Highlights
• Ultra-rare RHD with 6 speed automatic gearbox
• 260bhp V6 4 wheel drive
• Crisp Italian looks, Pininfarina at his best!
• Good history file
• Recent full service
Background
This car’s hardtop cousin the Alfa Romeo Brera was arguably the best-looking coupe of its generation. Classic Pininfarina elegance was paired with Alfa’s resurgent front-end styling. That distinctive grille and triple-headlight nose won many admirers when it was first seen on the 159 at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005.
The following year saw the open-top two seater Spider version of the Brera take centre stage again at the famous Swiss event, where it won the coveted ‘Cabrio of the Year’ award.
The following year saw the open-top two seater Spider version of the Brera take centre stage again at the famous Swiss event, where it won the coveted ‘Cabrio of the Year’ award.
Backing up the enviable styling was a choice of sporting powertrains. The entry-level (for the UK) was the front-wheel drive, 182bhp, four-cylinder model. However, no sporting Alfa range would be complete without a V6 engine. The legendary ‘Busso’ V6 was retired at the end of GTV production so a new GM engine – with Alfa cylinder heads and induction – filled in.
Like the old Busso V6 it displaced 3.2-litres, though power was now sent to all four wheels making the new range-topping V6 Spider a torquey and sure-footed sports car.
Like the old Busso V6 it displaced 3.2-litres, though power was now sent to all four wheels making the new range-topping V6 Spider a torquey and sure-footed sports car.
History
This attractive Spider is unusual having been ordered with the QTronic six speed automatic gearbox which suits the car. It also features the manual change gate for those moments when you’ll want to give the gorgeous V6 bit of exercise! It would be interesting to find out how many Automatic V6 Spiders were built in right hand drive..? We reckon you could count them on the fingers of one hand.
With only two owners from first registration the Spider has averaged an acceptable 4,200 per annum from new, and has a good history file to back it up.
Both owners have taken good care of the car, with plenty of main dealer services up to 40,000 miles and then bills on file to show expense since then. The first owner, a lady from Ross on Wye, kept the car until 2012, the second owner lives in Sussex.
Both owners have taken good care of the car, with plenty of main dealer services up to 40,000 miles and then bills on file to show expense since then. The first owner, a lady from Ross on Wye, kept the car until 2012, the second owner lives in Sussex.
The Paperwork
Highlights in the history folder include recent bills, old MoTs back to 2012 and a stuffed Owners wallet with a full selection of books, manuals and Alfa Romeo paraphernalia. The Service book contains 6 stamps from new in 2007 to 2014 at 39,774 miles.
The two most recent bills are from 2018 when the Alfa received a new radiator and sub frame resulting in a fairly substantial bill for £2,232. A full service and oil change was performed in July 2020 at 54,523 miles by CarTech of Worthing.
This also included a new battery and 4 new Hancook Ventus tyres that are still on the car. With the mileage currently standing at just under 60,000 it has done just enough to keep everything in order.
The two most recent bills are from 2018 when the Alfa received a new radiator and sub frame resulting in a fairly substantial bill for £2,232. A full service and oil change was performed in July 2020 at 54,523 miles by CarTech of Worthing.
This also included a new battery and 4 new Hancook Ventus tyres that are still on the car. With the mileage currently standing at just under 60,000 it has done just enough to keep everything in order.
The Interior
The interior is in excellent condition, showing very little wear. The black leather seats that feature Alfa embroidered logos are only lightly worn with no tears or holes. They are both electrically operated and heated. The aluminium look dash is free from scratches and all the gauges appear to work correctly.
There are useful lockable storage bins where the rear seat would normally be. The grey carpets are clean and are protected by logoed Alfa Spider floor mats.
There are useful lockable storage bins where the rear seat would normally be. The grey carpets are clean and are protected by logoed Alfa Spider floor mats.
The boot is as clean as the interior and is a good size for a convertible as the roof stows in a separate compartment. The spare wheel is present as are the jack and all tools.
The Exterior
The outside of the Spider is as well preserved as the interior. We had a close look and apart from the odd tiny stone chip we could only find one blemish on the paintwork. On the leading edge of the driver’s side wheel arch it appears some moisture has got under the lacquer coat causing some discoloured spots –have a look at the photos.
Apart from that it’s exceptionally nice, the blood red paintwork glowing in the winter sun. The black mohair hood is in excellent condition, and stowed and erected faultlessly. The Alfa Romeo 18 inch multi spoke wheels, finished in Anthracite Grey, show no curb marks or corrosion.
Apart from that it’s exceptionally nice, the blood red paintwork glowing in the winter sun. The black mohair hood is in excellent condition, and stowed and erected faultlessly. The Alfa Romeo 18 inch multi spoke wheels, finished in Anthracite Grey, show no curb marks or corrosion.
Up front the gorgeous front end with its array of headlights has to be one of the sexiest on the road, and at the rear the crisp tail lamp design just adds to the sharp Italian looks. Pininfarina really earnt his Euros that week!
The Mechanics
A quick glance under the bonnet reveals a clean and tidy engine bay with no leaks or stains. There are a few corrosion bubbles along the top rail above the radiator, but nothing major. The other surfaces are clean with only light, age related marks.
Bidders can take comfort as its last major service was only 4,500 miles ago, with plenty of regular attention prior to that.
Bidders can take comfort as its last major service was only 4,500 miles ago, with plenty of regular attention prior to that.
The Appeal
As desirable and handsome now as it was new, the 6th generation Alfa Spider makes an extremely usable year-round drop-top.
Its tight-fitting, hydraulically-operated roof, well-appointed interior and good road manners make it an easy car to fall for. Add a V6 putting out 260bhp, 4 wheel drive and smooth 6 speed auto box it’s hard to find fault.
Notice to bidders
Its tight-fitting, hydraulically-operated roof, well-appointed interior and good road manners make it an easy car to fall for. Add a V6 putting out 260bhp, 4 wheel drive and smooth 6 speed auto box it’s hard to find fault.
Notice to bidders
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