Affordable Top-Down Fun: 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider
When the Alfa informally known as the “Duetto” was introduced as a 1966 model, few would have guessed that the same basic shape would wear the badge for almost 30 years; but if you have something you like, you hang onto it. This 1982 Alfa with its Kamm-tail update has less-attractive bumpers than the Duetto, but it’s still a beautiful car. And it can be yours.
Aside from gorgeous styling from the houses of Pininfarina and Bertone, Alfas are best-known for their twin-cam four cylinders. Even the valve cover is beautiful. In 1982, the 1962cc Spider was able to muster 115 horsepower, which was pretty good considering that Camaros and Mustangs of the time were not THAT much more powerful with their big V8s.
As a kid in elementary school in the later 1980s, I was curious why Alfa’s entry-level Spider was called the “Graduate.” As I got a little older, I saw the movie of the same name and understood why Alfa would use that bit of salesmanship. Whenever I see that high, angle-mounted shifter, I think of the unmuffled soundtrack of Benjamin Braddock’s Duetto, racing up California’s highways, chasing a girl.
This particular Spider is a little newer than that one, and has seen a lot more use: The seller says it has 280,000 miles on it, although the engine and transmission were rebuilt about 80,000 miles ago. Like the car driven by Dustin Hoffman’s character in The Graduate, this one is red and located in California, so Alfa’s notorious body rust shouldn’t be a problem. The seller makes it clear that the car isn’t perfect; there are a few cracks and rips in the interior and a few chips and scratches in the paint.
It has had one repaint in its life, and the convertible top is brand new: I believe it – look at that clear back window. If you buy this car, however, its top should never really be in the up position anyway.
I’ve thought about buying an ’80s Alfa Spider a few times in my life because they’re so inexpensive and fun-looking. This one is for sale on eBay with a current high bid of $3350. If you’re OK with the odometer reading, it could be a fun toy to enjoy for the rest of the summer.
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Comments
It’s been awhile since I’ve watched the movie, but if I remember correctly, Dustin Hoffman is driving the wrong way on the Bay Bridge (I spent a lot of time in the Bay Area). Upper deck goes west, but Benjamin was going east, per the script. The camera angle was better on the top deck, I guess. And who can forget “Plastics” or “Elaine! Elaine!”? One of my all time favorite movies- it inspired me to elope with my first wife the day before she boarded a plane to move to Greece with her parents. They wanted to meet to discuss it. I insisted on a restaurant or other public place- I wanted lots of witnesses…. 😉
Still one of the best driving cars on the road. Good power, smooth shifting, and good fun.
I dunno, Bob. I’m on the Alfa forums and the Alfisti love it for the same reasons. It’s certainly a pretty and sporty looking car. I’ve had my 89 Spider Veloce for a few years now. I bought it cheaply with 103K miles. Welded in new floor pans; replaced the top; redid the leather seats; installed Dynamat and jute under new carpeting (that I cut and installed from a roll); redid the exhaust system; replaced the fuel pump; and did some other smaller things like door cards and speakers, the clutch system, and intake tubes. All that said, I don’t find it to be a particularly fun car to drive as I thought that I would. It’s about as comfortable as my 65 AH 3000 MkIII to drive (not a compliment). Perhaps I’m spoiled by my 2006 Miata and 90 XJS convertible. Both are much more comfortable and roadable. And if it’s not a convertible, my 84 RX7-GSL is a nicer ride. I really wanted to like my Alfa, I’m not feeling it.
Good response. I was with Mazda corp when Miata launched & the target was a roadster with great driving & reliability. Both accomplished. That said I’ve owned 3 Alfas over the years, a Berlinetta, boat tail spider & last generation spider. All great fun to drive but all required work to keep road worthy. That’s part of owning Italian machines.
Despite the mileage, it seems to have been well maintained, so this looks like a great car. Sold for $3,800, a bargain.
Located in: Aliso Viejo, California
I thought only the Chevy Chevette Scooter 2 seater had no door armrests.
sold on Mon, Aug 12 at 3:03 PM
US $3,800.00
29 bids
Seller has relisted item
https://www.ebay.com/itm/145950439075
sold on Tue, Aug 20 at 6:30 PM.
US $5,100.00
17 bids
The seller has relisted this item
https://www.ebay.com/itm/145950439075
This listing was ended by the seller on Wed, Aug 21 at 8:49 AM because the item is no longer available.
US $0.99
0 bids