For many, the Alfa Romeo Spider is an example of just how perfect Italian car design can be. When it was launched in 1966, it was received with welcome arms and with open wallets. That first-generation model, with its ‘boat tail’ design was, well, it was achingly pretty. Of course, pretty though it may have been, it needed to evolve. And it’s an example of the first evolution that we have here in the guise of a 1977 Series 2 Spider. A car that, for many, represents the sweet spot of this model’s history.
The biggest change was at the back, which saw the introduction of a Kamm tail. This changed the look considerably, but while still showing balance and flow. It also meant there was more luggage space. But that was the only really big change. The screen got a bit more rake, the door hands were changed, and the grill was tweaked. It wasn’t the leap from the Series 1 that the Series 3 and 4 cars were. It was, to be honest, pretty much perfect.
Built in Italy, this Spider’s life actually didn’t truly start until it landed in America - sunny Florida we believe. Mr Milton, who would own the car through to the 2000s before selling it to Mr Brandt in Miami. Though before he sold it, Milton afforded the car all manner of works. Bonnet insulation, sun visors, fuel pump, distributor and coil, clutch slave and master, and much more including a respray. There’s a printout in the images for you to pore over.
In 2013, Mr Brant sold the car to a gentleman named Philip in Georgia. He would own the car until 2017 and during his tenure it was treated to new pads, new discs, new engine mounts, new transmission mounts, new exhaust, new wheel bearings and even a gearbox rebuild. In fact, he spent some $6,577 on the car.
In 2017, Bruce in Florida bought the car. Being something of a perfectionist, and having previously restored over 40 European cars, set about giving the car a complete overhaul. Engine, differential, suspension, SPICA mechanical fuel injection system, clutch system, alignment, electrical system - he covered it all. There is a wealth of paperwork to support this.
The car was then sold again in 2019 to Mr Hamlin here in the UK. He enjoyed the car briefly before selling it to the current owner, who has enjoyed and further improved the car. He’s fitted a new heater unit, new drainage hoses, new seat belts, he’d had the dash retrimmed in leather, he’s fitted new door cards and retrimmed the seats and he has wax oiled / undersealed the car. But, most importantly of all, he got rid of the awful federal bumpers and gave the car the sleek European bumpers it should have always had.
It is a car that has been loved, that has been the recipient of seemingly unending care and attention and as such, it stands as a truly exceptional opportunity for someone with an active bidding finger!
Ample. That’s what we have here. Of course, some of the paperwork pertaining to the car’s early life is now wayward, but the important, recent years are covered in great detail. There are invoices to support all of the work that was carried with previous owner, Bruce. All from recognised U.S suppliers. There is also a wealth of paperwork from the current owner, with invoices from go-to Alfa specialists like Alfaholics, Classic Alfa and EB Spares amongst others.
To give all the invoices some context, the current owner has been gracious enough to create a spreadsheet on which you can see a timeline of the Alfa. Who had it, when they had it, and what work they did during their time with it. If all cars could come with this, we would be very happy indeed.
Finally, there are also parts catalogues, wiring diagrams, workshop manuals and even the Alfa Romeo Owner’s Bible by Pat Braden. A veritable barrage of reading fodder that will see to it that your journey through Alfa Romeo ownership is a smooth one.
Step inside this Italian icon and you’re in for a treat. It is a simply glorious place to be. The seats, headrests and central console have been recovered by the current owner and as such, they present as new. The door cards are new, too. And furthermore, the current owner has also had the dashboard retrimmed in leather and let us tell you, it is swish. It’s all tight and solid and feels far fresher than any other car for 1977.
There’s a new heater behind the dash, so if you do want to hit the roads in winter, you can do so in toasty warm conditions. The window runners are new, and so they rise and fall without issue. The door seals are all new, too. So it’s bone dry in that cabin. Add in the excellent condition carpets which are usually protected by rubber over mats and you’re left with an interior that will make other Spider owners envious.
The all important points of interface between driver and machine - the steering wheel and gear knob - are invitingly tactile. Just smooth wood with a deep gloss coating. Even the handbrake handle has been renewed, along with the gaiter (and the gear gaiter, come to mention it).
The boot, there is an original alloy spare wheel, there is also an aftermarket battery cutoff switch which has been utilised during the car’s downtime to preserve the battery. The boot structure is solid, with no damp nor any signs of corrosion. A very, very rare find for an Italian car of this vintage.
Look at it. No, really, just look at it. It’s rare to see one of these in black. And while there is no denying that bright hues like red and white suit it, the deep gloss black works incredibly well, too. And it is a deep gloss. The paint is, by and large, in excellent order. There are some imperfections, the odd blister, a break in the paint on the passenger door by the quarter light and under the edge of the lower window edge/door top. But they’re ‘lean in and stare’ imperfections, and they in no way detract from the overall look of this car. The paint across the car is deep and rich, with no aggressive swirling or scratches. In the interests of full disclosure, the bonnet is an ever so slightly different shade of black. But again, you have to lean in. Just to mention, from my inspection there was no rust detected.
The panel gaps are all spot on, there is absolutely zero rust coming through, there is no sign of poor repair and, well, it just looks excellent. The aftermarket Panasport 15-inch wheels wear good rubber and all the wheels are mint. They suit the car perfectly, and make it stand out from the rest.
The chromework is all good, as are the stainless steel parts. The European specification bumpers transform the car and make it look more delicate and light. These were fitted by Bristol Classic Car Restoration this wasn’t a cheap alteration, but it was well worth it.
Looking underneath the car, everything is as clean as the proverbial whistle. There’s a bit of red road dirt, but that’s it. Everything is straight, clean and very tidy. Even the ribbed sump guard on the front of the car is straight and true. It really is in remarkable condition. All the lights are excellent, as is all the glass, and the all-important folding canvas roof seals tight and shows no signs of wear or damage. Just lovely.
While it’s not possible to verify the mileage given the intercontinental nature of this car, there is no reason to suggest the 28k on the clock is anything but genuine. Even if it is in fact higher, it’s moot given the amount of work and upkeep this Alfa Romeo has been on the receiving end of. The condition truly is exemplary.
The twin-cam 2.0l four-cylinder SPICA mechanical fuel injection engine barks into life with a pleasing eagerness before going on to offer the ears that intoxicating throat-clearing and consequent growl. Imagine how a twin-cam Alfa should sound - this car delivers it, pitch perfect too. The engine gets up to temperature, there are no knocks or bangs, there’s no smoke and of course, it doesn’t overheat.
The gear change is sharp and direct with no excessive play in the mechanism, a problem that can plague other old Alfas, but not here. The clutch pedal is light, and the biting point strong and defined. It’s a joy to cycle through the gears. The steering is much the same, sharp, direct and laden with driver feedback. And of course, the car runs down the road straight and true.
The brakes are all in excellent health, and of course this model was disc all-round, which gives you a certain confidence. They pull the car to a stop without wavering. The suspension is compliant, but sporting. No excessive body roll to report, nor are there any untoward noises, bumps or rattles. It’s a very sharp little car.
You could buy this car just to look at. It’s a feat for the eyes boasting perfect lines, exceptional balance and a seemingly unending number of design features. You could, and will, stare at it for hours. But you’ll also want to drive it, and when you start you won’t want to stop. This is a cheeky, characterful little car with heart and personality aplenty. It’s a little event to drive it, a reconnection to a time when driving was all about fun, not the mundane trudge to the office. This car is style, this car is fun and this car is a welcome escape when you do jump in. Bid on it, buy it, collect it, thank us later.
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