Lot number | 6 |
---|---|
Hammer value | £1,300 |
Description | Alfa Romeo Spider S3 2000 |
Registration | F167 KGT |
Year | 1989 |
Colour | Blue |
Engine size | 1,962 cc |
Chassis No. | 02601406 |
Engine No. | 01406 |
Alfa Romeo has been producing pretty little roadsters endowed with the name 'Spider' since the launch of the Giulietta in 1955.
The most famous is probably the new model that was launched at the Geneva Salon in 1966: the Duetto. Beautifully styled by Pininfarina and overflowing with Italian brio, the car was a huge success from the outset but was immortalised by its starring role in The Graduate in 1967, sharing the limelight with Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft.
The original 'boat-tail' design of the Duetto was dropped in the late sixties in favour of a more aerodynamically efficient Kamm tail. At the same time a 132bhp 2-litre version also became available. The model continued in production for over 27 years with only detail changes to the original Pininfarina design before production finally ceased in 1993 after an amazing 30-year run.
The Series 3 Spider was launched in 1982 with Bosch electronic fuel injection to replace the SPICA mechanical injection. Externally it had a minor styling revamp which saw the introduction of black rubber bumpers front and rear, the front bumper incorporating the grille while a soft rubber spoiler was also added to the boot lid for improved aerodynamics. With 128bhp on tap it could sprint to 60mph in 9 seconds with a top speed of 119mph.
First registered in February 1989, this right-hand drive S3 Spider had just one owner from 2006 to 2014 and is showing some 113,000 miles on the clock. Equipment includes alloy wheels, metallic blue paint, a tan interior and a black mohair hood. The vendor states that while the engine and gearbox are good, the car failed its MOT in June 2015 primarily due to inadequate brake performance and corrosion to the front suspension mounting area and the seat belt anchorage points. An HPI check also reveals that the car was subject to a Category D insurance claim in February 2006 (damaged, repairable).
Values of this pretty little sportscar have firmed considerably in recent times and this no reserve RHD drive example should amply reward the remedial works now required to restore it to its former glory.