1988 Alfa Romeo Spider S3 Quadrifoglio Verde 2.0
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Highlight
- An honest example of the highly specified QV version of the Series 3 Spider
- The recipient of much work bringing it up to a reliable and useable standard
- A right-hand drive from new car, with conversion by approved firm Bell & Colville
The Appeal
Alfa Romeo had been masters of the convertible sports cars for many a year before the Giulia Spider 1600 and Giulia Spider Veloce were launched in 1962. The Spider range then progressed through a total of four generations before production ceases in 1993. The Series 3 cars, as featured here, arrived in 1986 and was known as the Aerodinamica or Duck Tail to help differentiate it. The Quadrifoglio Verde (green four leafed clover) model was the most highly specified of the S3 cars and was produced between 1985 and 1989. Of the 37,208 S3s built only a mere 2,598 were QVs.
This example has undergone a thorough recommissioning since 2018 to bring it up to a reliable, enjoyable and useable standard. All the key mechanical work has been done just leaving some aesthetic improvements to be made, if required, by the new owner. Alternatively, the car can easily be used and enjoyed immediately as fun and practical summer transport.
The History and Paperwork
- The car was first registered in the UK in August 1988
- All Series 3 Spiders left the factory in left hand drive
- In the UK a small number of approved converters were appointed
- These were usually Alfa Romeo dealers, and this car was converted by Bell & Colville
- The car was used and enjoyed by eight previous owners up until 2011
- The current owner acquired the car then and continued to use it
- In 2018 he started a rolling program of improvements and repairs
- The aim was to bring it up to a good, usable and reliable standard
- This consisted of extensive mechanical work
- The car is now reported to run very well with no known mechanical issues
- The paperwork archive included the current V5 in the name of the owner
- The Spider holds an advisory free MOT valid until January 2024
- Other, earlier MOTs are on hand in hard copy
- Numerous, mainly Classic Alfa, invoices are included detailing parts sourced
The Interior
- The QV version of the Spider came with a number of defining features
- These included bright red carpets, grey leather seats and new centre console
- This interior exhibits a great level of original charm seeming mostly complete
- The QV specific leather seats are in need of some attention
- The base of both seats have split and become unstitched
- The passenger seat appears to have some leather missing and deterioration to the foam
- Both seat backs, however, look to be in reasonably unmarked condition
- This offers the prospect of just having the bases reupholstered if required
- Alternatively, specialists like Alfaholics sell replacement seats
- The rest of the interior looks to be in good, overall shape
- The blood-red carpets are present and in seemingly good order
- The door cards are finished in black and present well
- The Series 3, instrument “monopod” is present with its full set of Jaeger Italia gauges
- These require some attention as there are reportedly a few inoperative function
- The oil pressure and fuel level gauge aren’t currently working
- The low oil pressure and low fuel level warning lights are working, however
- The odometer is also not currently working
- The wiper stalk has been snaped off with toggle switches fitted to operate the wiper functions
- The surprisingly large boot is also trimmed in the QV bright red carpet
The Exterior
- This QV presents in its original Argento Silver livery, one of three available for the car
- This is a great colour for the QV and it looks well-presented overall
- On close inspection there are several minor blemished noted and photographed
- The large boot lid has become a little scratched and faded
- Some mismatching shades between panels are noted
- The owner states that he has allowed for this condition in his accepted sale price
- The Spider sits on its original “pepperpot” alloy wheels which have recently been repainted
- These are 15-inch items and in a good overall condition with Alfa Romeo centres
- A new black soft top from Monsoon is fitted
- The nearside wing mirror head is missing but the base is present and straight
- The QV specific front and rear spoilers and side skirts are all present
- Light lenses and cabin glass all look original and in good condition
The Mechanics
- This QV specification left the mechanical configuration of the 2L Spider unchanged
- This means a 2L Twin-cam four-cylinder engine is fitted
- This was originally rated at around 125bhp and 131Ib-ft of torque
- A great deal of mechanical work has been undertaken by the current owner
- The highlights of this thorough work includes the following
- Engine top end rebuild including new head gasket and stem seals
- A rebuilt cooling system with new water pump, heater matrix and blower
- Clutch slave and master cylinders with hoses have been replaced
- Brakes have been rebuilt and refreshed
- Prop shafts rebuilt with new joints, bearings and mounts
- The front suspension has been rebuilt and the steering refreshed
- The ride height has been properly set, a rarely done job
- A full service has been done including filters and fluids
- The engine bay presents well and is highly original
- The underside is clean and straight with no holes or major corrosion
- This is a mechanically well sorted car with an advisory free MOT
- The owner reports it is a “very nice drive, no crunchy gearshifts, good power, no smoke”
Summary
Alfa Romeo’s Spider cars have always been sought out by drivers who relish an engaging driving experience wrapped in oodles of Italian style and cool sophistication. The S3 QV cars are popular for their good specification and great 1980’s styling cues and retro looks.
This example is a lovely car. It is highly original and has been in the same enthusiastic ownership for the last 12 years. During that time the car has undergone a huge amount of mechanical work resulting in an eminently useable and practical example. There is potential here, too. With a bit of time and money spent addressing the paintwork and the seats would quickly elevate this car to a higher standard. That is likely to prove a solid investment and, perhaps more importantly, a thoroughly enjoyable one too.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1988
- Make Alfa Romeo
- Model Spider S3 Quadrifoglio Verde 2.0
- Colour Silver
- Odometer 146,769 Kilometres
- Engine size 1962
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Steyning
- Location Sussex
- Country United Kingdom
32 bids
- da•••• £7,400 06/06/23
- co•••• £7,300 06/06/23
- da•••• £7,000 06/06/23
- cl•••• £6,800 06/06/23
- da•••• £6,500 06/06/23
- co•••• £6,200 06/06/23
- da•••• £6,000 06/06/23
- cl•••• £5,800 06/06/23
- da•••• £5,600 06/06/23
- cl•••• £5,500 06/06/23
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