Spider Wanted!

Ladies and Gents

For some time now I have been wanting to buy a Spider from around the time I was born (late 1971) so I am on the lookout for a 71/72 example.

This is not something that I must do RIGHT NOW but if, next week or next month or next year, the right car comes along I want to be in a position to go for it.

I don’t have the cash to go for one in Concourse condition. Nor do I have the cash to go for a complete restoration job. So what I am looking for is something from the middle ground. A runner in decent condition that I can work on over time.

So, to complement my own research, I have a few questions for you more experienced Spider owners: -

1) can you recommend a good buyers guide for Spiders of that age?

b) what major, and expensive, problems should I be looking out for on Spiders of that age?

iii) what ‘ballpark’ figure should I roughly be looking to pay?

And lastly, where are the best places to be looking?

All comments/advice greatly appreciated, and thank you in anticipation.

Stewart

Hey Mr-T shame you didn't pipe up last year as MeanRedSpider on the AROC had one that would have fitted the bill spot on.

This would be useful...
Amazon.co.uk: Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider (The Essential Buyer's Guide): Books: Keith Booker,Jim Talbott

Have a look at a few if you can. Be prepared to travel - I had to go to London Village for my 1750. Ask on the 105 Forum at AROC as they are the most friendly and knowledgable guys I have met. Keep an eye out in the AROC classifieds, on Classic Alfa Romeo Parts & Spares Worldwide - Bertone, Spider & More , Classic Alfa Romeo cars and Velocesport Index and also in the classic car mags. It would be worth trying to get to an Alfa meet as well so you can have a look close up at the cars and maybe get to sit in one and have a good nosy about.

Happy shopping!

Thanks Richard.

I actually came close to buying one that was for sale at NAD in 2006 but, knowing the little bit more that I know now, I'm glad I didn't. I think it was a bit of a pig.

Alfa Romeo Spider Buyer's Guide

This link, provided by the Alfa Workshop, gave me loads of things to think about when I started searching for a Spider...see if this helps. Thanks and credit to Alfa Workshop...hope they don't mind me posting this link.

Good luck with your hunt. My sage advice is don't buy the first one you see - if possible, attend a few car shows (like the event April 26 in Bristol) to see good examples of the model and to talk to the owners about their experiences. You soon learn how to separate the honeys from the dogs...and there are LOADS of dogs out there, tarted up in 'resale red' waiting for you to come along and fork out your hard-earned...

Originally Posted by Mr-T

Ladies and Gents

For some time now I have been wanting to buy a Spider from around the time I was born (late 1971) so I am on the lookout for a 71/72 example.

This is not something that I must do RIGHT NOW but if, next week or next month or next year, the right car comes along I want to be in a position to go for it.

I don’t have the cash to go for one in Concourse condition. Nor do I have the cash to go for a complete restoration job. So what I am looking for is something from the middle ground. A runner in decent condition that I can work on over time.

So, to complement my own research, I have a few questions for you more experienced Spider owners: -

1) can you recommend a good buyers guide for Spiders of that age?

b) what major, and expensive, problems should I be looking out for on Spiders of that age?

iii) what ‘ballpark’ figure should I roughly be looking to pay?

And lastly, where are the best places to be looking?

All comments/advice greatly appreciated, and thank you in anticipation.

Stewart

I agree what the others said.I've had my '76 Spider for aprox. 15 years now.When I bought her she was in an excellent condition,the damage done since was mostly my own ignorance and neglect.(nearly finished with the restoration)
Do your homework and don't take your wife with you when you consider buying one.They do tend to fall in love!
The roundback is the most prized and expensive.
The Kamm-shape is rising rapidly in price.Get your hands on a 2000 ASAP,they won't be cheap for much longer.
The spares for the S2 is readily available and when you are restoring a classic you don't still want to hunt for spares.
Be prepared to replace some faulty parts even when the car is in a mint condition.Remember it is a 30 year-plus sportscar.I service my car once a year myself,it's very simple and cheap.
My Spider is not a garage queen,I drive it often and hard.
Stay away from the Spica fuel-injected US models,they tend to be troublesome.
Best Regards

I have a S3 Spider that would suit you. The only problem is that the year is 1989?

Phil

Originally Posted by hillp

I have a S3 Spider that would suit you. The only problem is that the year is 1989?

If only I'd been born in 1989?!

No, forget that. Then I would have missed out on The Stone Roses and The Happy Mondays and wearing ridiculous psychadelic coloured baggy clothes to the clubs!

Ah, those were the days.

Good hunt
You can read lots about the different version and specs here
www.veloce.se
Erik