Alfa Spyder - Do or Don't

SLO-BOB · 11-30-2007, 05:36 PM

There's a local black Spyder for sale. It looks like one of the later ones - I'll guess 87. I haven't looked at it up close but it appears to be in good shape. I have no idea how much it is either. Before I'll brave the single digit temps to even look at how much it is, what are the thoughts out there on these cars?

Fwiw-It would be a B-day gift for my wife.

widgeon13 · 11-30-2007, 06:11 PM

One of the most stylish bodies ever designed for a convertible and black is not a common color for the Spyder. Great engine, free revving and should be fun summer car.

Palum6o · Palum6o's Garage

Fun to drive. Have an Alfa mechanic look it over first.
You can try asking http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/index.php

Gooch1971 · Gooch1971's Garage

Whenever the question is an Alfa Spyder there are only "Do's"

Do drool excesively
Do go straight to the bank for funds
Do give it to the wife
Do request frequent seat time in her car

FastCarFan · FastCarFan's Garage

I LOVE Alfa Spiders, but the later ones are DOGS! No power -- choked by pollution controls.

I recommend finding an earlier one. The pre-1971 boat-tail models are the prettiest. And the 1971 to 1974 models are nice too. I would want a red one -- Italian cars look best in red.

I have never owned an Alfa, but have always wanted one, either a Spider or a GTV or Sprint Veloce. I think they are rather high maintenance.

the · 11-30-2007, 07:09 PM

I had an '81, and it was a dog, too! You probably mean one even earlier than that.

As for the dog, just kidding, kinda. It was no powerhouse, but it was really a fun car. I got it cheap because the owner thought the engine was on it's last leg, because it had a rattle and vibration. Turns out it was just a loose A/C bracket. Tightened it up and I was good to go.

Mine was super reliable. I had it for a few years, drove it all around, and never did anything but change the oil. If I had unlimited space, I'd love to have another for the summer months.

HardDrive · 11-30-2007, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLO-BOB

Fwiw-It would be a B-day gift for my wife.

And to be clear, you want to stay married, yes?

MT930 · 11-30-2007, 07:33 PM

A nice one in good shape. Is a wonderful thing. Go over it well, they can be full of surprises.

Overpaid Slacker · 11-30-2007, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastCarFan

I LOVE Alfa Spiders, but the later ones are DOGS! No power -- choked by pollution controls.

I recommend finding an earlier one. The pre-1971 boat-tail models are the prettiest. And the 1971 to 1974 models are nice too. I would want a red one -- Italian cars look best in red.

I have never owned an Alfa, but have always wanted one, either a Spider or a GTV or Sprint Veloce. I think they are rather high maintenance.

worth it. if you don't need to buy bumpers/stainless (what we would expect was chrome --- $500 a piece for bumpers... ask me how I know)

See signature.

JP

Steve Carlton · 12-01-2007, 03:24 AM

'75-76s are identical to '74s. I think '77 is when things started going downhill.

onewhippedpuppy · 12-01-2007, 04:29 AM

Get an early car. Lighter, so the low HP is better put to use. Much better styling as well, and you can pick up nice ones for under $10k. Engine sound is budget Ferrari, pure sex.

onewhippedpuppy · 06:02 AM

The round-tail models are by far the most attractive, but more expensive.

I say forget the wife, and buy yourself a GTV.

FastCarFan · FastCarFan's Garage

Life is short...get one of each...& a Sprint Veloce too! And hopefully at least one will be running at any given time. If not, there is always the Porsche.

SLO-BOB · 12-01-2007, 06:20 AM

If it were for me - no question -

I have always loved those. I almost bought an 80s GTV once. Really cool noise.

This would be stricly a chick car. I'll want to buy the latest, and hopefully most reliable (relative term) example I can find. I've done a little research and many have had good reliabilty with the later cars if they are maintained. I'll look at the black one today hopefully.

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

I had a '69 boattail spider. It was a wonderful, fun car. But remember how old these things are now. Even in the relative youth of these cars I had to replace all the suspension bushs, rebuild the topend(p/c up), and it was impossible to correctly rebuild the power brakes boosters(parts nla)

alf · 12-01-2007, 07:37 AM

[QUOTE=SLO-BOB;3618799]If it were for me - no question -

QUOTE]

I grew up sitting in the back of one of those. Cramped, stinky, noisy and damp back there.

Wickd89 · 12-01-2007, 07:37 AM

Before I bought my Porsche, I was going to get a '91 to 94 Spider. GREAT looking but surprisingly uninspiring... When I drove the Carrera I was done.

Someday when they offer the '91 for $3K, I will probably grab one. By that time it will be leaking like a sieve.

Now if you want a late 60's boattail or a 67-74 GTV, now your talking.......

scottmandue · 12-01-2007, 07:43 AM

Alfa's are some of the most beautiful cars on this planet... there are several I would love to own.

However as advice goes, vintage Italian sports car? Gift for wife? Are you planing on maintaining it? Any car that old is going to need some TLC.

IMHO
Fun project = yes.
Gift for wife = Maybe not.

YMMV

tcar · 12-01-2007, 10:01 AM

Be sure to do a thorough RUST check, especially where you are.

My partner had one and it was very reliable... as good as my '73.5 targa.

Wickd89 · 12-01-2007, 03:15 PM

Funny. I think Porsches seem to attract all age groups.
Every time I go to a show, it seems like you have to be retired to own an alfa. I am no spring chicken but few people under 45 seem to even care for the brand...