£9,500
offers 0
1974 Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 Iniezione LHD
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Highlights
- Rare US-spec Iniezione model
- In current ownership for 26 years
- Impressive history file
The Appeal
The iconic Alfa Romeo Spider, which captured hearts around the globe for nearly 28 years, had the longest production run of any Alfa vehicle before or since. Its longevity was encouraged by a steady demand, over a period where the allure and glamour of an open-topped car were under constant threat of safety and emission controls. Alfa accordingly ungraded the car to meet those demands, with reasonable success without diluting the essence of the car.
Considered the next best thing after the original 1960s cars, the second incarnation of the 115 Series arrived in 1970 with improved luggage space and a new larger 2-litre power plant. Fitted with the fuel-injected (SPICA) system specifically for the US market, it allowed the Spider to live on without the severe emission control sapping the power of the glorious twin-cam engine.
Considered the next best thing after the original 1960s cars, the second incarnation of the 115 Series arrived in 1970 with improved luggage space and a new larger 2-litre power plant. Fitted with the fuel-injected (SPICA) system specifically for the US market, it allowed the Spider to live on without the severe emission control sapping the power of the glorious twin-cam engine.
Imported by its current owner directly from the States in 1997, he couldn’t part with the car and brought it back to his native UK in 2001. Retaining much of its originality, this 1974 2-litre Iniezione model has seen £13,000 worth of maintenance, upkeep and renovation over that period, which includes a recent engine rebuild. Consistently stored in a secured garage, it has been used as a fair-weather occasional car.
While mechanically sound, with a solid floorpan and a neatly presented interior, it would benefit from some cosmetic improvements to make it perfect. Sold with an impressive file of invoices, it could be just the thing to see out the last of the summer, while the issues are addressed over the winter months.
While mechanically sound, with a solid floorpan and a neatly presented interior, it would benefit from some cosmetic improvements to make it perfect. Sold with an impressive file of invoices, it could be just the thing to see out the last of the summer, while the issues are addressed over the winter months.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally sold in 1974 for the US market
- Bought by the owner in 1997 while habituating in the States
- Shipped into the UK in 2001 by the same and current owner
- V5c present
- MOT and Tax-exempt
- Selection of MOTS from 2021 back to 2001
- Consistently garaged since being imported into the UK
- Retains its last US vehicle certificate title as well as invoices back to 1982, running into thousands of dollars
- UK invoices tally up to around £13,000, including extensive mechanical work, and an engine rebuild in 2021
- 134,341 miles on the clock
- Covered around 15,000 miles since 2001, with just 600 miles documented in the last 5 years
- Only being sold as the vendor lacks the time to use the car
The Interior
- The interior is well presented, with no significant signs of wear
- Re-covered seats in black leather were carried out by Trimmania Ltd, Reading. Both are in excellent condition
- Driver side mat shows mild age-related wear with no signs of dampness noted in the cabin
- Dashboard free of cracks or sun damage
- Twin pod binnacle in great shape
- The switchgear and dials are all in good shape
- The fuel gauge is temperamental and the radio not currently working
- Temperature control levers seized
- Otherwise, all other functions are said to work
- Original fitted steering wheel neatly presented with minimal wear
- The gear lever is in good shape, with an intact gaiter
- The rear vinyl trim intact with mild signs of age
- Door cards and roof headlining are in decent shape and present well
- Boot fitted with carpets and free of water ingress
The Exterior
- Solid floorpan, with a specialist confirming that the car is structurally positive
- The chassis is intact, with superficial corrosion in places
- Corrosion was noted at the lower edges of the bodywork
- The nearside rear arch will need an investigation
- Front arches appear to be intact with flaking paint revealing surface corrosion
- Sills have seen historic welding and paint in 2015
- Panel fit flush, with acceptable shut lines
- The offside passage door and boot lid stay are not functional
- Otherwise doors open and close with ease with good seals
- No significant signs of dent damage on the panels
- Originally finished in lime green, the car was repainted red prior to the current ownership
- Some evidence of its original colour was noted under the bonnet and boot areas
- The paint lustre has a generally good finish, with some signs of colour mismatch but overall presents well
- A handful of treated paint chips and a blemish were noted on the nearside front sill
- The glass and its seals are commensurate with the car's age but have lasted well
- The bumpers are well mounted with mild signs of age noted on the front unit, the rear bumper is cleanly presented
- The chrome trim is generally in good shape, with the front grill assembly showing signs of age
- Outside door mirrors need tightening
- Lights and lenses are in good shape and all UK-compliant
- Classic Alfa-sourced headlamp covers in good shape
- The soft top fitted around 20 years ago and aside from a repair patch over the rear screen, is in good condition with no signs of outdoor elements
- Roof raises and lowers without any issues
- 14” Turbine alloy wheels are in excellent shape having been refurbished in 2021
- Full set of Goodyear tyres in good shape with healthy even tread
The Mechanics
- 2-litre version with SPICA (Società Pompe Iniezione Cassani & Affini) mechanical fuel injection system
- 5-speed gearbox
- The engine was stripped and overhauled at a cost of £4,800 in 2021, including:
- Top-end rebuild and valve reface
- Cleaning of injectors
- Rebuild the water pump assembly
- New timing chain and full gaskets set
- Adjusting the mix ratios
- New Thermostatic Actuator
- Previous engine and gearbox work supported by invoices in 2002
- Serviced in 2021
- Replacement starter motor fitted in 2023
- Black-painted valve cover and individual air filters
- The engine needs a few cranks to fire up
- It produces little exhaust smoke on start up, but then idles smoothly with no undulations
- The owner has suggested it runs beautifully after it has fully warmed up
- No reports of oil pressure or signs of engine temperature problems
- Said to drive very well, with no outstanding issues with the brakes or steering
- New rear brake callipers in 2023
- Exhaust in good condition with no signs of leaks
Summary
With original Series 1 cars now attracting considerable premiums, the more powerful and usable Series 2 cars act as a more than viable option. Its regular schedule of maintenance thanks to the owner's mechanical sympathy is one of the car's many highlights and could be ideal for someone who knows their way around these elegant cars.
A solid investment, this Spider would benefit from some cosmetic bodywork and a few sundry electrical item fixes, but as the current owner can testify, presents it as a positively usable example.
A solid investment, this Spider would benefit from some cosmetic bodywork and a few sundry electrical item fixes, but as the current owner can testify, presents it as a positively usable example.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1974
- Make Alfa Romeo
- Model 2000 Spider
- Colour Red
- Odometer 134,341 Miles
- Engine size 2000
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Reading
- Location Berkshire
- Country United Kingdom
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