Description
1997 Alfa Romeo 916 Spider - 16V 2. 0 T Spark (Phase 1)
Inline 4 cylinder, naturally aspirated - producing 148BHP (when new)
Manufactured in December 1997, at the Pininfarina Factory in Turin, Italy.
Colour - Nero Black
Interior - Black Leather
Wheels - 17 inch multi-spoke alloys
Keys - Master key and 3 spares, plus fuel cut off key + Immobiliser fob
Spare wheel and original toolkit present
Electric soft top roof
6 CD autochanger and stereo + working electric aerial
MOT -28/ 05/ 27
Partial Service History, - unfortunately, I did not inherit a service book, but substantial paper evidence of service history.
Owners - 12
Modifications:
A Cybox stainless steel exhaust system (2021). This exhaust is the perfect partner for the naturally aspirated twin-spark engine. Giving it more presence at low rpm and great character above 3000 RPM.
In my ownership, the car has had over £5000 of the following restoration work done:
Rust protection:
- Full Lanoguard Underseal. This was preventive and ensured year-round driving.
Suspension and steering:
- Powerflex bush upgrades to upper and lower suspension arms
- Inner CV boot replacement
- Rear upper wishbone inner replacement
- Antiroll bar drop link replacement
- Rear lower swing arm inner and outer bush replacement
- Rear lower and inner spring mount replacement
Engine and Ignition Electricals:
- Rocker and coil pack cover powder-coated respray
- New Alternator
- Replacement fuel line host kit
- New cam belt
- New ignition key fob, immobiliser ring antenna
- New battery BOSCH S4008
Paint
- Full paint correction in 2025
Cosmetic parts
- New Spider footwell carpet mats
- New handbrake lever button
- New Pininfarina badging on both sides
Current faults / areas for improvement (fundamental mechanical and electrical maintenance has been prioritised over cosmetic components)
- I have disconnected the immobiliser alarm as it was causing intermittent start up issues. The car locks with the master key and spare keys. During the summer months, heat from the engine can confuse the ECU (typical Alfa gremlin, as it's housed too close to the engine). Given around 20 minutes to cool, the engine will start. Installing a heat shield is a common solution for this.
- driver sides electric mirror is faulty
- air conditioning has not been re-gassed (unused due to soft top)
- although a paint correction has been carried out, small stone chips and minor scratches remain. Rear boot panel needs a respray ideally.
- driver's side seat bolster has age related wear
- soft top roof would benefit from a revival treatment but has never leaked.
- Minor window misalignment on passenger side, causing a small gap.
- Wind screen wash jets are lacking pressure, wiper arms and blades however are new.
The car can be provided with a Classic Additions 'Ultimate' car cover at extra cost. (£150).
Sadly, I need to part ways with this brilliant little Alfa due to needing a more 'daily drivable' second car. Since owning the car it has only ever been stored indoors (professionally - trickle charged, covered and dehumidified unit). With around 2000 miles a year since purchased, this car has been used for sunny weekend trips and pleasure drives mainly, but deserves to be enjoyed more often.
With a characterful engine, timeless design and a comfortable interior, this car has been a delight to own despite suffering from some of the typical Alfa gremlins.
The highlight of my ownership was driving to the 2025 Le Mans Classic, where the car never missed a beat, ran smoothly and turned heads in every town it passed through. The car has also enjoyed AROC events and Car shows around Sussex.
It is most happy bombing around B roads, but will quite happily sit on the motorway.
I am very mechanically sympathetic and never pushed the car beyond its comfort zone.
