1985 Alfa Romeo Spider

Graduate Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

zarba5411F1023480

Gasoline

This is a 1985 Spider Graduate, the first year of this commemorative model named for the 1967 movie that starred this long-running series in its initial iteration (and Dustin Hoffman in his initial iteration too). By the mid-1980s, the Spider had gained a lot of luxuries but potential buyers were crying out for a version that would get back to its more basic roots as a 1960s sports car. Out went the power windows and air conditioning (two less things to break) and the leather seats (something expensive to tear). But in appearance the car was virtually the same as the Spider Veloce (badges, wheels and mirrors the only external Graduate clues) and performance wise not a thing was changed. A star was reborn. This particular Graduate is red with black interior, the same colors as the one in the movie and the all-time classic Alfa and Pininfarina design studio combination. As the pictures document, this is a very straight car that has survived for 25 years with flying colors, enhanced by its low 69,000 miles. Its handsome lines are bolstered by the addition of fresh alloy wheels, and the tires are 15 inch (up from the stock 14) and 205 width Kumho Ecstas – which dramatically improve handling over stock. I have owned a dozen Alfas and driven many more, and this one feels like it has had performance enhancements, since it is even peppier than usual. If you have driven other Spiders you’ll agree this is one of the best out there (and if you have yet to drive one you are in for a treat on so many levels). In addition to its good looks and low mileage, this car is notable for being mechanic owned. The same Alfa tech who has kept my Alfas happy for more than 14 years owns this car and has spent the past two years ensuring that all on it is in top order… and, he will stand by his work to ensure the new owner is happy with the car. This particular Alfa is not a project, or a charity case. It is ready to drive cross-country today, or to work tomorrow, or for a weekend getaway, as suits your desires. A professionally installed roll bar adds structural rigidity to the car. Note however that like all roll bars that fit under Alfa tops, this one is on the low side for providing total protection and a person over about 5 foot 10 would not have enough clearance with their helmet on to rely on this bar for safety. Also the roll bar restricts seat travel by one notch, and keeps the seats from fully reclining. The car comes with a chrome luggage rack. This is not installed currently; you can see it in the trunk. There are tiny holes in the trunk for it that should be filled in unless the new owner reinstalls the rack. The soft top is an upgraded black cloth one (the original on the Graduate was vinyl). It is not new but still looks decent and has life left in it. (When it’s time to replace I can guide you to reasonably priced tops that look great). The paint is shiny enough to turn heads but it is not a perfect paint job. Not embarrassing but a few flaws if you look closely. Nothing that the camera could catch and nothing that you’d be called out on except in a concorso perhaps. The front spoiler under the bumper, originally body color, was repainted matte black, but otherwise the paint is correct. I am a big fan of these early Series III Spiders, made from 1983-1985. The soft spoilers are rakish, the binnacled instruments more vintage, and the wood steering wheel is simply gorgeous and immaculate. Who ever heard of a company decontenting a car… yet leaving a handmade wood steering wheel as standard equipment? Only Alfa! It has a matching though aftermarket shift knob. This first-year Graduate is distinctive for its classic appointments combined with an updated body. I would describe the interior as being in well above average condition. The vinyl seats are quite presentable, though the seams are just starting to pull in some areas and will eventually need restitched. Carpets are nice and not faded. It has a new leather shift boot. You can quickly tell that this car was garaged much of its life and treated with the care it deserved, to be this original and yet have its interior look this sharp after 25 years. The car does not have A/C. It has a functional but unimpressive CD stereo with two front speakers. And as mentioned above, this car drives just as nicely as it looks. Also this vintage of Alfa Spider is very easy and affordable to live with; new and used parts are plentiful and in my experience, owning one need cost no more than a VW of the same vintage. This car has only 69,000 miles and I would be glad to pay a premium for it if I were able to justify owning a third Alfa at this time. The car would be a neat holiday present for yourself or your favorite Italian car lover! Best of all – it is a mechanic-owned car that is ready to be enjoyed today, rather than being in need of repairs. I welcome any questions you may have. (Before you ask, my lovely model Christine is not included in this auction… but don’t worry because this hot little car will make its next driver either look like or attract a model!) The car is at my house in Alexandria, Virginia, right near Washington, DC, and test drives are encouraged. Upon the auction’s end I would like $500 deposit via Paypal, with the rest paid within two weeks; I will be glad to mail the title upon final payment clearing. Plan to collect the car within two weeks as well, unless we arrange otherwise in advance. I expect this car to sell domestically but am open to international buyers who have a plan for collecting the car or having a shipper collect it. For all buyers, shipping is your responsibility but I will do all I can to ensure the car heads off safely. I am active with the local and national Alfa Romeo clubs (www.aroc-usa.org), which are a terrific resource for all who admire and enjoy these cars, and I am glad to help with any questions you have upon buying the car or down the road. Happy bidding and happy Thanksgiving!