Its time to say ciao to our lovely Graduate Spider. It has been a great car but we just don't drive it that much (we have 6 cars and this is one of three convertibles). It is a very solid and attractive car. I do my best to present items I sell honestly (note my feedback rating). I buy and sell on ebay and know too well how deceptive poorly written ads can be.
Read the description carefully.
Scan the photos carefully here and on this >weebly page of images
Ask questions.
We've had this Spider Graduate for about 7 years. We bought it used from an engineer in the bay area who seemed to have taken care to keep it mechanically sound. As far as I know it is a california car from new. There is no rust on this car.
1988 Spider Graduate (this was the base model at the time)144,267 miles*2 liter DOHC cam engineBosch Fuel Injection5 Speed transmission4 wheel disc brakesAir ConditioningAM/FM/USB/MP3 player (aftermarket) w/electric antennaHand crank windows (more reliable than electric on older cars like this)Sump guard to protect the large aluminum engine sump
We repainted the spider in Alfa Red about 3 years ago. It is a very nice quality base and clear coat paint job. We removed all trim before paint so there is NO overspray on trim anywhere. They did not shoot the door jambs, ngine compartment or trunk as that gets a bit too complicated and since the car was being repainted the same color. The car had one small dent in the right front fender but was otherwise apparently unmolested (no crash damage or other major dings)
About the same time we installed:A new Robbin's canvas top. These are very nice quality tops.http://www.robbinsautotopco.com/alfa.phpNew real leather seat covers (original graduate seats were vinyl)
Some items replaced during our ownership:Catalytic convertor (about 5 years ago)Fiamm Air Horns (in place of the wimpy factory horn)Cromodora wheels (originals were steel) and tires (includes a fifth Cromodora spare!)Brake master cylinderWater pump (about 2 years ago)Misc vacuum hoses
This Spider starts easily and runs happily in all temps. The transmission shifts cleanly. It exhibits some of the classic second gear syncro wear but with a slight pause it shifts very smoothly. The rear end does exhibit a pretty good whine at about 65mph but is quiet otherwise. It has made this noise the whole time we've had it. The fix is swapping in a (hopefully) better used rear end. It will function fine (albeit noisy) like this forever. The whine does not portend any sort of expensive doom.
Other details:Carpets are in decent shape we also have some lightweight mats in the car (see photos)Dash mat came with the car. The dash underneath has typical cracks in it.(see photo)Seats nicely redone in black leather as noted aboveSteering wheel is leather covered and in good shape.Door panels in good shapeDash face in good shapeGlove box door fits a bit funky but does close and lockoriginal owner's manualGauges: Odometer and tachometer do not work (this is a typical issue with this type of alfa gauge cluster alas). Odometer gave up the ghost 3 years ago. Speedometer and all other gauges work correctly. * Current total mileage is estimated. We drive the car very little so feel confident the mileage estimate is conservative. As we drive it 3000 miles or less each year it gets an oil change once a year (last oil change Dec 2014). Odometer reads 135,267 + 9000 miles (3k per year) = 144,267Includes two sets of keys. Door and glovebox locks work. Trunk lock does not work (has remote locking lever, t opens but can not be locked)Windshield, ide glass and mirrors in good shape. No bullseyes or cracks on the windshield. Window on convertible top is scratched.Wiper motor works on slow speed only.Tires have decent tread left and show no unusual wear patterns but sidewalls are cracked.Has a squeak it makes sometimes when we go over a big bump. Coming from somewhere in the rear end. We've looked for it and had the shop look for it to no avail. The Variable Valve Timing device (yes, lfa Romeo had this on cars LONG before Honda and others) has disconnected itself (it fell off). The car operates just fine without it. Without it you miss out on some additional power on full throttle application. The carrier for it rots out and the device literally falls off the engine. The carrier is no longer available but there are fixes listed on the AlfaBB for this issue. The VVT actuator will be included with the car so it can be reinstalled if desired.Air Conditioning needs attention. It stopped blowing cold air about 2 years ago. Probably has a leak in the system somewhere. All the equipment is still installed and running just no cold air.
Again, his is a very solid car. I believe I have honestly represented it here in the description and photos. I would not hesitate to drive it anywhere.
Potential bidders are welcome to come inspect the car and test drive it.