Nobody's Favorite: Revisiting The 1980s Alfa Romeo Spider

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Presented in 1966 and produced until 1993, the classic Spider enjoyed the longest production run in Alfa Romeo's history, during which the model changed remarkably little. But if you ask people about their favourite Alfa Spider, hardly anyone will mention the 1980s models.
Yet, due to these Spiders being those that were current when I was little, or probably due to the widespread 1980s influences that pervade pop culture lately, I'm finding myself increasingly drawn to these less-regarded Spiders.
The Spider "Aerodinamica" was presented in March 1983 at the Geneva Motor Show, but the idea behind the new Spider's more aggressive appearance originated from a prototype presented by Pininfarina nine years prior, at the 1974 Barcelona Motor Show.
With their upper surface sporting a satin aluminium finish, the Spider's new plastic bumpers added 150mm to the car's length. The tail panel was painted black on all models and complemented by a chunky plastic spoiler and larger taillight clusters. However, hardly anything changed under the Spider's skin: Alfa's twin-cam inline-four engines were carried over unaltered, together with the rest of the car's running gear.
#alfaromeo #classiccars #1980s
My articles on Medium: / membership
My automotive books:
Lancia Gamma Berlina & Coupé 1976 - 1984
ENGLISH: www.amazon.com/dp/B09TN45L8Q
ITALIAN: www.amazon.it/dp/B09YVJRKH6
Six Appeal - The Story Of The Alfa 6
www.amazon.com/dp/1793931046
Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 - La Storia 1979-1987 (ITALIAN)
www.amazon.it/dp/B0BHT3PCC7
Alfa Romeo Giulietta - The Story 1977 - 1985
ENGLISH: www.amazon.com/dp/1983393746
ITALIAN: www.amazon.it/dp/B098GVJ7RK
Alfa Romeo Arna - The Full Story 1980 - 1987 www.amazon.com/dp/1656632500

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10 июн 2023

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Комментарии : 247

@chrisfreemesser5707 Год назад

Ya know, I live in New York state where winter lasts 6 months and I still see a Spider now and again when the weather is nice and the classic cars come out of hiding. Even with its big US-spec bumpers and plastic trim they still look better than 95% of the cars on our roads...

@user-oe1mb9hu9i Год назад

That is true. It is also true of MOST non american cars ... LOL. BUT; I know what you mean. I owned one (1990 model) for many years and although the styling was great, the performance was ridiculous and the gearbox was a joke. The guy says it - this car is best observed from far far away ... (4:02) LOL. So true. 5:33 - Collectors call character all the defaults of this car ! This car should have stopped being produced in the 60's it's so bad. It would have been excellent back then but already old in the 70's.

@nlpnt Год назад

They probably were summer-use-only cars from new. Sort of like how you'll occasionally see a K-car, early Chevy Cavalier or even AMC/Renault Alliance convertible long after the tintops rusted back into the earth.

@geraldsmith7240 Год назад

Bravos! 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

@jaydenbrockington4525 Год назад

Also from Ny. There seem to be a lot of them the closer you get to NYC

@georgebettiol8338 Год назад

@@user-oe1mb9hu9i Based on your comment in relation to the gearbox, I can only assume that your Spider's transmission was in very poor condition. I own several 105 series Alfas and I consider the transmission, which includes the gear change, to be smooth and a joy to operate - i.e. a highlight of the car.

@pushijaswant6617 Год назад

The “redesigned dashboard….looked less attractive while addressing none of the models ergonomic shortcomings” and “being a 1980’s AR built by Pininfarina, the level of fit and finish rivals the best of Ladas”. What absolutely brilliant script writing.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Glad you appreciated it, thank you! :)

@philpaxton2078 6 месяцев назад

Several humorous gems in this video. Very enjoyable.

@gordonkachuk5457 28 дней назад

I owned a 1974 AR Spider 2000 Euro version, which I think was the prettiest with the headlight covers and small bumpers. In those days they were one of the most capable roadsters available.

@rdsattube 6 месяцев назад

Had a 1991 and wife had a BMW Z3. The spider’s performance was outclassed by the Z3 in every category, but the Alfa was more fun to drive. I miss it.

@carykarnstadt4606 5 месяцев назад

I purchased a new Spider Veloce in 1985. It was my first Alfa and will always be my most favorite car to this day! Black exterior and interior. I wish I had it back!

@Matteo_Licata 5 месяцев назад

Cool!

@user-kt6bz5um7m 8 месяцев назад

Please make a video about the FIAT 128. I owned one, bought new, in the US, in the early 1970s and thought it was a remarkable design and wonderful car.

@Matteo_Licata 8 месяцев назад

I've long wanted to cover the 128, a seminal chapter of Fiat's history. But it never happened because I haven't yet managed to film one. Maybe one day!

@francescotenti193 Год назад

I bought a Spider, Alfa red of course!, in 1988 and still have it and love it to death. Just over 100,000 miles and no issues except for the water pump failure at age 26. I have no problems to go Upstate New York for several 100's miles trips and those twisty roads are a real pleasure. Minimal oil burning and the synchro of 2nd gear is gone, they all do that. No reliability issues whatsoever. Trunk space is very generous and so is leg room, I'm 6'1" and fit with no problems. Great little car, a lot of fun to drive, fast? No, no these days but nothing like that little "bialbero" singing while going up and down the gears on those twisty roads. A keeper!

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Wow, thank you for sharing your ownership experience, which is all the more interesting given you bought it new and still have it; that's great!

@user-fi9bq5rr5t Год назад

I have owned an 82 Spyder for 9 years now. I removed 278 pounds from the car and I've added 52 hp. suspension upgrades make it a formidable street car, I love the way it looks and it is truly a head turner every where it goes,

@francescotenti193 7 месяцев назад

How have you added 52 hp?

@pghtile8069 2 месяца назад

Yeah please do tell!!!

@hagenkleemann7309 Год назад

Even the original Spider (and its 70s and 80s descendents) was a moviestar and is maybe one if not THE best known Alfa Romeo in the Non-Alfisti-World, I still think that designwise the real bang was what AR came up with next: The 916 was and still is such a courageous and unique effort.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Oh yes, the Spider got plenty of screen time in the 80s in movies and TV shows, which sure made most people aware of Alfas. Love the 916 too, as you've said, it was a strikingly bold, modern design that's standing the test of time very well

@garycollard1981 Год назад

I had a 916 V6, loved it. There were actually elements of the body design I wasn't actually keen on but taken as a whole it worked well as a very individual and stylish car.

@harryhazza626 10 месяцев назад

@@Matteo_Licatawhat do you think of the 939 spider ?

@MaureenTansey 4 месяца назад

i bought my 86 in 86 and i still love it more than any car i have ever driven! go alfa

@studiocalder818 Месяц назад

How can I not agree with you? Same goes for my '69 GTJ purchased in '83

@tobiasgoeller6592 2 месяца назад

i have a 1984 dual solex spider.... it is exactly how you describe it... lada build quality but still a fascinating car to drive. not for everyday use.... and yes, some things are annoying. but if you keep onn top of the maintenance its probably one of the cars that give you the least sorrows at all. and the engine is just a dream.

@ibanmayo2 Год назад

My favourite was the dissolving 1974, 2 litre, Australian delivered Spider. Rust always a problem, but what a driving experience. Sold it when the children came along but would have one in a heartbeat if I had the funds. The lines, the dashboard, the ride, the sound and that fantastic gearbox. Never experienced anything like it.

@Uvray Год назад

I had a 1989 2.0 model, which I kept for 5 years (This was 2004 - 2009). It was a great car and attracted a lot of attention when I took it out.

@simonelliott5956 Год назад

I grew up with the 80’s cars here in the UK and have always thought they were under appreciated compared to the early cars. I really love the last version of the car and worked on a few back when they were new, installing alarms, stereos and even car phones. It would have to be one from the last crop that I would buy, as like you say, it brought some of the elegance back to life and was a fitting final edition.

@studiocalder818 Год назад

Years ago I bought a first series Aerodinamica (duck tail), less expensive, good conditions but with small defects, to use it without too much respect and attention, to be left open without problems when you stop. Over time I appreciate it more and more

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Very cool! I enjoyed my first Miata the same way many years ago, making great memories with it!

@raufsahin334 Год назад

I love all of the Spiders Models....😎😎😘

@alastairwatson3201 Год назад

I’m not sure if you’re glamorous or not, Matteo. You are, however, quite the hot shot when it comes to quality videos on Italian cars!

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Thank you!!! :)

@BanjoLuke1 Год назад

The Spider was rare in the UK.... All Spiders were rare here. This update (Aerodinamica) arrived not long after I had started to drive, so it did grab my attention. I had nowhere near the money necessary to buy or run even the scruffiest Spider, but these models were way beyond my dreams in '83 and '84. In the UK it was (in the language of the time) a car for successful women in TV and advertising, on and around Charlotte Street. I am not sure I saw a man driving one of these late Spiders in the UK when they were current, but if I'd had the cash I like to think I would have bucked that trend. Despite the "older model snobbery" of the classic car craze that blew prices up on the later 80s, this model of Spider would have done me just fine. Another good video about a car that deserves better. 😊

@DildaNick 5 месяцев назад

My father still has his Aeroinamica from 1983 in mint conditions. I think it is unrightfully underestimated as I consider it the most aggressive and most efficient model. It's a 41-year-old classic that still makes people turn their heads.

@studiocalder818 Месяц назад

Agree, infact I appreciate the first version of the third series more than the fourth. I have one by the way 😊

@neilstephen2282 Год назад

I had a 1967 1300 GT Junior Spider. What an awesome little car it was

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Cool. I drove a '67 1300 Junior many years ago in a very scenic part of Italy, and that's still a cherished memory of mine

@upscalebohemian5372 9 месяцев назад

I drove a 1989 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce in the rare Vinaccia Red metallic for 15 happy years. It was rock solid reliable (finally [not so with my friend's 1987 car]). The only issue I had was the driver's door needed adjustment every time I took it in for routine maintenance, and the air conditioner worked but couldn't cope with anything above mid-90s. I'd still have it today but I wanted to reclaim the garage space.

@Matteo_Licata 9 месяцев назад

That was a lovely color indeed, cool!

@geraldsmith7240 Год назад

1987 Was The Best! Perfect! Mine Was Buttery Smooth At Any Speed, Strong Engine, Flawless Handling, And The Perfume Of The Supple Soft Italian Leather, Was Flawless. I Loved Mine! Old World Styling, With Some New Modification That Year. Flawless! ❤️🤍💚🧡💛💙

@drewsimpson5967 6 месяцев назад

It would be great to see you interviewing Sandro Munari, Matteo. Taking the trip to see the great man in a big hitting Lancia. That would be a great direction to take your channel.

@canary_in_a_coalmine 9 месяцев назад

I’ve owned a ‘79 Spider 2000 Veloce for more than 20 years, as a second car for sunny days, but lately I had too little opportunity to take it for a spin and eventually sold it for more than twice what I paid for it back then. Someday I might regret it. But this model Spider to me was the best looking Spider design. Lots of chrome and plenty of roooaaarrr!!

@leifentreprenadjuridik6603 Год назад

You have to love the Duck tail spider, my 1983 azurro blue duck tail is a showstopper at any car meeting.

@studiocalder818 Год назад

😉 Love it Sport, elegance, desire to host girls in the passenger seat

@MicrobyteAlan Год назад

Truly a classic car. Thanks 👍

@romanpaladino Год назад

This is the model that made me fall in love with Alfas. There was a dealership on the way to school and I would see them through the window, as beautiful as can be. One day I picked up a brochure for the 1987 models. It had the Spiders in all their trims and specs as well as the Milanos (known in the rest of the world as the 75). My mom could never afford to buy one as they were quite pricey, and impractical for a family car. So I just kept the brochure as a bookmark and would look at it once in while, mostly if I was bored in class. Eventually when I got my license I ended up buying a '75 Fiat Spider. I was pretty happy with it, though sometimes I would see an Alfa Spider, still looking quite new, and get a bit jealous. Oh, and that chunky plastic spoiler that everyone seems to hate, at the time I thought it looked quite good, very sporty.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Cool. The Fiat Spider drives very well too, some would say better than the Alfa too. At home I have a 1986 US brochure that still has the GTV6 in it too.

@zubairhaffejee1707 4 месяца назад

It's a good looking car, one of my favourites, nice to drive aswell but my favorite Spider is the 750 series Giulietta Spider Veloce, it's a car that I need and want 😊

@garypelled6243 9 месяцев назад

My 74 Spider looks good at any angle, any distance. Beautiful machines.

@skipwrightson4742 7 месяцев назад

I drive an 88 spider quadrifoglio . I've owned since 2015. And other than replacing a fuel pump, I've never had a serious problem with it . unlike vintage British sports cars I've owned, it starts every time. Here in the desert southwest United States, rust is not an issue. And for a 35 year old design, it still turns head's. It has its quirks, And although not a performance car by modern standards it's still huge fun to drive. Nothing sounds better than the exhaust note of an italian car while cruising on a twisty mountain road with the top down on a beautiful day. In my opinion, they're underrated (and still affordable)

@Matteo_Licata 7 месяцев назад

Cool! I fully agree!

@michaelvanwinkle7919 6 месяцев назад

I owned and drove a 1957 Guiletta Spider and loved it. However, my favorite Alfa is the Sprint Speciale!

@Matteo_Licata 6 месяцев назад

The Speciale is gorgeous, I agree!

@Matteo_Licata 6 месяцев назад

The Speciale is gorgeous, I agree!

@arthuralford Год назад

I still like the last update. It smoothed out the odd looking bumpers, the spoiler looked more integrated, and gave the car a great send off. Though the hard top was ugly, and the interior update could have been better (lots), it's still a car I can look at and wish I had

@studiocalder818 Год назад

My preference list: 1- Coda tronca (with plexiglass headlight cover!) 2- Duetto osso di seppia 3- Aerodinamica mk1 4- last update 5- Aerodinamica mk2

@MS940 6 месяцев назад

Super Matteo! I have learned so much from your videos. I hope you will still make new videos!

@Matteo_Licata 6 месяцев назад

Thank you very much! I can't promise I'll make new ones soon, as securing cars to film and making time between my growing commitments has been challenging. But I'm glad you got some value out of my vids, that's the thing that matters for me :)

@simonhodgetts6530 Год назад

I saw a series 2 Spider just today!

@michaeljoesmith3977 Год назад

Benjamin Braddock racing in his red Alfa Spider to rescue the love of his life Elaine in The Graduate. That scene is what I think of when I see an Alfa Spider.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

And for good reason :)

@gringoloco5989 Год назад

I have from many years à 2.0 l. Spider Aerodinamica, I'm now more than 70 years old but it's always a particular pleasure to drive it. Almost everything is now new, engine, gearbox, transmission, suspension, steering, ignition, etc, etc, etc... and this car has still a fantastic potential and is able to make crazy teenagers with GTI or bigger on small curvy roads. You have only to know how...

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Cool! Thank you for sharing, and hope you'll keep enjoying your Spider for many more years!

@AlisonAZ Год назад

I had a 1971 Spider that was remarkably dependable. It had no plastic add-ons. I miss it.

@tired261 Год назад

Great video. I have an S3 and have always thought the design was like the 80s doing the 60s. It is admittedly clunkier than the S4 which is well executed and not as elegant as S1 and S2 but the quirky S3 looks have grown on me. At least for the US market, S3 is one of few vintage car options whose values haven't completely skyrocketed and remains attainable for most. Which means I can get out and enjoy my car which is what it's all about!

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Thank you and I totally agree with you!

@dipling.pitzler7650 Год назад

Although the Aerodynamica was never popular with dyed in the wool Alfisti, I for one like it more than the original but feminine Osso di Seppia model!

@studiocalder818 Год назад

You are right. First series a masterpiece, anyway, but I don't appreciate its too little inclined windshield

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

That's an original opinion and I appreciate it, and I totally see a younger generation of enthusiasts preferring the later cars

@dipling.pitzler7650 Год назад

@@Matteo_Licata You made a very good point that our design taste often is influenced by the styling era we were teenagers in. I see the Osso di seppia in the tradition of the Disco Volante ( early 50ies) an the Aerodynamica in the Coda Trunca early 70ies (Pontiac Firebird, Alfetta GTV) tradition. Kudos to Pininfarina that managed to secretly 🙂transform the car! But I think that good taste always notices remarkable design and that a good designer has to be able to create remarkable design independent of the style dominating at the time, therefore able to create something totally new, at best as if plucked from the heavens.The only designer I can think of who managed this was Marcello Gandini with the Miura, Carabo, Countach and Stratos with totally contradictory styling as if summoned from another dimension. Truly a design genius!

@pghtile8069 2 месяца назад

The damn car is just pretty. If I had a garage I’d get one. Oh and I’d likely need a decent mechanic but details details.

@studiocalder818 Год назад

I must say that over time I have fully appreciated the aerodynamics of the FIRST series (mk1), with the magnificent dashboard and steering wheel with a truncated tail and the sheet metal not covered by the plastic of the second series (mk2). Over time it has surpassed even the last in my preferences

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Yes, the earlier dashboard is the one to have, I agree!

@phildem414 Год назад

My favorite, i love the big square rear light and the spoilers. To me it is like a GTI version duetto

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Yeah, especially the Quadrifoglio is very GTi-style, with the red carpet inside too!

@slicedbread9003 2 месяца назад

My favorite spider, the early '60's Guilia. I liked the Duetto Spiders. The rear, although long and vulnerable, looked like it fit the rest of the body. The Kamm tail was more practical but just looked like someone took a knife to the clay form. As far as how the cars drove and what they were like to live with, aside from emissions hiccups, the later cars are generally better than the earlier cars. So a Pinninfarina Spider, while not as pretty as the earlier model years, would be way better to live with.

@4uh8rz2nv 11 месяцев назад

I was just contacted by a guy who has 3 of these. He wants me to do some work on them and I was thinking about doing a channel just for them. They seem to be a popular little car. Cool video bro.

@Matteo_Licata 11 месяцев назад

Thank you! Sounds like a channel I'd like to watch, indeed!

@user-yo7dp1mo7q Год назад

We bought a 916TS from 1996 seven years ago, and I still think this revolution from the older Spider was drastic, necessary, and successful. But the 1966 was revolutionary at its time as well. However, I love my often underrated phase 1 916… :-)

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

The 916 has now become a classic in its own right, and I only see it growing in appreciation in the future, deservedly so

@Dandy1Y Год назад

We have bought a Spider QV in 1986 and it is with 114000 km still in our collection. Happy to drive this nice car in best condition thanks to our Garage Pagano AG.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Great 👍

@bicyclist2 Год назад

I've loved this car since first seeing one back in the 80's. The version shown here is the version I love best. I'd want one in red or yellow with a tan interior but not black. I hope to own one some day. Thank you.

@alaricbragg7843 Год назад

Had a book featuring one when I was 8. Looked awesome. Many thanks to Dustin Hoffman and Joanna Lumley!

@aangellotti508 Год назад

I have an '86 that I bought in 2018. Love the car. Drives well and attracts a lot of attention. I understand why it may not be the favourite of the 4 series, but it's awesome none the less.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

It sure is! Congratulations!

@user-nh2ce2lt3h 8 месяцев назад

Yo Piasano, per favore a 128 video..? I was a teenager in California when I fell in love with all things Fiat, Lancia, Alfa. If you have time, the 131, 128 & sp, The Betas we got then also deserve some video history. Grazie per tutti.. and keep up the good work! (federico)

@Matteo_Licata 8 месяцев назад

I'd love to cover all the cars you've mentioned. It didn't happen simply because I never had the chance to film a clean example of any of these models

@drewsimpson5967 7 месяцев назад

Evening, Matteo. It would be great to see you taking several Alfas/ Lancias/ Fast Fiats through Italy in a series on here. I'm sure you would do that very well, teaming up with a suitable action filmmaker.

@mzungusi Год назад

You'll always be a glamorous hotshot in my minds eye. I've always loved the Spider. If I had a driveway and a garage I'd probably have one there right now.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Me too! Thank you :)

@forestghost7 10 месяцев назад

grazie Matteo! I owned 3 Spiders, 2 GTVeloce 2000s, a Montreal and my Mom had a Alfetta Berlina automatico. terrible rust buckets all of them 🤬. but the driving joy was worth all the problems

@yandenuts Год назад

Absolutely beautiful. Yes, amazing the change in personality, ego, when sitting behind the wheel on an Alfa Romeo. Past was a 1976 Alfetta 1.8, now, after 40 years, just acquired a wonderful 2 litre 147. I am not only obsessed, but in love with the feel, the look and the psyche.. Bellisimo! Excuse the speling.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Well said, and thank you for your appreciation! Alfas really do get under your skin when you drive'em...

@araknd Год назад

I have owned two of these, a 1982 Spider Veloce and a 1986 Spider Quadrifolio and the 86 was my favorite.

@jami7772 Год назад

Yes the series 1 (boat tail ?) and series 4. Both in Racing Green (not sure of the exact colour name) with biscuit interior.

@julianoverall6575 Год назад

The original Alfa Spider in all its guises is one of the most beautiful cars ever made, IMO. I'd love to have one...maybe one day.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Couldn't agree more!

@Pat_RickX Год назад

My choice would be a Fastback, painted in "119 GIALLO PROTOTIPO". I absolutely agree - the Aerodinamicas from the 80s are underrated. They offer great driving Pleasure, still have that typical AR Flavour. It' s 80s Style, so why not ? Fine Video again, Matteo.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Thank you! Yes, I love the Giallo Prototipo, it suited those 70s Spiders and love the backstory of it too

@jacopofbargellini4005 Год назад

I have a 1971 1300 Junior and i must say the best part is not only the exterior but the interior, when you drive you have a real '60 dashboard, kinda of a small Ferrari interior black and Chrome and not the anonymous plastic and bulky dashboars of the aerodynamic series. i would never change mine for a more powerful all plastic quadrifoglio. Only version acceptable is the 1983 series with old interiors, but then again nothing to do with the coda tronca. Finally, although the original 1966 is the best design ever, the coda tronca till 1982 is the best balance between beauty and usability, given is more modern than the osso di seppia in the mechanics, the windshield and the soft top closing mechanism, and has much more availabilty of cheap spare parts. With mine I have been everywhere in Europe from Switzerland to Palermo, from Venice to Biarritz, from Barcelona till Tarifa and even Morocco. 100.000 km of pure joy

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

I agree with you the older dashboard is the one to have!

@TheInstructor66 Год назад

Great video again, Matteo!👍🏻 The Duetto is my favorite of the 105-spiders. We have to remember that the design-cues of the Spider dates back to the Alfa Romeo Superflow (i think it was the IV from 1960). So its actually a older design than 1966.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Thank you! Yes, I know the origins of the Duetto's design, and I mentioned the Superflow in a previous video, in which I've charted the history of the Spider: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-n303fagE7qo.html

@ramarren Год назад

My first Spider was a 1971 Spider 1750 Veloce which I pretty much left stock and drove all over the place. That was in and around 1975. Roll forward to the late 1990s and three things happened: A friend had a '78 Spider 2000 that she'd stopped driving for silly reasons .. she sold it to me, I shaped it up, and started driving it. Then I found an '82 Spider 2000 that had been sitting in a field for a while, the owner was happy to get rid of it. It had the Bosch engine. Then, once more, I found a '79 sitting at the far end of the parking lot at work that hadn't moved in a long time. The maintenance people at the office were about to tow it to a junker, I asked them to wait and reached in, found the paperwork in the glovebox. I called the owner ... he didn't want it any more and sent me the title. Four months later the '78 I'd been driving got bashed very hard by an errant driver on the way to work. I had all three towed up to my mechanic's place where the best bits were stripped and merged into one car. A little development on that, and I had my last Alfa Romeo Spider, named "FrankenSpider" of course, and drove it from about 1999 to about 2005. It was always a rough car, painted a screaming bright yellow, but it ran great and carried me many miles. 2005 I sold it to help fund a new business I was starting, and the guy who bought it from me I saw driving it several times over the next few years. My favorite Spider was/is the '71 1750. Tuned properly, fitted with Koni shocks and decent tires on some light alloy rims, to my eye the prettiest of the batch and the sweetest engine to rip along with. The 2000s are torquier and faster, but not as sweet...

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Thank you for sharing these cool memories with me, much appreciated!

@robertmenghini.Lambomad Год назад

My favourite is the boat tail. Thanks again for your brilliant video! Come to the UK and see my collection of Classic Fiat's

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Thank you! Well, I'm actually coming to the UK in July and, even though I won't be staying very long, I'd like to meet local viewers of the channel... We'll see!

@domtoni4567 Год назад

My favorite model is the 1966 version, along with the 1750 replica. I first remember them via Quattroroute while in Italy that year.

@commandertopgun 10 месяцев назад

STUNNING SPIDER ALFA ROMEO--LOVE IT , BUYING ONE

@istvanburuzs9843 Год назад

I am a proud owner of a 84 Aerodynaica 2.0, carbureted one. Mine is yet with the classic 2+3 dial dashbord and a wooden Hellebore steering wheel. I love ever cm of the car, much more than series 2 (coda tronca) ur serie ultima…

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Love these earlier S3 models, with the early interior and the wooden wheel, perfect! Congratulations!

@robertamoyaw8812 9 месяцев назад

I remember being a six year old boy in the early '70s who could not understand why people didn't think the Alpha Spider was the most beautiful n aerodynamic car in the world 😂 I still love this car but am no longer that naive to think it's the most aerodynamic car in the world 😂

@jeffreybernard7677 Год назад

Loved my Alfa 164.

@davidsherrick898 Год назад

I owned an 88, 89, and currently have a 1986 Veloce, still love them, not the fastest Alfa, or by any means for other European cars. Still fun to put the top down and cruise! I personally like 1986-1990 best. But like the analog clock in the newer models. Anyways great video as always!

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Cool. Glad you enjoyed the video! Yes, performance really doesn't matter with these cars; it's just so nice to cruise around

@keeperofthelostpipe Год назад

What a nice coincidence to find this clip right after coming home from the spaitalia show (with quite a few spiders on display). Excellent video (as usual) that seeks beyond the "homecoming-queen"-classics. I've always had a soft spot for the underdogs, and the spoiler-spider is no exception. Only problem : since they're less coveted, they seem to get less care from their owners... 🙄 big plus over the S4 : webers instead of injection!

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Thank you! Yes, I do fancy underdog stories, as you can probably guess by the cars I've chosen as my books' subjects. In my time, I've seen Spiders of all series being bodged badly, particularly body repairs. One must check potential purchases very thoroughly indeed, as shiny Alfa Red paint all too often hides a terrible backstory...

@JK061996 Год назад

It's probably a coincidence but your thumbnail perfectly matches the one of _driving 4 answers'_ last video, which is right below in my feed

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

It sure is a coincidence, as I'm not even aware of that channel. I'm curious now though, I'll go check it out :)

@robertgranafei2781 Год назад

I owned 2 of them back in the 80s. They were a true sports car. I always felt they were what an Austin-Healthy was trying to be. And yes I owned a A-H 3000, so I think the comparison is a fair one. Truly a great little sports car. Hard the left leg in LA traffic but great fun on the open road.

@georgebettiol8338 Год назад

I admire the looks of the Austin-Healey 3000, however it's ride was harsh and drove like a late 50s sports car . A closer competitor to the Alfa Spider was the Jensen-Healey that was introduced in 1972 with the delightful dual overhead cam Lotus 16-valve engine that used some Vauxhall components. Whilst the Jensen-Healey's engine was great it's styling was - lets say - less convincing.

@Docinaplane Год назад

Had a red Alpha Romeo Spider in the early 80s. It had a wooden dash. Fun car that I eventually replaced with the original Miata.

@rabit818 Год назад

The Spider was my aspirational car. The 1990s last version is my favorite. The lines were less dramatic and I liked the hardtop option.

@ofirs5830 2 месяца назад

Hope all is well. Miss your videos.

@pklimbic Год назад

I especially like the swimming pool color.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

That's "turchese metallizzato", and I agree it looks good, probably better now than it did in period

@hoover2501 Год назад

I think that hands-down the most beautiful spider was the first, the Duetto. My family owned two Alfas, a 71 1750 Veloce coupe(still in the family and somewhat restored) and a1975 Alfetta, sadly gone. I should also mention that I managed to save my father's BMW 2800cs that still runs today though a little rusty in spots. And because I was brought up with such cool cars I also have a 1995 Mazda Miata, The heir apparent to the Alfa Spider. And the dealer that sold those Alfa Romeos is still around in Larchmont New York. The infamous Alfredo's foreign cars. Grazie Matteo Con tanto affetto, Marcello

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Cool! Great that you've managed to keep these cars around, well done! I've owned all four generations of the Miata, so I'm a big fan of those too. Thank you for your appreciation!

@GiuseppeLeopizzi Год назад

"Me stavo a preoccupa'" but luckily Roadster Life is back!

@punchperformances Год назад

Nice & cool 4life!!❤

@AlbertManiscalco Год назад

I like the first and the last the best. I would love to get the last version and put the last version of the Busso in it and set it off with some nice wheels and a six speed out of a Miata and some proper modern brakes for a summer daily driver. I think if they had put the Busso in it at some point it would’ve been more relevant at the end of its life. I also think they look much better with covered lenses over the headlights

@georgebettiol8338 Год назад

All versions of the Alfa Spider were fitted with the Alfa Nord engine of various capacities - an engine that was designed by Giuseppe Busso and appeared for the first time in 1954. When you state: "if they had put the Busso in it at some point" - are you are referring to the Alfa 2.0 Twin Spark that was fitted to the Alfa 75 or the V6?

@AlbertManiscalco Год назад

@@georgebettiol8338 obviously i meant the V6

@nuno_milk Год назад

Difficult to say. Everybody tend to say the 105 Duetto, but not me. And it's not because I own a 1988 2.0 Aerodinamica. I'm from 1977, so that means I started to love cars during the 1980's. Just love that chunky spoiler. It makes it one of the most original Spiders ever.

@Nathan-ms9ko 10 месяцев назад

The 90s version is, for my money, the one I would buy. The bumper integration is much nicer than the 80s version. The cars also have enough modern touches to be drivable where I live (AC) which you can't say about the earlier chrome bumper cars.

@Matteo_Licata 10 месяцев назад

I can see your point, indeed!

@paullacey2999 Год назад

I love them no matter what😍

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Me too. I love all Spiders, each one for a different reason

@keithmiller5913 2 месяца назад

My favourite spyder was the 101 but they're money now...

@paulbugoni2846 10 месяцев назад

Grande video Matteo! Two weeks ago today I was at the Alfa Museo at Arese. Looking for a spider/GTV-6….

@Matteo_Licata 10 месяцев назад

Glad you enjoyed the video, and good luck with your research for a Spider/GTV

@angeloavanti2538 Год назад

I liked them all but the 'boat tail' was just a great look.

@benzinapaul7416 Год назад

Great video. I love the Series 3 cars as I also grew up with them. The QV though is probably the nadir of Spider 105 design but the regular Aerodinamica is a great looking car especially with the 5 spoke Cromodoras. The early cars with the twin cowl dash and carbs would be my pick but I wouldn't say no to a later car with injection and the new dash. Am I alone in preferring the Series 3 to the Series 4 - for me the S4 is a facelift too far, when it came out I preferred it but now a Metallic Dark Blue S3 on carbs with a Cuio or Rosso interior is my pick. Great video as always. Grazie

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Yeah, five-spoke alloys, the older dash and the wood rim wheel would be my favourite S3 too. But given the choice, I'd still have either an S2 or an S4 over it. Glad you enjoyed the video!

@Tourist1967 Год назад

I generally don't like bright colours...but there is something about red leather upholstery.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

As I wrote at some point in the video, the car's upholstery is not original. The car's interior was black vinyl, but the owner had it redone to his taste... Which looks rather nice, even though it's not factory

@dimitriosdimogianopoulos6738 Год назад

That's a tough one: I really appreciate the coda tronca, but I would probably go for an S4, if I had the chance of finding a rust-free example...p.s. beautiful work Matteo, keep up the good work

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Thank you! Here in Italy, the later S4 models are generally rust-free (but not always!) due to their younger age and the fact that most examples led cosseted lives since new. But I imagine that's not the case in colder, damper climates!

@Brisbane2024 9 месяцев назад

My favourite Spider is the Fastback ❤

@Matteo_Licata 9 месяцев назад

Mine too!

@67GTV Год назад

I owned a 1981 Spider, my 2nd Spider and 1 of 4 Alfas I've owned. I call the 80 & 81 U.S. Spiders "bastard years" because they had the odd bulbous intake plenums, as Alfa was transitioning from SPICA to Bosch fuel injection. 😁🍀

@Niro.C Год назад

I LOVE the Spider, and my favorite is the Serie IV in the 1992-1993 US spec with bright leather, driver airbag, a ZF automatic 3-speed gearbox that make the dashboard looks way better.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Having driven a Series IV, I can see your point. The ZF automatic actually isn't the heresy many think it is. After all, those spiders were stylish cruisers, not tire-smoking performance cars, so a slushbox makes sense.

@nlpnt Год назад

@@Matteo_Licata Still, at least up to about 2010 buying any Italian car with an automatic is a bit like ordering chicken in a seafood restaurant.

@leonardocilento786 9 месяцев назад

Hi Matteo, missing your videos... hope you are doing fine🙏🙏🙏

@Matteo_Licata 9 месяцев назад

I'm doing well, thank you! RU-vid has taken a back seat as I'm concentrating more on the writing commissions and teaching job I have. I don't know when I'll make new videos, I haven't decided yet

@leonardocilento786 9 месяцев назад

@@Matteo_Licatacertainly you don't need justifications! Job and health are the priority, the rest is just for fun😉 Nice to hear you're ok, hoping for a comeback! Bye :)

@mattbettany1174 Год назад

I think you and I are a similar age Matteo and appreciate the good old 80s . I must admit I do like the later model Spiders , perhaps as its financially in my reach compared to an early Duetto 😀

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Turned 40 last year, so I'm about the same age as these "aerodynamic" Spiders :) Even though prices have risen lately, 80s Spiders remain great value in my opinion. How's going with your Alfasud Sprint?

@tsangdennis1953 6 месяцев назад

The way you talked was like your were telling a ghost story !

@MW-gi1tr Год назад

My favorite has always been the 84 spider. Best dash and steering wheel

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Yes I do prefer the older dash too!

@william-131 11 месяцев назад

Are you still doing video’s? I miss your great RU-vid content.

@Matteo_Licata 11 месяцев назад

I'm still going to upload new stuff, but I'm done with the weekly schedule, as my current and future commitments make it untenable. I'll make a new video as soon as I have cool new footage and a good story to go with it. Thank you very much for your appreciation!

@enricocontardo3186 Год назад

The series 4. I have 1993 in yellow (original paint) and I believe it's the colour which most suits it - I'm biased of course.

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Ah, the pretty Giallo Ginestra, introduced for the 1992 model year. Love that shade, and I agree it suits the Spider. Congratulations!

@graemelliott3942 Год назад

My favorite Alfa spider is the 1973 2.0.

@fabiocene Год назад

Per me, rimane una delle auto più belle mai prodotte, specie la quarta serie. Solo la 2 litri è da prendere però.

@sainta2667 Год назад

Brilliant as always! Prefer the series 4 myself. Thanks Matteo

@Matteo_Licata Год назад

Cool, thanks

@martinclapton2724 Год назад

The “ original “ Spider was last imported to the UK in RHD form in 1977. There might have been some late registration models into 1978 , but from there on they were only LHD until the later early 1990s S4 edition came out. Whilst I think Pininfarina did a lovely job with the S4 styling in creating a modernised version , and particularly the rear end treatment, it was rather underpowered compared to its predecessor. Pity they did not use the Twin Spark variant of the engine as in the 75 model. So on that score, I guess my favourite will be the early - mid 1970s car.