With its zingy twin-cam engine, light weight and RWD platform, there’s a simplicity to the Spider that makes it an utter joy to drive. The Alfa Romeo name has been synonymous with devil-may-care toplessness since before Dustin Hoffman started eyeing up Mrs Robinson, with sylph-like Spiders effortlessly complementing free-and-easy lifestyles from the moment the Duetto slunk onto the scene back in 1966.

The arachnid name endured, sticking with the original Spider from ’66-’93; the car we have here is a Series 2, which was in production from 1970-83 – specifically, this is a 1978 model. The Series 2 is instantly recognisable by its Kamm tail (rather than the sloping boat tail of its predecessor), and from 1975-on they were adorned with a pair of small rear seats to turn the Spider into a 2+2.

This particular model is especially desirable – partly for the fact that it’s a genuine UK right-hand-drive model, partly because it’s finished in the desirable factory shade of Dutch Blue, and also for the fact that it received a body resto around 13,000 miles ago – and it’s just recently had a full engine rebuild at a cost of over £6,000, covering only running-in miles since. Bid well, as we’re anticipating a lot of interest in this one!
 

 

 

 

The interior of a 1970s Spider is a simple and elegant affair, with beautifully cowled dials on a simple dash, a deep-dish steering wheel and tactility in spades. The cabin of this Alfa is very well presented, with neatly trimmed seats in good condition (the driver’s seat cover having been replaced), which tilt to allow access to the +2 rear. The dials function correctly, a period radio is fitted, and there are Alfa-branded rubber floor mats. 

Inside the boot it’s dry and tidy, with a matching rubber mat and small tool kit. 

 

Dutch Blue is a supremely elegant shade for the Spider, and it really does look very attractive here. The bodywork presents well throughout, having enjoyed a restoration around 13k miles ago. The panel gaps are good, and the doors close with a pleasing thunk. All of the correct badging and trim is present and correct, and in good order. The light lenses and window glass are similarly good. The wheels wear a matching set of Goodyear Eagle tyres with good tread. 

The soft-top is simple in its operation – it raises, lowers, latches and stows correctly, has no evident damage or undue wear, and has a nice clear window pane. 

 

This Alfa really is an utter joy to drive. The twin-cam engine has always been the jewel in the Spider’s crown, and having been fully rebuilt in August 2023 at a cost of over £6,000, it’s running like a dream. It fires instantly, settles into a happy idle, and pulls keenly through the revs with the characterful Alfa rasp. It’s also received a new radiator, starter motor, fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator, so all is as it should be.  

The gearbox is as precise in its operation as you’d hope it to be, and the car rides well on its suspension and has strong-feeling brakes. A very pleasing package overall. 

 

This is a lovely Spider, with all the right ingredients present. The fact that it’s had so much money spent on its mechanical health this year, and aesthetic qualities not long ago, adds up to an extremely desirable package. This pretty little roadster is eminently usable, ready to enjoy – and, with current market values – should prove to be remarkable value for money. Truly, these are great cars to enjoy and to live with. 

 

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