Older Owned: 1991 Alfa Spyder – Sold?

by Guys with Rides | Jul 2021 | Craigslist ClassiFINDS, Sports Car Saturday

August 20, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this Alfa “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Originally launched in 1966, Alfa Romeo’s Spider Veloce remained a timeless design that spanned the better part of three decades in four distinct generations. 1991 saw the U.S. launch of the Series 4 exemplified by classic red over tan leather 36K original mile example originally listed in July 2021 on Craigslist in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) offered at $26,500. Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Alfa priced between the #3 “Good” appraisal of $17,000 and the #2 “Excellent” estimate of $28,600.

Here’s the Hagerty Insurance take on the Series 4 version of these cars:

“The 1950s vintage Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Giulia series of coupes and convertibles seemed like they could conceivably go on forever. Even as late as 1965, Road & Track was still singing the praises of the 1600cc Giulia Spider Veloce. Nevertheless, for the 1966 model year, Alfa began selling its replacement, named the “Duetto,” via a contest that Alfa ran with the Italian public. It was the last project in which Batista Pininfarina was personally involved. And while widely viewed as classic design today, it was met with some controversy when new. Power was initially from the familiar Alfa 1600cc twin-cam engine that powered the last Giulias. Emission laws affected Alfa particularly hard and 1968 was a lost year in the U.S. The car returned for 1969 with a 1750cc engine and SPICA mechanical fuel injection. 1970 was another lost year and 1971 saw the car return with its lovely boat tail chopped off. The so-called Kamm-tail spider continued on basically unchanged (save for bigger bumpers and a 250cc boost in displacement) until 1982 when electronic injection was introduced and in 1983 styling was freshened slightly. Interior changes were about it until 1991 when the final (and quite successful) cleanup of the design took place prior to its discontinuation in 1994. All Spiders are brisk performers with sub-10 second 0-60 times and stellar convertible tops. Parts are readily available and while they are more complex and don’t tolerate “fools with tools” as readily as an MGB, they are more rewarding to drive. Rust was a major issue in all cars prior to the final series of 1991-95 cars.”

The MotorWeek Retro Review Channel has this 1991 vintage test of the then-new 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider: