1973 Alfa Romeo Spider Iniezione

This car was purchased by the current owner last year from a seller in Coventry where the car was in storage. It is a US import from the state of California so has much less rust than the UKDM cars however much of the service history from the states is unfortunately missing. Since being with the current owner however, the car has had a new stainless steel exhaust system, an MOT and a service, as well as having a misfiring issue cured by a recommissioning of the ignition system. The car’s fuel injection system however is working fine and comes with an interesting ‘from cold’ start up procedure with the accelerator needing to be all the way down whilst you crank the engine then letting off the accelerator fires the car up. The car is being put up for sale so that the owner can focus on other projects.

The exterior of the Alfa is as the vast majority of Alfa models, beautifully sculpted and designed. Pininfarina have created a timeless shape that utilises simplicity effectively to emphasise the lines and curves of the Spider’s bodywork. This car has an added benefit of being a dry/warm state US import which as the Spider’s sold in the UK had a nasty tendency to succumb to the dreaded tin worm, is a welcome fact. The car has had a colour change as well in its past from green to white, which we assume to mean that the body was stripped down and painted inside out meaning hopefully should there have been any metalwork needed doing it would have been done. In addition to the body/paint work, the car has had a new black fabric hood which fits lovely and really suits this new colour scheme. The wheels are in good condition too with each of them having new tubes fitted, the steel ‘pepper pot’ style wheels again only add to the period charm of the little Alfa. All chrome work around the car is in good condition and the brand-new centre exit exhaust system peeking out of the back behind the bumper is a nice sporty touch.

The interior is beautiful and the first thing that greets you when you open the door is that stunning wooden steering wheel which has been refurbished recently. The tri-spoke wood rimmed wheel is again another nod to the luxury speedboats around the Italian harbours and coastline. The inside of the two-seater takes on a black and red, two-tone colour scheme with the seats being leather as well as the door cards and centre console. ‘Alfa Romeo’ is embroidered on the seats and the door cards and that along with the rest of the interior’s level of finish really add to the luxurious feel of the car. This interior must really be a pleasant place to spend time and everything looks to be ergonomically well thought out with the gear lever falling easily to reach and the dials and gauges being within eyeline for the driver.

Going under the body of the Spider you can see the condition of the body and the benefit of the dry, warm climate in California whilst there is a minor amount of surface rust just starting to peek out from the edges of the sheet metal it is likely to be in far better condition than UKDM cars of a similar age. The suspension components all look to be in good condition with the rest of the components underneath also looking to have benefitted from the underseal that is present. In the boot, there is some good clean sheet metal with no visible corrosion or obvious evidence or any accidents. The spare wheel in the well also looks to be in great condition as well as the arches, hinges and metalwork underneath the rubber seals. Lifting the bonnet, you’re greeted with the 1779cc inline four which looks to be in great condition aesthetically and indeed the owner drove the car to us and reports it to be working well apart from some minor pinking as if it’s over advanced. Apart from this though the drivetrain is reported to be healthy and the fuel injection system is working well.

As previously mentioned, this is a US import from the state of California, unfortunately the service history from the US is lost but the car does come with a full documented history from the current owner including the V5. There are some invoices for parts and work which are summarised below.

- New door mirrors – 01/02/2021 – Classic Alfa

- New speedo and tacho cable fitted, fuel filter and puncture repair – 19/10/2021 – Hilltop Motors

- MOT with an advisory for suspension arm pin bushing – expired 09/02/2022 (Car is MOT exempt however)

- Service with oil and filters – Walsgrave Garage – 13/11/2020

- New speedo – EB Spares – 13/09/2021

- Full stainless-steel exhaust – dcmtyre and auto centre – 27/01/2022

The Spider is a beautiful looking car and in its new colour of white it really draws the eye to those sculpted lines reminiscent of the beautiful speedboats adorning the Italian coastline. Being a Californian import to the UK brings plenty of benefits in terms of bodywork meaning the longevity of the car is improved over the domestic models. To top it off that interior is sure to be a welcoming aspect of this vehicle that will surely sway the lover of Italian motoring in its most fabulous form.

We estimate this car to reach between £10,000 - £15,000 in auction.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.