CALIFORNIACLASSIX 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider 2000

Introduced in 1966 and designed by Pininfarina, the Alfa-Romeo Spider is a living legend, a true automobile icon.

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Everything about it is race-car quality. Even 53 years ago it came equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes, 5-speed close ratio transmission, a steel-sleeved aluminum engine with 7.5-quart oil volume, and a sport exhaust that emanates pure mechanical music.

If you like a Ferrari 275 Convertible but lack the discretionary funds to buy one, consider the Alfa Romeo Spider.

This particular one, built in March of '76, is a super rare bird on this side of the pond. Lacking a catalytic coverter, it was exempt from registration in California. Period. Now, a few decades later, things have changed, and this one is as pure as a US Spider can be, and, let's admit it, it's darn sexy as well!

Motorvation comes from a 2.0-liter inline 4, fed by a Spica fuel injection. We've been driving Alfa Spiders since the 1970s, but we've never encountered one that can rev from 1,500rpm to nirvana without the hint of a hiccup. Yes, Webers are cool, but fuel injection clearly has its advantages as well.

Bottom of engine and transmission are as neat, clean and dry as the engine bay itself.

A rust free specimen from Arizona, the car's exterior recently underwent a complete, proessional and very expensive refinish -- in its original rosso farina -- to an exceptionally high standard. There are no blemishes -- such as dings, scrapes, chips -- to be found, the paint surface and coachwork being extremely smooth.
Factory black convertible top is in fine condition and very easy to raise or lower.

Alfa Romeo's coachwork looks stunning. Truly show-quality.

Factory Campagnolo alloys are amazingly well preserved.

Alfas' black interior looks upscale and sporting. Elegant three-spoke, wood-rimmed steering wheel remains immaculate. All switches and lights work flawlessly, even heater and fan, and the melodious horn, too. There are a couple - seemingly unavoidable - splits on the dash.

Strikingly detailed console. Perfect placement of shifter for the 5-speed manual.

Alfa's marvelous Jaeger instruments are a joy to behold. The 53,449 miles shown on odometer are believed to be original.

Black leatherette buckets feature the original upholstery, presenting fabulously.

Amazingly well preserved, black rubber mats grace the floors. Note the top-hinged pedals, introduced in 1969.

Looking sharp!

Yup, the Alfa Spider features a rear seat. Note factory tonneau cover.

Ciao, bella!

Surprisingly large trunk. Battery resides here, too, for better weight distribution. A protective car cover is included with the sale.

Everything is neat, dry and clean. There's no corrosion to be found anywhere.

It has been said that rust is enemy #1 of any Alfa Spider. Indeed, lots of these cars have met their maker after only a few years of service, due to insurmountable corrosion problems. Incredibly perhaps, this fine Southwestern survivor, always garaged and pampered, presents itself completely rust free!

Rust free floor pans.

August 15 was another sunny day in our little seaside paradise and we were looking forward to our test drive and photo session.

Alfa's engine starts easily. You might remember the single most important thing about Italians: they like to party and need their time (and lots of Espresso) in the morning to get up to speed. So you let 'er warm up properly. Put in first, change quickly up to second, then third, and let'er roll easy for the first few miles. You are gentle, a strategy that the engine will reward with unmatched longevity.

Piloting the Italian Stallion is pure joy. The engine revs willingly to its 5800rpm redline with the velocity of a speeding bullet. No smoke, no oil leaks, no untoward noises: nothing but good news from the engine compartment!

Unbeknownst to most outside the circles of the cognoscenti, an Alfa is a serious sports car, the smaller sibling of a Sixties Ferrari convertible, to be had at a most attractive price of admission. There's simply nothing like it on the road!

Returning home, we are impressed with the Alfa's road manners. Very impressed. Here's a 40-year-old sports car that does everything right. It runs and drives flawlessly and provides endless reasons to smile. We are firm believers that these vintage Alfa Spiders are among the best bargains in the world of collectible automobiles. Finding one that's as nice as this stellar example is not that easy anymore; you might seriously consider adding it to your stable.

Link to videos on YouTube:

Walkaround

Driving it!

You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid.

Please, note that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time.

Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at 805-653-5551. TERMS OF SALE

• By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below.
• If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final.
• Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available!
  We require a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction.
• The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. License plates shown for photographic purposes only.
• You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies.
• We ship worldwide.

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