Cars

Introduced in 1966, the Alfa Romeo Spider was the final creation designed by Battista Pininfarina. A true masterpiece of Italian design, it remained in production for almost thirty years without ever losing its elegance, becoming one of the most iconic Italian cars of all time.

From its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show, the Spider captivated the public with the remarkable purity of its lines. Its slender profile, soon nicknamed “Osso di Seppia” – cuttlebone – its low, flowing nose, unmistakable Alfa Romeo grille and beautifully balanced curves immediately established it as a benchmark of automotive design.

The first version was powered by Alfa Romeo’s celebrated 1,570cc twin-cam four-cylinder engine, fed by twin Weber twin-choke carburettors and producing 110 bhp. Combined with a five-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, four-wheel disc brakes and a particularly well-balanced chassis, it delivered the engaging driving experience that would quickly become one of the model’s defining characteristics.

The Spider’s history is filled with anecdotes that have since become part of automotive legend. Its famous “Duetto” nickname was chosen following a competition organised by Alfa Romeo, but had to be abandoned the following year after a legal dispute with a confectionery manufacturer. Nevertheless, the name endured and remains synonymous with the first generation to this day.

Its American launch was equally memorable: three Spiders – one white, one red and one green – crossed the Atlantic aboard the prestigious Italian liner Raffaello before being officially presented in the United States. A few months later, Dustin Hoffman immortalised the car in the film The Graduate, transforming the Spider into an international icon.

Throughout its long career, the Spider evolved without ever losing its distinctive identity. The original 1600 was joined by the 1750 Veloce, 1300 Junior and later the 2000 Veloce. In 1969, the original “Osso di Seppia” design gave way to the “Coda Tronca”, while the 1980s brought the “Aerodinamica”, immediately recognisable by its larger bumpers and prominent rear spoiler.

In 1990, Pininfarina redesigned its creation for the final time. This last evolution marked a return to cleaner and more elegant lines. The conspicuous aerodynamic additions of the 1980s disappeared, restoring much of the purity of the original design. New rear lights inspired by those of the Alfa Romeo 164 were introduced, while a subtle integrated rear spoiler gave the silhouette a far more harmonious appearance.

Under the bonnet, Alfa Romeo’s famous twin-cam engine remained at the heart of the Spider. While a small number of cars retained the 1.6-litre carburettor engine, the vast majority were fitted with the two-litre electronic fuel-injection unit, producing 122 bhp – or 117 bhp in catalysed versions – offering greater flexibility whilst retaining the distinctive character of an Alfa Romeo twin-cam.

This fourth and final generation remained in production until 1993, bringing almost thirty years of an extraordinary career to a close.

Our Car

This particular example was supplied new in Germany on 20 February 1992 by Autohaus Gerhard Kuban and benefits from a remarkably comprehensive documented history from new.

Following its early years in Germany, the car was exported to the United Kingdom in 1998, where it was maintained with exceptional care for almost twenty years. Numerous MoT certificates, maintenance invoices and service book stamps provide an unusually detailed record of its mileage and upkeep.

The Spider was imported into Belgium in 2018, where the same high standard of maintenance was continued. More recently, it benefited from a complete gearbox rebuild together with a new clutch in May 2025, as well as a comprehensive service.

The bodywork has been repainted in its original colour and the carpets have been renewed. The interior retains its period character and is fitted with a Becker radio.

Having covered just over 100,000 kilometres, this Spider is presented in remarkable condition, both cosmetically and mechanically. Its exceptionally comprehensive history makes it a particularly attractive example for anyone seeking a well-documented and carefully maintained Alfa Romeo Spider.

The car will be delivered with its servicing fully up to date.

History

• Supplied new in Germany on 20/02/1992 to Mr Ulrich Plauz by Autohaus Gerhard Kuban.
• Alfa Romeo service book regularly stamped during its time in Germany.
• Subsequently sold to Mr Michael Wehr of Würzburg.
• Exported to the United Kingdom on 21/04/1998 through Auto Rosso, Surrey.
• Regularly maintained for almost twenty years by Auto Rosso, Dave Crawford Motor Services, Performance Cars of Buckingham, Clayton Garage, Viking Motors, Tim Wale Ltd, Formula Cars and PR Motors, with the corresponding MoT certificates retained.
• Sold on 01/12/2018 and subsequently imported into Belgium.
• Serviced by Alfa Socaro following its arrival in Belgium.
• Complete gearbox rebuild and new clutch fitted in May 2025.
• Comprehensive service carried out in May 2025.

Documents and Accessories

• Two original sets of keys.
• Original service book.
• Complete original handbook and document wallet.
• Extensive collection of maintenance invoices from throughout the car’s life.
• Becker radio.
• Original tool kit and jack.
• Beige hood cover.