Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
With its free-revving two-litre twin-cam engine, this Alfa performs very well and pick-up is instantaneous. The five-speed manual gearbox is brilliant and pushing through the gears is a joy; you find yourself changing more than you need to just for giggles. It feels planted on the road and is enormous fun to drive. There’s a small amount of play in the otherwise sharp steering, but the car can be chucked into corners with confidence. The four-wheel disc brakes are strong and efficient and stop the car without any drama. The engine sounds sweet and there are no noises, or exhaust smoke/temperature issues.
BODYWORK CHECK
The car underwent an extensive £12,000 mechanical and body restoration in 1998 at Alfa Romeo specialist, Lombarda Sport of London. The sheen has faded a little 20 years on but this is a genuine, honest car and the paintwork is generally very good, with only a few minor paint bubbles to speak of. The five spoke alloy wheels carry a few scuffs but present well and a quick inspection under the car shows solid floors and sills and a healthy exhaust. The hood is in great condition with no sagging, rips or tears and it retracts down behind the small rear seats without any issues. All trim pieces are intact and well-presented and the glass is undamaged.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior is complete and clean and could be brought back to its former glory with some simple cosmetic improvements. The front seat bolsters are free from the usual wear, but a few small tears mean that it would really benefit from a re-trim and the steering wheel is showing noticeable wear. Carpets are clean and free from damp and the door cards are in great condition. The dashboard and centre console still look fresh. The rev and speedo gauges, along with the three centre console gauges, look fantastic and work perfectly, as do the rest of the electrics and various switches.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine looks authentic with nothing to hide, something that’s backed up by the comprehensive history file’s multitude of old invoices and receipts. There are no leaks to speak of and all fluids are at their correct levels. The engine bay itself is tidy with no evidence of damage or crash repairs.
THE CCW VIEW
Faster and more exclusive than an MGB yet little more expensive to own and run, Alfa Spiders represent excellent value. This one has the meatiest engine of the bunch and the extensive history and older restoration are trump cards. Mechanically sound and with only a few cosmetic improvements required, this little Italian sports car is an appreciating asset.
Dale Vinten