1989 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce Roadster

Yes, that IS the original mileage: 27,000 miles.  No games here.  No accidents or damage ever.  My wife purchased the car from the original Milwaukee owner in June, 1992, and drove it only on sunny days.    It has only been driven in the rain 3 times and NEVER EVER in snow.   And that’s not BS.  Stored inside EVERY winter since new.  Maintained by her perfectionist engineer husband (me), an Alfa fanatic for the past 17 years. This is fourth Alfa we’ve had since I bought my first Duetto Spider back in 1969.  We use the car so infrequently (explains the low miles) that it’s time to pass it along to someone who’ll appreciate driving a “new” 1989 Alfa Romeo.

You probably already know that this is one of the last Series 3 Spiders that were initially introduced in the 1982 model year.  Series 3 cars used the Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection system which replaced the (problematic) SPICA mechanical injection on earlier cars.

The Alfa Spider design underwent a major styling revamp in 1983 and saw the introduction of black rubber front and rear bumpers. The front bumper incorporated the grille and a small soft rubber spoiler was added to the trunk lid.  The interior was revised with a new center console, lower dash panels (to meet U.S. regulations) and a single monopod gauge cluster (with electronic gauges).  The good news is that the Series 3 design will accommodate taller drivers (I’m 6’3”).  The changes made to the interiors of the (last) Series 4 cars made it damn uncomfortable (or impossible) for us taller folks.  This is car is one of only about 4,000 Spiders produced by Alfa that year.

Even with little road use, Alfas still do need mechanical attention.  Within the past 3 years, the entire exhaust system was replaced (from the catalytic converter back) with Centerline performance exhaust (better sound).  The clutch slave cylinder, drive shaft flex disc, center driveshaft support and universal joints, sources of driveshaft vibration in Alfas, are all new as we intended to keep the car.  Even minor issues have been addressed:  replaced the rubber door weather stripping on both sides and the Alfa badge on the trunk.  Newer tires have about 500 miles on them; wheel balance was checked earlier this year and front end was realigned per Alfa specs.  Last month, I replaced both front brake calipers (rather than hone and rebuild the wheel cylinders) to improve the braking performance.  No wheel vibration at any speed and solid stops with firm brake pedal.  This car is ready to travel cross-country with no problems. 

I have all of the original paperwork for the car including dealer records, owner’s manuals and window sticker.  The photos tell the entire story.  The car is shown with the bra removed; the bra has always been in place whenever the car’s been on the road and is in like new condition.  Ditto for the convertible top boot; it has been seldom used and is in new condition. 

Contact me if you need more information.  Vehicle is located near Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Fly into MKE, and drive the Alfa home.  Feel free to arrange for an inspection of this car by any Alfa mechanic.  If you’re an Alfisti, you know what this is and what it is worth.  If you can find a better preserved and maintained Alfa Spider Veloce (not likely), buy it.  Otherwise, this is the one you’ve been looking for…

And, please, serious bidders only.

AutoCheck was contacted regarding the mileage error in their report.  Supporting documentation has been faxed to them and AutoCheck stated that their records will be updated by 5:00 p.m. CST today (11/05/09).  Sorry for any confusion this created.