1977 Alfa Romeo Spider

Each model has its own quirks and attractions but these Series 2 cars, built from 1970 for a dozen years, marked the move from the elegant boat-tail to the more efficient Kamm version, while retaining the beautiful chrome bumpers.

The Spider also gained a new two-litre engine, whose 132bhp and 134lb/ft of torque finally gave the car the lungs it always deserved. With a five-speed manual gearbox and a still-svelte kerb weight of just over a ton, the Spider’s performance was sparkling with a top speed of 120mph, after passing 60mph in eight and a half seconds.

The owner says:

‘I’d always wanted an Alfa Spider as I think they are one of the coolest and most beautiful cars made. This one was built in 1977 when I was 16 so I think I’d always dreamt of owning one since I was a teenager. I have previously owned Alfas of all types, from a 33 to a GTV6.

‘This particular car was very well presented, having had new sills and panels, and a respray in the lovely Alfa Rosso. I bought the car six years ago from a real Alfa enthusiast and restorer in High Wycombe. It has been garaged throughout its time with me. I am selling the Spider as my wife and I (mainly my wife!) would prefer something with a few more mod cons, perhaps a 939 Spider.

‘I honestly think that this is a very solid and well-maintained Spider that will bring its new owner lots of fun and pleasure, especially during this time of year. It certainly puts a big smile on my face when I drive it, and attracts lots of positive attention wherever I go. S2 Spiders are becoming very sought-after as the Series 1 Duettos are now beyond many Alfistis’ budgets, and S2 values are rising fast.’

Is there a prettier classic soft top? We don’t think so, and this one looks absolutely gorgeous, with glass like paint, beautiful steel wheel and excellent brightwork.

This car was blue originally, but other than that is as it left the Alfa factory, and still has its Weber carbs. These were stripped and rebuilt by Vincent Classics (invoice present). The owner thinks the soft top must have been replaced relatively recently, and we agree. This is a matching engine and chassis numbers car, as the V5 confirms.

The left hand side Carello Perspex headlight cowling has lost a side fixing tab but still is secure. There is some pitting on the chrome wing mirrors and boot top trim.

These are minor faults – the car looks stunning.

There are some minor cosmetic improvements that could be done by the next owner, namely;

Gear lever gaiter slight split.

Steering column shroud could be replaced.

There was a tear in the soft top – now repaired.

The felt on the inside of soft top needs sticking back in place.

There is some paint damage to the top of the speedo and rev counter cowlings – the owner says this happened when the speedo cable was replaced.

Some slight tears in the driver’s seat, the rear seat and a sun visor.

Again, we’re noting these points for the sake of absolute accuracy. Overall the interior is a lovely place to be.

The Alfa twin cam is a legendary powerplant and on looks alone makes my top ten engines every time. This is the gutsy 2-litre version too. The under-bonnet view is one of a very well cared for car. The gleaming twin choke Weber carbs show up the slightly scruffy paint on the air cleaner housing, but we quite like the car showing its years a bit. Besides, an hour with an aerosol would have it sorted, if you were so inclined.

The car’s underside is excellent, with no rust to worry about and that recent exhaust shining away.

The owner says:

‘To be totally transparent, after a longish run in the Spider, and with the soft top up, you can hear a slight rumbling from the rear axle. I did talk to a mechanic from Alfa Aid in Maidenhead and he said it didn’t sound too bad and he would leave it until it got really noisy. It may be the differential or bushes? I just wanted to be totally honest.’

The current owner bought the car in August 2016, when the odometer reading was 25,000 miles.

The owner says:

‘We are active members of the Alfa Romeo owners' club and have attended many local and national meetings and rallies in the Spider. There are some photos in the file of the previous owners touring Europe in it.

‘As you will see from recent invoices, I have spent around £6000 on maintenance since buying it. We recently fitted the wind deflector which is surprisingly effective on motorway journeys.

‘I would say its overall condition is very good for a 45 year-old car. The paintwork is very good and obviously the engine has been well maintained, sounds brilliant, and the car accelerates very well. we have had no problems mechanically on any of our outings in it.’

First registered: 23rd September 1977. 10 previous owners.

Originally Blue.

Chassis no: 2473001 Engine no: AR 10512/007930 (Full engine rebuild by Benalfa in early 1990s)

Colour changed to red in August 1997. New Lower wing panels and sills. Bare metal respray in June 2016.

Main work done recently

New speedo cable 2016.

New clutch 2016.

New clutch master and Slave cylinders April 2017.

New passenger seat cover and driver’s seat base July 2017.

New complete exhaust April 2016.

New track rod ends July 2017.

Wind deflector fitted August 2019 .

New alternator.

New Koni rear shock absorbers.

Weber carbs stripped and rebuilt.

Tappets re-set.

New front wheel bearing.

New driver’s window winding mechanism.

Carburettors balanced and timing adjusted.

Fuel tank sender replaced.

Throttle and choke cables replaced.

Boot release cable replaced.

The car is complete with import documents, details of several previous owners, email correspondence between them, old MoTs and tax discs. There is also a pile of old invoices, highlights of which include:

2015. Various new parts – £423.

2015. New trim parts – £59.

New clutch master and slave cylinders fitted – £176.

2015. New panels: four lower wings, two sills, one valance – £276.

2016. New clutch parts – £127.

2016 New exhaust system – £210.

2016. Carb rebuild parts – £36.

2016. New radiator cap – £13.80

2017. Offside seat base replaced – £186.

2017. Servicing work – £247.

2017. New steering parts fitted – £202.

2020. Steering box and rear dampers replaced, plus misc maintenance and servicing work– £1328.

2020. New front wheels bearings and carburettors fitted – £1500.

2020. Fuel system overhaul and various repairs – £1708.

April 2022. Various new parts fitted by Classic Project Shop in Bicester – £1583.

With early boat tail Spiders now selling for more than £60,000, the Kamm tail cars represent something of a bargain, while retaining the classic looks of earlier models. Plus, they have the 2-litre engine, whose torque makes dealing with modern traffic a breeze.

Overall, we feel these cars are the most useable of the breed, and certainly the best value, and this one is a beauty, which has been cared for by enthusiast owners all its life. With no rust, great paint, a freshly overhauled engine and plenty of history, interest will be high.

Our estimate for this car Is £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.