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1974 Alfa Romeo Spider
SEE DETAILED PHOTOS AT:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=s80img2.l8nfazmx=0y=-qht2rglocaleid=en_US
I bought this Blue Plate California car a few months ago. Original owner got it brand new when he was in his 30’s, in 1974. So, it has been owned and cared for by mature owners.
I have copies of the original window sticker and some additional documentation. There is a folder with receipts about an inch thick – maintenance costs over the years add up to $26,000.
Records indicate a strip down restoration in 2003 by Bella Machina of Berkeley at approximately 67,000 miles (see photos). So the car is “solid” even though it may be 34 years old. Note that it is NOT a concourse quality restoration – 5 years have passed since and it appears the car has been used, as a second car, on a regular basis.
I will attempt to disclose as best as I can. I have bought 4 cars that were listed on E-Bay, of which only 1 was truly depicted (others were dishonest in not disclosing things as important as rust, an accident and a bad cat converter)! I want you to be fully aware of what I am aware of and if you do have any questions on areas I’ve missed, please contact and I will answer or send photos:
- Mileage is 72,455 documented original miles since new (may be higher by the time auction ends as I will drive it to work this Monday and Thursday – 100+ mile RT each day).
- Previous ownership from new till recently (34 years).
- Always garaged and I haven’t driven in rain – washed once.
- Original window sticker and owner’s manual, service manual and spare key(s)
- Newer soft top with no rips; plastic is average-good (I haven’t cleaned it yet).
- Original windscreen (per AR emission sticker) has a bullet type crack on drivers side (see photo) – does not impair vision if you put down the sun visor.
- Starting: I have to attempt 3-4 cranks before it will start. Involves adjusting the choke. I cleaned the plugs. Records indicate plugs changed in 2006. My guess is a set of new plugs/points/cap will fix starting issue.
- Oil: been checking regularly, have filled less than a quart since ownership / last 1000 miles. Typical Alfa oil leaks visible on garage floor!
- Engine sump guard installed by prior owner
- Gears: synchros, including 2nd gear work good (I give it a few seconds between shifts)
- Drives better once warmed up – engine appears robust and car moves stronger going uphill than my RAV-4
- Cooling – no heating issues – drives at regular temperature levels
- Floors and trunk wheel well appear OK (surface rust on floors – needs to be checked, however, feels solid)
- Rust #1– surface rust spots and minor bubbling visible under chrome strip drivers side window – see photo (result of deficient assembly when renovating)!
- Rust #2 – though not visible, there is a small section in the right rear fender (see photo), which was pointed out when I bought the car. Minor issue in my opinion that can be fixed at time of next renovation.
- Body/paint: good overall. Rate the body 6 out of 10; rate the paint 5 – the car is presentable.
- Lights – all good except lens/reflector on left rear seems off track
- Chrome – good overall, includes bumpers, grille, mirrors, interior areas; rate 7 out of 10
- Interior: seats are in tact but torn as visible – slip on back covers were on when I bought it. Rear seat good. Rubber mats average- good. Overall interior 4 out of 10.
- Instruments: all work, including lights (except glove box light and hood light, which appears disconnected). Wipers are SLOW – one of the wiper arms is missing a cap for the bolt. I have not tried the heater so uncertain if it’s functioning. The little strip that goes around the heat/vent levers is off, but there. 6 out of 10.
- Wheels/Tyres: original Alfa wheels –Tires are OK – not the best as sidewalls appear cracked from time.
- Suspension: doesn’t appear that original shocks/suspension components have been touched (squeaky). Needs Koni’s and sport springs including urethane bushings to make it a 10 (now 4)!
- Includes removable luggage rack
- NO SMOG required in California.
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- BUY-IT-NOW PRICE Includes curved straight pipe rear exhaust for the true Alfa sound (I’m assuming it will fit, bought originally for a ’87 Quad spider I owned).
- BUY-IT-NOW PRICE Includes 5 used original Alfa Penta rims in decent shape (need a good clean up and possible repaint).
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This ’74 Kammback - last of the chrome bumper style, is in good overall condition and based on offered price is a rare find – will only go up in value. Drive it as-is and restore it later. My intent was to restore it to my criteria but priorities change!
Reason for selling:
1) The $700b bail out budget didn’t happen in time…
2) OK – main reason is that I need to focus on my SLC project and get it back on the road.
I have owned several Alfa’s and will invariably end up with another one. Time to let someone else enjoy this one.
This car is being sold AS-IS with no warranty expressed or implied.
You are welcome to check the Alfa before the auction ends.
Thank you for looking and Good Luck Bidding!
On Oct-08-08 at 17:12:50 PDT, seller added the following information:
10/8/08: I have added some photos to the Kodak link, taken while the car was on the hoist today (borrowed camera/no flash, so apologize for quality). Photos give a good idea of floorboards etc. I replaced the original muffler with the straight pipe... fit perfect. Not too loud but a nice throaty sound. Noticeable improvement in performance! So the straight pipe installed goes with the car if my reserve is met (original in trunk). Penta wheels only included with BIN price. Thanks!
On Oct-09-08 at 11:28:07 PDT, seller added the following information:
10/9/08: IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Had a minor fender bender on the way to work this morning: merging into a lane with traffic at 0-5 mph on I-580 and this A***E big rig nudges the car damaging the driver's side rear corner, despite my indicator and wave thanking him for letting me in!!!
Damage is minor and will have to be assessed - my guess is between $500 - $750. I have reduced my reserve and asking price to compensate. Took pictures but unable to upload till this evening.
On Oct-09-08 at 23:02:00 PDT, seller added the following information:
10/09/08 - 10:10 PST - PHOTOS ADDED TO NEW KODAK LINK:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshareUc=s80img2.172xoq42Uy=-j4sqsfUx=0UV=304371293513_23871253714
Despite the mishap it turned out to be a wonderful day! Not much damage - the red lens came off and I have taped it (appears it was glued previously - see initial comments). Orange indicator lens is cracked. Nice drive in Marin County vista point today - had two teenagers who had just landed from Russia and were much obliged when I let them sit in and let their parents snap them! Plus a rider on a Harley was impressed. Drove through all kinds of traffic - maxed at 80mp on way home. - total mileage of approx 110. Exhaust is settling in and sounds racy (slight backfire). The BEST part is when the car gets more looks than the boxster, z3 and the likes it passes - love seeing those envious looks! Added a few photos of previos ARs owned recently sold. The red 87 Quad was purchased sight unseen on Ebay from FL, Duetto was a local car in Concord, GT jr from Oakland - others owned not pictured include a couple of other '78 spiders and a red '74 GTV (the only one that stalled and didn't make it home - sure it ran out of gas/bad guage). So luckily, I've been able to determine the reliability of cars that I've bought simply by driving them and sensing the sound of the engine/overall condition and past ownership. This '74 spider is another one of those and if it doesn't sell at this bargain price, I might just keep it! Thanks for looking.
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