Alfa Romeo Spider
Alfa Romeo Spider | |
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Alfa Romeo Spider (916) |
The Alfa Romeo Spider (105/115 series) is a two-seater, front-engined, rear-drive roadster manufactured and marketed by Alfa Romeo from 1966 to 1994 in four distinct generations, or "series", each with modifications ranging from modest to extensive.[3]
As successor to the Giulia Spider, the Spider remained in production for almost three decades. The first three series were assembled by Pininfarina in Grugliasco and the fourth series in San Giorgio Canavese. The last Spider of that series was manufactured in April 1993—the last rear-wheel drive Alfa Romeo before the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione of 2007.
In 2012,
History
Development
In 1962, Alfa Romeo introduced the new 105 Series
Thus, the Giulietta-based Giulia Spider 1600 and Giulia Spider Veloce were produced from 1962 to 1965 and from 1963 to 1965, respectively.
As for its predecessor the Giulietta Spider, the Italian firm of Pininfarina was responsible for the design, manufacturing of the body, and final assembly. The 1600 Spider was the last project in which founder
Giulia GT Spider
The 1963 Giulia GT Spider was intended as a replacement for the Pininfarina-designed
Design
The original 1966 Spider shape was the result of a number of Pininfarina design studies,
In the following years the Superflow was updated three times into three more different concept cars, namely a Superflow II coupé, then an open-top spider and finally another Superflow IV coupé. The most significant in the Spider's design history was the second, the open-top
Despite the almost final design being ready in 1961, the continuing success of existing models and the economic challenges facing Italy at the time meant that the first pre-launch production Spiders began to emerge from the Pininfarina production line only at the end of 1965.[13]
Series 1 (1966–1969)
First generation | ||
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Kerb weight | 990–1,040 kg (2,183–2,293 lb) |
The Spider was launched at the 36th
In January 1968, in Vietri sul Mare (Salerno), Alfa Romeo introduced the press to its 1750 line of cars, which included the new 1750 Berlina saloon, the Giulia Sprint-based 1750 GT Veloce coupé, and the 1600 Spider-based 1750 Spider Veloce, which replaced the original Spider 1600.[19] All were powered by the same engine, a new 1,779 cc, 118 PS DIN (87 kW; 116 hp; or 132 PS SAE) version of the Alfa Romeo twin cam engine.[19][20] Top speed rose to 190 km/h (118 mph).[19][20] The car did not bear any Spider badging, just a "1750" script below the rear Alfa Romeo badge. During the production run, the front repeater lights were moved ahead of the wheel arches.
While in Europe the 1750 was fitted with two twin horizontal carburettors, starting with
A new lower priced spider, the Spider 1300 Junior, was introduced in June 1968 alongside the GTA 1300 Junior competition coupé.[23] Its 1,290 cc twin cam engine was the same used on the GT 1300 Junior coupé, and produced 89 PS DIN (65 kW; 88 hp; or 103 PS SAE).[23][24] Top speed was 170 km/h (106 mph).[23][24] From a mechanical standpoint the Junior differed from the 1750 only in engine displacement and output, while inside it lacked some features of the pricier model: namely opening quarter lights, centre console, and the three-spoke wood rimmed steering wheel, replaced by a two-spoke plastic rimmed one. From outside the Junior version could be recognised by its black-coloured lower front bumper and absence of plastic headlamp fairings.
Due to the shape of its long, round tail, the Series 1 Spider is sometimes known as the "Osso di seppia" (Italian for
6,324 1600 Spiders were made and 2,680 1300 Junior.
Series 2 (1970–1982/83)
Second generation | ||
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Kerb weight | 1,025 kg (2,260 lb) |
In 1970 the first significant change to the exterior styling was introduced on the 1750 Spider Veloce, with the original's distinctive elongated round tail revised to a Kamm tail, improving luggage space. Numerous other small changes took place both inside and out, such as a slightly different grille, new door handles, a more raked windscreen, top-hinged pedals and improved interior trim.
1971 saw the Spider Veloce receive a new, larger powerplant—a 1962 cc, 132 hp (98 kW) unit—and consequently the name was changed from 1750 Spider Veloce to 2000 Spider Veloce. The 1600 Spider restarted production a year later as the Spider 1600 Junior, and was visually identical to the 1300.
1974 saw the introduction of the rare, factory request, Spider-Targa. Based on the Spider, it featured a Porsche style solid rear window and black lift out GRP roof panels. Fewer than 2,000 examples were manufactured and this was the only Spider with a partly-solid roof Spider. The factory later introduced a model-specific hard top.
The 1300 and 2000 cars were modified in 1974 and 1975 respectively to include two small seats behind the front seats, becoming a "two plus two" four seater. The 1300 model was discontinued in 1977. Also, between 1974 and 1976, the early-style stainless-steel bumpers were discontinued and replaced with black, rubber-clad units to meet increasingly stringent North American crash requirements. The fuel injected (SPICA) 2-liter version for the US market received the tipo 115.41 model code.
4,557 of the 1300 Junior were made and 4,848 of the 1600 Junior. 16,320 Spider Veloce 2000 were made and 22,059 of the Spider Veloce 2000 Iniezione (US version). Of the 1750 Spider Veloce, 4,027 were made.
1978 Niki Lauda Special Edition
In 1978 former F1 champion Niki Lauda joined the Brabham Alfa Romeo F1 team and to celebrate this new addition to Alfa's race team it was decided that Niki Lauda was to be honoured by a special edition Spider in his name. The "Niki Lauda" special edition was launched at the 1978 Long Beach Grand Prix and chassis #001 was driven on the circuit by Niki himself.[26] All together 350 examples of the Lauda edition were made. The car had only cosmetic trim changes, including badging and the addition of a rear spoiler.[27]
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Series 2 Spider 2000 Veloce
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Spider Coda Tronca
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1978 Alfa Romeo Spider Niki Lauda Special Edition, front view. The federal bumper required that the Alfa escutcheon be lopped off in the middle.
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Rear view of a US-market 1979 Coda Tronca, showing the large bumpers of the 115.41 model.
Series 3 (1982/83–1989/90)
Third generation | ||
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Kerb weight | 1,040 kg (2,293 lb) |
The Series 3 Spider debuted in North America for the 1982 model year with the introduction of 2.0 litre
The Spider received a further styling revision in 1983, with introduction of black rubber front and rear bumpers, a front bumper incorporating the grille, a small soft rubber
The Quadrifoglio Verde (Green Fourleaf Clover) model was introduced in 1986, with many aesthetic tweaks, including sideskirts, mirrors, new front and rear spoilers, hard rubber trunk mounted spoilers with integral third stoplight, unique 15" alloys and optional removable hardtop. Different interior trim included blood red carpets and gray leather seats with red stitching. The QV was offered in only three colours: red, silver and black. It was otherwise mechanically identical to the standard Spider Veloce model, with a 2.0 L (1,962 cc)
The interior received a new center console, lower dash panels (to meet U.S. regulations) and a single monopod gauge cluster (with electronic gauges). For the North American market a model marketed as the Graduate acknowledged the model's appearance in the 1967 film, The Graduate, starring Dustin Hoffman.
The Graduate was intended as a less expensive entry-level model with the same engine and transmission as the Quadrifoglio and Veloce, but with steel wheels, manual windows, vinyl seats, and vinyl top. Air conditioning and a dealer-installed radio were the only options. The Graduate arrived in 1985 in North America and continued until 1990.
Only minor changes occurred from 1986 to 1989, including new paint colors, the addition of a center high mount stop lamp (
To comply with federal passive safety standards, a subset of Model Year 1988 examples featured
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Spider Veloce (North America)
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3rd series Spider Quadrifoglio Verde, rear view
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Spider 3rd series Quadrifoglio Verde version with optional hard top
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1987 Spider Quadrifoglio Verde 2.0 hardtop front view
Series 4 (1990/91–1993)
Fourth generation | ||
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Kerb weight | 1,110 kg (2,447 lb) |
Series 4 launched in 1990, with Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection,[3] full-width body-colored plastic bumper fascias, an electric cooling fan, full-width rear taillights, on-board diagnostics an optional automatic transmission—while eliminating the much criticized front under-bumper and rear trunk-lid spoiler of previous series.
In North America, Series 4 launched for model year 1991; 1990 models were Series 3 with Motronic fuel injection. North American Series 4 models featured power steering, larger knee bolsters and a driver-side airbag also appeared as standard for North American market Spiders, which were available in two configurations: Spider and Spider Veloce. The Veloce substituted leather seats for the base model's vinyl; 15" alloy wheels were one size up from the standard steel wheels with hubcaps; and air conditioning and a cloth top were standard.
Production of the original Spider ended in 1993. An
For French market a numbered edition was marketed as the Beauté. 120 units were produced in white and navy blue two-tone, with blue hood and white leather seats.
A limited edition Spider Commemorative Edition (CE) was manufactured for North America as a 1994 model. Each of these 190 carried a small numbered dashboard plaque.
In Europe this version was also marketed with 1.6 L engine used in series 3, fitted with Weber 40DCOM4/5 carburettors.[30]
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Spider 4th series side profile
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Spider 4th series top closed
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Spider 4th series showing the new rear end
Production
Production of the first generation Alfa Romeo Spider spanned from 1966 to 1993, and amounted to 124,104 cars.
Year | Units made |
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1970 | 2,539 |
1971 | 3,735 |
1972 | 4,121 |
1973 | 4,848 |
1974 | 5,107 |
1975 | 5,189 |
1976 | 4,338 |
1977 | 4,183 |
1978 | 3,868 |
1979 | 4,129 |
1980 | 5,584 |
1981 | 1,653 |
1982 | 1,923 |
1983 | 5,365 |
1984 | 6,587 |
1985 | 5,590 |
1986 | 7,215 |
1987 | 4,339 |
1988 | 4,090 |
1989 | 3,950 |
1990 | 7,106 |
1991 | 9,073 |
1992 | 3,640 |
1993 | 1,956[a] |
Total 1970–93 |
110,128 |
a 190 examples produced during 1993 were sold as model year 1994 in the United States.
Generations
Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Years | Production |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Series 1': "Duetto", Osso di Seppia or Roundtail | |||||
Spider 1600 | 1,570 cc | 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) | 142 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft) | 1966–1967 | 6,324 |
1750 Spider Veloce Euro | 1,779 cc | 118 PS (87 kW; 116 hp) | 168 N⋅m (124 lb⋅ft) | 1967–1969 | 2,500 |
1750 Spider Veloce US | 1,779 cc | 132 PS (97 kW; 130 hp) | 168 N⋅m (124 lb⋅ft) | 1968–1969 | 2,000 |
Spider 1300 Junior | 1,290 cc | 89 PS (65 kW; 88 hp) | 137 N⋅m (101 lb⋅ft) | 1968–1969 | 2,680 |
Series 1 total production: | 13,678 | ||||
Series 2: Coda Tronca, Fastback, or Kamm tail | |||||
1750 Spider Veloce | 1,779 cc | 124 PS (91 kW; 122 hp) | 168 N⋅m (124 lb⋅ft) | 1970–1973 | 4,027 |
Spider 1300 Junior | 1,290 cc | 89 PS (65 kW; 88 hp) | 137 N⋅m (101 lb⋅ft) | 1970–1977 | 4,557 |
2000 Spider Veloce | 1,962 cc | 132 PS (97 kW; 130 hp) | 178 N⋅m (131 lb⋅ft) | 1971–1982 | 38,379a |
Spider 1600 Junior | 1,570 cc | 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) | 137 N⋅m (101 lb⋅ft) | 1972–1981 | 4,848 |
Series 2 total production: | 51,811 | ||||
Series 3: Aerodinamica or Duck Tail | |||||
Spider 2000 | 1,962 cc | 128 PS (94 kW; 126 hp) | 178 N⋅m (131 lb⋅ft) | 1982–1989 | 29,210b |
Spider 1600 | 1,570 cc | 104 PS (76 kW; 103 hp) | 142 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft) | 1983–1989 | 5,400 |
Spider Quadrifoglio Verde | 1,962 cc | 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) | 178 N⋅m (131 lb⋅ft) | 1985–1989 | 2,598 |
Series 3 total production: | 37,208 | ||||
Series 4: Ultima, Bella or Last | |||||
Spider 2000 | 1,962 cc | 126 PS (93 kW; 124 hp) | 166 N⋅m (122 lb⋅ft) | 1990–1993 | 18,456 |
Spider 1600 | 1,570 cc | 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) | 137 N⋅m (101 lb⋅ft) | 1990–1992 | 2,951 |
Series 4 total production: | 21,407 |
In The Graduate
A 1966 Series 1 Spider 1600 is featured in the 1967 film The Graduate,[32] giving the model widespread visibility. A "Graduate" trim level was subsequently marketed in the United States in the 1980s.[33]
Notes
- ^ "Spider 1600 Duetto". hem.passagen.se. Archived from the original on 21 February 2008. Retrieved 23 January 2008.
- ^ "Aldo Brovarone". studiotorino.com. Archived from the original on 15 October 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
- ^ a b c "Affordable Classic: 1991-94 Alfa Romeo Spider 2000". sportscarmarket.com. Archived from the original on 27 June 2007. Retrieved 22 June 2007.
- ^ "Alfa Romeo, Mazda confirm roadster project: New MX-5 Miata, Spider due in 2015". Autoweek. 13 November 2018. Archived from the original on 13 November 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
- ^ "Fiat and Mazda announce co-operation program" (PDF). fiatspa.com. 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
- ^ This Is the Mazda Miata-Based Fiat 124 Spider: This Is the Mazda Miata-Based Fiat 124 Spider, access date: 21 November 2018
- ^ Fusi (1978), p. 862–864.
- ^ a b "History 1960-1970". alfaromeo.com.au. Archived from the original on 19 February 2007. Retrieved 22 June 2007.
- ^ a b Fusi (1978), p. 627–630.
- ^ "Design director". tom-tjaarda.net. Retrieved 9 February 2012.
- ^ "1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia GT Spider". automotivemasterpieces.com. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "Alfa Romeo 'spider 1600'". Quattroruote (road test) (in Italian) (136): 116–130. June 1966.
- ^ a b Garnier, Peter, ed. (27 April 1972). "Used Car Test: 1968 Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider". Autocar. 136. (3967): 22–23.
- ^ "1966 Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider Duetto". carfolio.com. Retrieved 27 October 2007.
- ^ a b c Bonetti, Daniele (29 June 2013). "Nato a Brescia il mito "proibito" del Duetto" [The "forbidden" myth of the Duetto was born in Brescia]. Bresciaoggi (in Italian). Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
- ^ "Pirelli Cinturato". cinturato.net. Archived from the original on 31 January 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
- ^ "Research New & Used Car Prices". NADAguides. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
- ^ The Encyclopedia of Classic Cars 1945–1975.
- ^ a b c "Le nuove Alfa Romeo 1750 presentate ieri in Italia" [The new 1750 Alfa Romeos introduced yesterday in Italy]. La Stampa (in Italian). 14 January 1968. p. 10. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
- ^ a b Fusi (1978), pp. 671–674.
- ^ "Affordable Classic: 1971-81 Alfa Romeo Spider". sportscarmarket.com. Archived from the original on 9 June 2007. Retrieved 22 June 2007.
- ^ U.S.A. Version—Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloce (supplement to owner's manual). alfa Romeo. 1969.
- ^ a b c "Spider 1300 e GTA Junior nuove versioni Alfa Romeo" [Spider 1300 and GTA Junior, new Alfa Romeo variants]. La Stampa (in Italian). 29 May 1968. p. 13. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
- ^ a b Fusi (1978), pp. 675–676.
- ISBN 0-7894-0159-2.
- ^ LBI Limited: 1978 Alfa Romeo Spider "Niki Lauda" Edition | LBI Limited, accessdate: 25. May 2019
- ^ "1978 Alfa Romeo Niki Lauda Special Edition". Collectible Wheels.
- ^ "1986 Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0 Quadrifoglio Verde". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
- ^ "1985 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce". Carfolio.com. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
- ^ Talbott, Jim; Taylor, Stuart. "Series 4 Spider" (PDF). aroc-uk.com. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 20 June 2011.
- ^ "Produzione complessiva" (PDF). pininfarina.it. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2007.
- ^ "The Graduate, Movie, 1967". imcdb.org. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
- ^ "1986 Spider Graduate". conceptcarz.com. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
Bibliography
- Holmes, Mark (2007). Ultimate Convertibles: Roofless Beauty. London: Kandour. pp. 10–11. ISBN 978-1-905741-62-5.
- Fusi, Luigi (1978). Alfa Romeo—Tutte le vetture dal 1910—All cars from 1910 (3rd ed.). Milan: Emmeti Grafica editrice.