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. 

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 

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.

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?