Bisogna Lavorarci: 1978 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce – SOLD!

Update – we just confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Roughly translated, Bisogna lavorarci in Italian sounds much more romantic than ” Needs Work.” That expression works much better at describing this striking Bordeaux-over-light blue 1978 example originally listed in November 2020 on Craigslist in Randolph Center, Vermont.  Unfortunately, looks can be deceiving as the private seller honestly states, “looks great but runs terribly” and indicates you will need to haul this Alfa back to either yours or your mechanic’s garage.  Consequently, the $3,500 asking price for this project Alfa is $150 higher than the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool’s #4 “Fair” condition estimate of $3,350.  Similarly, the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool as a second data point confirms this private seller has his Alfa priced well below this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $6,200.

Four model years after launching its original Series 1 Spider Veloce, Alfa Romeo launched the Series II in 1970 by revising the original car’s distinctive elongated round tail with a more conventional-for-the-period Kamm tail to improve luggage space.  Numerous other small changes took place both inside and out, such as a slightly different grille, new door handles, a more raked windscreen, top-hinged pedals, and improved interior trim.  Series II cars also came with a larger 1,962 cc, inline four-cylinder engine, so Alfa Romeo called these editions the 2000 Spider Veloce.  Alfa Spiders remained relatively unchanged, save for interior and color choices, through the 1982 model year.

The private seller indicates while the engine runs poorly, a recent good leak-down test confirmed the problem might be either a fuel- or ignition system issue.  If you know a good Alfa mechanic, this might be a deal in the making.   Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Opportunity knocks
FOR SALE 1978 Alfa Romeo Spider, looks great but runs terrible, leak test says tight engine – go figure.
Located in Randolph Center, Vermont, USA.
Right at 110,000 +/- (head gasket replaced)
Vermont DMV says book is $10000 – Will take $3500 Firm. You Pick up.

Do you have an Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!