts in the series four.
The model range was discontinued in 1993 after almost three decades in production.
The History
With only a handful of owners on the logbook, this good-looking spider has led a comparatively sedentary life, especially after 2017, when (as its MOT certificates testify) its annual mileages began to decrease quite dramatically.
When bought by the present owner, the car had been in long-term storage and the new keeper set about a light recommissioning. Mechanically it has had new spark plugs, the carburetors tuned and balanced and the clutch cylinder overhauled. All fluids are also new.
When bought by the present owner, the car had been in long-term storage and the new keeper set about a light recommissioning. Mechanically it has had new spark plugs, the carburetors tuned and balanced and the clutch cylinder overhauled. All fluids are also new.
In the cabin, the Afla was treated to a new steering wheel and gear knob and a recovered driver’s seat. The wheels were also refurbished and powder-coated.
The car has only come out when the weather justified taking the top down. For this reason – as well as the conscientious care of its owner, it remains in fine fettle and great condition.
The Paperwork
The Alfa doesn’t come with a lot of service history beyond some older invoices. There is a fairly comprehensive set of MOT certificates, which help corroborate the mileage (though they show the odometer’s kilometre reading as miles), and it’s worth noting that the latest test certificate, which runs till March 2023, shows no advisories at all.
The Exterior
It’s uncertain whether this bright red spider has ‘merely’ been very well preserved or has, at some point, been lightly renovated and repainted. Either way, it remains a very attractive sports car in an archetypal colour for an Italian roadster. The paintwork presents very well, retaining a good gloss across the whole of the car.
There are some small inconsistencies here and there – the odd chip on edges or corners, and some small imperfections – specks in the finish around the beltline fold in the rear wing on the driver’s side and elsewhere. Still, the overall impression is very good.
There are some small inconsistencies here and there – the odd chip on edges or corners, and some small imperfections – specks in the finish around the beltline fold in the rear wing on the driver’s side and elsewhere. Still, the overall impression is very good.
Panel fit is also excellent, with lids and doors maintaining narrow and consistent shut lines and that fairly dramatic rear spoiler lining up nicely across the back of the car and fitting snugly to the metal. The deep front and rear spoilers are also nicely aligned (not always the case on these) and their integrated bumpers retain an unfaded/scratched satin-finish black.
The contrasting chrome is in largely fine condition. There is some pitting on the door handles and a little on the headlight surrounds, but again, the overall impression of the brightwork is very pleasing. By contrast, the door mirrors show the same satin black finish as the bumpers and look very cool.
Finishing off this red and black number, the hood is in pretty good condition, raising and lowering easily (the frame is a little weathered), with only some small cracks in the edging around the door windows. Stitching is good and the canvas is sound. There is a small ‘repaired’ tear in the rear window in the bottom corner on the driver’s side.
The Interior
The S3 spider wasn’t available in right hand-drive form; all are a conversion. Luckily, this one was converted by the dealership , Bell and Colvill, to their usual high standards of workmanship. You wouldn’t suspect it hadn’t left the factory like this. The cabin is very pleasantly trimmed in red, grey and black, (very Eighties), and will live up to any Alfa enthusiast’s expectations of a day out in an Italian roadster.
The seats show only the gentlest patina and exhibit no serious scuffs or stains. All panels remain in good shape, including the snug-fitting outer bolsters and extended thigh support, and the neat red stitching provides a subtle highlight.
Providing a bright contrast to the grey leather, the carpets and rear parcel area are trimmed in red. Again, the material is clean, neatly trimmed at its edges and showing no stains or patches of wear. The door cards are similarly good with the rubberized plastic door moldings showing no signs of warping nor scratches from fingernails around the handles and window winder. There is a small chunk out of the edge of the capping on the driver’s side and a tear to the rubber door seal here, though otherwise such insulation strips are good.
The wooden steering wheel and gear knob (both quite new remember) bring a great old school sporting feel – and have deep colour and no cracks in the lacquer, and the black dashboard/centre console has not cracked or shifted. Some of its smaller controls are a little weathered/dusty, but it remains a nice feature.
The cabin perfectly matches the car’s character
The Mechanics
Everything in the Alfa’s engine bay appears robust and pretty clean. Components look a little weathered but generally very sound, with hoses (braided and rubber) looking healthy end to end. There are no signs of leaks. This car is equipped with side-draught Solex carburettors, which, as well as better breathing, give a great bark to the engine’s sound. The paint around the engine bay is generally good and the metal of the inner wings and bulkhead appears to be very sound.
With Italian cars, enthusiasts are usually concerned about the underside of the machine, so a good look underneath is critical. We are happy to report that the belly of this Alfa appears exceptionally robust. The wheel wells and undersides of the wheel arches are clean and appear very sound. The floors are solid (looking from above or below) and the metal in the boot area is likewise very good – including the spare wheel well.
Chassis and suspension components show little or no surface corrosion and all retain a good degree off weatherproofing. The fully refurbished wheels are a nice feature of the car.
Generally, the whole undercarriage inspires a lot of confidence.
The Appeal
An easier option to own than many earlier Alfas, this Eighties rendition of an Italian legend loses nothing in terms of looks or performance to its older siblings. A well-fettled two-seater roadster, sporting twin carburettors and in a beautiful colour scheme – ready for touring the country roads at any time of year. What more is there to say? You could pay an awful lot more for an Italian spider, but still not gain much in the way of enjoyment - or even style. So why not buy this one and save the extra for fuel and ferry costs?
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1987
- Make Alfa Romeo
- Model 2000 Spider
- Colour Red
- Odometer 114,343 Kilometres
- Engine size 1962
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Tyne and Wear
- Country United Kingdom
41
bids
- Ho•••• £9,600 24/05/22
- du•••• £9,500 24/05/22
- du•••• £9,400 24/05/22
- Ho•••• £9,300 24/05/22
- du•••• £9,200 24/05/22
- Ho•••• £9,100 24/05/22
- du•••• £9,000 24/05/22
- Ho•••• £8,900 24/05/22
- du•••• £8,800 24/05/22
- ja•••• £8,700 24/05/22
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.