1974 Alfa Romeo Spider

SPIDER Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

AR3045837

Gasoline

1974 Alfa Romeo Spider: I purchased this car from an Alfa enthusiast in Wisconsin, two years ago, with the understanding that it was ready to go. Unfortunately, it did not meet my standards for safety and reliability. I spent about 6 months replacing and repairing the deficiencies, but shortly after, some family health issues put this car on the back burner. It is time to turn it over to another Alfa enthusiast, who should be able to use it immediately, as I had hoped. 1974 was a desirable year for this generation of Alfa Spider, since it was the last year for the stainless bumpers, and the motor did not require an air injection pump, or a catalytic convertor. This Alfa is about as original and unmolested an example as you would hope to find. The car was originally registered in California. I can not say how long it was there, but the lack of significant rust, and soundness of the floors leads me to believe it led a very sheltered life. The floors have never been patched, and still have the factory jute insulation under the rubber floor mats. The spare tire well is flawless. The jacking points are solid. I found two small areas of body filler in the rocker panels, behind the front wheels. The small amount of rust at the bottom of one rocker panel is limited, and would not require rocker replacement to repair. This rust is only visible from below the car. There is a new vinyl top, and new seat covers. I have acquired a partial tool kit, jack, and a used top boot cover that is in very nice condition. There are two small cracks in the dash, behind the defroster vents. All the gauges work. It needs a headlight switch, however I have added a temporary toggle switch that activates the running lights, so all lights do work. The windshield appears to be new, with no scratches, or pitting. Mechanically, I replaced the drive shaft flex joint, and installed new U joints. The brake master cylinder was replaced, and new front brake hoses were installed. I installed a new thermostatic actuator. All fluids and filters were replaced, including the filter inside the SPICA pump. I have service records for the car when it was in Wisconsin, and the previous owner had extensive brake work done, and the heater fan motor was replaced. Plusses: 1. Very original and unmodified car. Most of the paint is original to the car, but is showing some wear on close inspection. 2. Door fit is very good. 3. Original floors in excellent condition 4. Good head gasket. Valve lash has been checked. 5. Clutch is good, brakes are good 6. One quart of color matched single stage paint is included ($100 value) 7. Engine runs smoothly, and does not smoke. Does not overheat. 8. Last year for the stainless bumpers. Engine did not use catalytic convertor, or air injection pump. 9. New, and correct seat covers and padding, excellent vinyl top and rear window, new windshield, excellent original wood steering wheel, and original and correct, rubber floor mats. 10. Exhaust system appears to be very new. 11. Period correct push button AM/FM Panasonic radio in working condition 12. Emergency brake works well 13. Clear North Carolina title in my name 14. Owners manual included, but for a GTV of the same vintage. 15. New brake master cylinder and new front brake hoses. New rear brakes. 15. Some spare coolant hoses, distributor cap, and spare SPICA belt are included. Minuses: 1. Weak battery 2. Head light switch needs repair, or replacement 3. Weak synchros in transmission require some finesse when changing gears, that is well known to Alfa enthusiasts. Heel and toe expertise will be rewarded. 4. Rear valence panel is distorted and needs minor body work to straighten out. The hood has a ding in it, probably from closing it with a tool left on the head. There is a small ding in the nose that was repaired poorly. 5. Tires are old, but do not show any cracks in the sidewalls, and show little wear. 6. Low speed vibration from rear end that I have not been able to diagnose. It is intermittent in low speed corners, and may be an axle bearing. 7 Minor oil leaks from the engine oil pan, and differential 8. Needs a seat belt for the passenger side Please ask questions before bidding. I would encourage a pre-purchase inspection, since every used car is unique, and words can not replace seeing and driving the car in person. I have described the car to the best of my ability, however it is sold as is, with no warranty. $500 Paypal deposit required at end of auction. Balance by bank transfer, or cashiers check. All funds must clear before the vehicle is removed. Transportation is the responsibility of the winning bidder. Thanks for looking. On Mar-18-11 at 13:29:16 PDT, seller added the following information:At 82,000 miles, I have a service invoice from previous owner for over $2000 in parts and labor. Major items include the following: - New passenger side window regulator - New heater fan switch - New heater fan assembly - New fuel tank sender - New tach cable - Two new rear brake rotors - New rear brake pads - New fuel filters (2) - New condensor, points, plugs, distributor cap, rotor, and spark plug wires - two new belts - new clutch hose - repair and replace radiator