1972 Alfa Romeo Spider

Highlights

• Delightful classic Alfa
• In current ownership over 25 years
• 2000 cc twin cam engine
• Weber carbs and modified cams
• Retrimmed seats

Overview

There’s something simply irresistible about this bright red Alfa Spider. Maybe it’s the sleek lines, or the fared-in headlights, or the sweeping bonnet. It’s certainly a combination of many things. Not only does this car look supremely stylish as it sweeps along the road, but the hum of its twin-cam engine is a delight to hear.

It’s a rare 1750 Kamm tail model which has seen the engine upgraded to a 2000cc unit with Weber carbs and modified cams to make it a little bit spicier.

This car has clearly been well looked after over many years. There is a detailed history file which includes photographic records of various aspects of its maintenance, including respray work. So it is now presented in very smart order for a car now over fifty years old.

There is a document listing in minute detail the car’s maintenance from 1998 onwards, it has even had a full engine rebuild with invoices still on file.

This is the kind of car you simply fall for as soon as you see it. It needs no explanation, no justification, it speaks to the heart.

History and documentation

• Registered 1 January 1972
• Extensive collection of invoices for parts and labour, with many from Alfaholics and Classic Alfa
• Meticulously recorded service history document, with entries covering Aug 1998 to Sep 2020, totalling £10,632
• Invoices for engine rebuild carried out in 2000
• The owner tells us that it’s always been garaged in his ownership and has rarely been wet
• Collection of old MOT certificates from 1995 to 2018
• MOT and Road Tax exempt
• The last MOT expired on 16 Jun 2018
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ exempt

Interior

• The interior of this Alfa features black upholstery and matching black carpets
• The seat covers have been replaced and are in very good condition, with few signs of wear
• Even the driver’s seat bolster looks fresh
• The seller tells us that the seat foams have been replaced
• Manual seat adjusters
• The carpets are generally very good, with a little wear in the driver’s footwell
• The door cards and centre console are well presented
• Wooden-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel
• Large speedometer and tachometer directly in front of the driver
• Auxiliary instruments on the dashboard — all said to be working
• Plenty of chrome
• CD player fitted
• Two small rear seats
• Manually folding roof
• Spacious boot to the rear
• Full size spare wheel
• Spare wheel well in good condition

Exterior

• The low, sleek body of this car is a shape you will never tire of looking at
• Finished in a fabulous shade of red
• The paint appears to be very good throughout
• The front end was repainted in 2024
• There are a few small areas of micro blistering to the rear wings
• The body panels look smart
• Hood previously replaced, and remains in good order
• There is no obvious kerb damage we could see
• The front tyres are due to be replaced
• Chrome trim in good polished condition
• There are a few small dents in some of the chrome
• Fared-in headlights clear and bright
• Badges present and correct, front and rear
• The vendor informs us that the inner and outer sills were replaced in 2001 and cavity waxed so they remain in good condition

Mechanical

• 2,000 cc four-cylinder twin-cam engine with twin 40 Weber carbs
• The engine was rebuilt in the year 2000 at a cost of £2,000 and the seller informs us that the cams were upgraded to 12mm C and B cams
• Originally produced 114 bhp
• Top speed 118 mph
• Five-speed manual transmission
• Gearbox replaced in 2004, and the clutch was also replaced
• Rear-wheel drive
• The seller notes that the tachometer cable may need replacing, as it is making a noise; a replacement cable to be supplied with the car
• The camshaft cover gasket has been replaced in order to fix an oil leak, but whether this was successful remains unconfirmed
• Said to start easily — with a little more persuasion required if the car has been unused for a number of weeks
• Good engine noise and induction roar
• Programmable distributor fitted
• A starter motor relay has been fitted to protect the switch

Summary

This isn’t just an old Alfa. It’s a car which has clearly been cared for and maintained in order to be driven and enjoyed. Or you could hang it on the wall and call it art.

Whether you choose to enjoy it on the road or just to look at it, there’s a great deal to be said for the charms of this lovely roadster.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Northampton, Northamptonshire.