1974 Alfa Romeo Spider

Convertible

2000

5 speed Manual

3043224

Clear

Gasoline

0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false With regret I must part ways with an old friend... I've had this 74 Alfa Spider in storage for several years, waiting for the day to finish its restoration. I no longer have the time or what it takes to see this great car through to the completion it deserves, so I hope it goes to a home where its potential can be fully realized. This California car was originally owned by a schoolteacher buddy of my father's, who then sold it to my dad in about 1984. It's been in our family ever since... my dad drove it for several years in the SF Bay Area on his commute to work, etc, and even to Oklahoma and back one summer. After he retired he offered the car to me, and I enjoyed the car for much of the mid 1990's, but only as an occasional driver. During my time driving the car I worked on several maintenance/performance upgrade items: radiator, hoses, belts, spica injection pump cold start actuator, complete cylinder head job, water pump, new clutch & pressure plate, new clutch master cylinder, new brakes/rotors, a new convertible top, a roll bar. Just before the car quit running I had the 5 speed tranny completely rebuilt by Merritt Carden, whose "gear lightening" improves shifting response ($1500.), and installed a new header-back Ansa exhaust. These two items have virtually no mileage on them. The 1974 model year is coveted as the last year with the low-profile european stainless bumpers, and the Spica mechanical fuel injection pump prior to more extensive smog control equipment. 2000cc DOHC motor. Some owners choose to convert to dual side-draft Weber carbs, others prefer to stick with the original Spica system. The last time this car was driven, all gauges worked, and it has always been a blast to drive with great throttle response and acceleration. The first owner of the car installed a performance camshaft. The car has been in garage storage for 12 years, and has not been run or driven. It will need extensive preparation prior to driving, as would any car that's been in long term storage. Also, this car is far from perfect, it shows typical wear and tear from it's years as a daily driver, and was not garaged for the middle 15 years of it's life, so the original paint is weathered. The seats are in good condition, original rubber floor mats and trunk liner are serviceable. Dashboard intact, with typical sun cracks near vents. Original magnesium wheels, with full size spare and factory jack. Have black vinyl boot for convertible top, and car cover included. Additionally, there are several items that need to be addressed. The car is not running. It quit with what seemed like a fuel/ignition or timing problem the last time it was driven in about 2001. At the time I was the father of two small kids in a young family, and had no time to seriously troubleshoot the issue, so it sat in went into long term storage. Not sure what it will take to get it started again. The tires hold air and have good tread, but should be replaced due to their age. The driver's side floorboard had extensive rust, so I cut out all corroded metal. It needs a new driver's side floorpan; someone with metal shaping and welding experience will need to make the repair. The convertible top has a cracked rear plastic window... unfortunately I damaged it when forcing the top back into the closed position following a night of sub-freezing temperature, so the plastic window was stiff and less flexible, and it cracked when I latched the top. No major body work issues... but there are the typical pits, etc. from road debris hitting the nose of the car. The passenger door has a minor dent which is visible if you sight along the right side. Also, a bit of corrosion under the right rear chrome trim piece between the trunk lid and the convertible top - minor fix. Any of these minor body issues will need to be taken care of prior to a new paint job, which the car really needs. The radio doesn't work... it never did for me and I never attempted to fix it, but I suspect it's a simple fix. The odometer reads 06310 (106,310), and I believe that to be accurate based on much of the car's history as either a short-distance commuter, or sitting for long periods of time. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. This car is a timeless classic, with Italian style that turns heads. With some TLC it has a lot of life left to give. I hope it finds a new owner who will restore it to its former glory and enjoy driving it as much as I have!