Description
A fantastic light project for the Winter ahead. Presented in metallic Silver with Red leather interior, this very tidy Spider came into our possession a couple of years ago and until last week was sat gathering dust at the back of the barn. Now cleaned up for sale, we were genuinely surprised just how good it is. And everything works, even the electric hood! With comprehensive service history (11 stamps to 105, 066 miles), this is a great opportunity to acquire a pedigree Italian sports car requiring just minor fettling and cosmetic detailing.
The multi-award winning Pininfarina-designed GTV and Spider (Type 916) were launched at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show and became an immediate hit with the motoring press. With build quality close to equalling its German rivals, the car featured distinctive wedge-styling with quad round front headlights whilst inside, the centre console and instrument panel was angled towards the driver, confirming without doubt, who was in control here. Initially available with a 2. 0 litre Twin Spark engine (3. 0 litre V6 option on European-spec Spiders), the model went through several upgrades and facelifts with the Phase 2 entering production in May 1998 with a spruced-up interior and the choice of two 4-cylinder engines (a 1. 8 and updated 2. 0 Twin Spark) and the 3. 0 litre V6 24V, introduced the year previously.
Our car was supplied new in February 2000 and comes with fully stamped-up service history from 2001 to 2011 with mainly Fiat/ Alfa Romeo Main Dealers or London-based Alfa specialists, Ramponi Rockell. The service book further documents two cam-belt changes at 61, 971 and 93, 685 miles. Current mileage is 126, 750. We purchased the car as an easy-fix MoT failure back in 2023 but sadly other projects have taken priority. With an ongoing barn clear-out, we unearthed the Spider a few days ago, gave it a wash and have decided to sell “as is” giving the new owner the chance to complete the journey.
The photographs hopefully tell the story. Despite a couple of years in storage, both bodywork and paintwork are surprisingly good with only a small amount of light surface corrosion evident on the inner NSR wheel arch. The underside too is very good with light surface corrosion typically found on a car of this era that has been stored for a while. All external trim including lights and badges is excellent whilst the later Phase 2 alloy wheels are tidy and shod with part-worn branded tyres. The all-electric fabric hood works well and other than requiring a treatment with an appropriate renovator, is in great condition with a relatively clear plastic rear screen. The cabin tells a similar story with Red leather seating and Red carpets in very good order throughout. Other than a quick vacuum and a wipe around, the interior is as found and would benefit from some leather treatment and carpet shampoo to make perfect. Turn the key and the eager Twin Spark fires immediately into life and sounds sweet, free revving and purposeful. I have driven the car around the farm and can confirm that it selects gear without issue and stops well. All the electrics appear to work (windows, lights, indicators, wipers, air-conditioning and gauges) and there are no warning lights evident on the dashboard. When last MoT inspected in April 2023, the car failed on just a ball-joint dust cover, two split velocity boots and needed adjustment to both park and front brakes. Other evident work now required would include a replacement back box to the exhaust system, fresh wiper blades and ideally a new battery.
The Spider comes with a full Main Dealer Book-pack including Owner’s Manual, Supplements and stamped-up Service Book, a current V5C and full set of keys including the Blue Master Key.
A genuine example of a pedigree sports car in need of a loving home. Great value too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
