1974 Alfa Romeo Spider
My very first Alfa Romeo
was a yellow 1974 Spider that I purchased in 1977 (I've had lots
of Alfas since!). It's not this one, though—I kept the first one for about ten
years and sold it, mistakenly thinking that I ought to give Porsches a try.
After a couple of those, I came across this car in 1989—it was deja vu!
Just like my beloved yellow '74 Spider, but a rust-free California car! So I
sold my 911 and bought the Spider! Essentially, I've owned a yellow '74 Spider
for over 25 years!
1974 is considered by many
Alfisti to be the most desirable model year for the Alfa Spider. In stock form,
it had the most powerful engine, since pollution controls emasculated the
engine's performance in later years. Simultaneously, Spiders also got heavier, uglier
bumpers after 1974.
During the 15 years I've owned
this example, it's been well cared for and has undergone many improvements:
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Despite the rust-free status, the
California paint was faded, and it was stripped to bare metal and professionally
repainted in the original color (Pagoda Giallo, AR paint code #119). This was
done about 30K miles ago and the paint
is in excellent condition.
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The engine was completely rebuilt
by Paul Glynn of Glynn Motorsports,
New England's premier Alfa shop,
with European cams and ceramic coated headers for even better performance. This
was done about 28K miles ago and it's a great-running car.
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A Marelli-Plex electronic ignition
is installed.
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The Spica fuel injection performs
well at all RPMs, and there are no starting problems. (The decel fuel cut-off
microswitch could be replaced, however.)
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The exhaust system comprises the
ceramic coated headers, stock center section, and Ansa resonator and exhaust
tips
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It has Ward & Deane street
springs, and recent Bilstein shock absorbers.
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Unique, desirable Italian Mille Miglia wheels
with the Alfa Romeo script cast into the alloy are installed with new Michelin Pilot XGT-H4
205/60HR14 tires all around.
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All of the suspension bushings
have recently been replaced with
Performatek
polyurethane parts.
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Ball joints,
tie rod ends, U-joints, brake components, etc. have all been maintained and replaced as necessary.
Adjustable A-arms are installed.
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An Ereminas chassis stiffener is
installed to improve body rigidity.
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Second gear is a little balky
when the transmission is cold, but it shifts smoothly once warmed up. It does
sometimes pop out of reverse.
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The interior is in very good
condition, with excellent seats and door panels. There are a couple of dashboard
cracks caused, no doubt, by the California sun. The original rubber floor mats are in
excellent condition, and there are also removable carpeted Alfa-logo mats installed.
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All gauges, lights, and
instruments are working correctly.
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The convertible top is cloth and
in very good condition. An original black vinyl tonneau cover in excellent condition is
included.
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The car is fitted with
three-point retractor seat belts for safety, replacing the original lap belts.
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Extensive service records are
available.
Why am I selling it? Well, to buy
another Alfa, of course! (A '61 Giulietta, but with a two-liter drive train,
just like this car.) It's rare to come across an Alfa Spider with a body that's
never had rust problems; restored ones are never quite the same. (There
are a couple of rust spots in the floor—hey, even in California rain will end up
in the floor if you leave the top down.)
This Alfa Spider is a blast to
drive—it's quite quick and makes marvelous sounds getting up to speed and while
cruising. It's also been remarkably reliable—my wife and I took it on a
pleasurable 2000-mile trip to Nova Scotia last summer with nary a problem. (The
photo at the top of this page was taken along Nova Scotia's famous and beautiful Cabot Trail.)
If you're looking for a
never-rusted, mechanically fresh, cosmetically superior, Alfista-owned Alfa
Romeo Spider with no
stories, this is the one. Offers in the $9,500 range are welcome. Drive a legitimate,
head-turning Italian sports car for the price of a ho-hum Miata! I'm sure I've left out some of the info
that you're interested in, so please feel free to contact me by email at
dave@dvpratt.com
or by phone at
781-320-8208.
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