just stumbled on an Alfa cheap, and don't know what I have.

tbutler · #1 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 09:48 AM

I ran into a man needing to turn some quick cash, and picked up a 1974 Alfa Romeo. Problem is I have no idea what I bought, other than a nice looking little convertible. The title just says 1974 Alfa 2 dr. The back of the car has Alfa Romeo on the right, and Iniezione 2000 on the left. A sticker under the hood with maintenance information has Alfa Romeo SPA Milano at the top, and says Engine Classification SE. The VIN# is AR3045365. These are the only things I know to tell you to identify the car. Any information at all on this car and engine, including approximate value, would be greatly appreciated.

Gausie · #2 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 10:25 AM

2 seats, 2+2, or 4?

TorW · #3 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 10:29 AM

Sounds like you bought yourself an Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 Veloce! The sticker under the hood just explains all the oil types for it. SE is the engine oil classification.

The VIN suggests it is a type 115.02 with 129 hp.

Congratulations!

tbutler · #4 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 10:30 AM

it's a 2 seater

tbutler · #5 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 11:21 AM

Does the Iniezione indicate that it's a Veloce? Also does being a Veloce mean anything as far as rarity or value?

Aghevli · #6 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 11:25 AM

Sounds like a Spider Veloce. The 1974 model was the last year that Alfa imported the Spider with chrome bumpers to the United States. This makes the 1974 model more desirable to collectors and enthusiasts than later Spider models. Still, prices for Alfas vary greatly depending on condition. All I can tell you is that your Alfa is probably worth more to someone than a 1975-1982 model in the same condition.

Congratulations.

TorW · #7 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 11:37 AM

"Inezione" means "injection" in Italian. Roughly speaking, all Alfa Romeos exported to the US in that period have mechanical fuel injection (for emissions compliance), compared to the European models which had the traditional carburetors.

Veloce is Italian for "Fast". It's been used on a lot of other Alfas, but - correct me if I'm wrong - it was only put on Spiders with 2-litre engines. A Veloce isn't rare in itself.

Back then, Alfa didn't have the numbering system, but had names like "Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT Veloce". Which did the same job as "Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 TS Distinctive" does now.

Paradiso · #8 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 03:34 PM

How does it run? How's it look?
If you are unfamiliar with Alfas, the best thing that you can do is find a local mechanic who understands these cars and have them give it a quick inspection. If you tell us where you are located perhaps someone can suggest a local mechanic.

Take some pictures and post them we'd all love to take a look.

Congratulations and good luck.

John

Farace · #9 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TorW

Veloce is Italian for "Fast". It's been used on a lot of other Alfas, but - correct me if I'm wrong - it was only put on Spiders with 2-litre engines. A Veloce isn't rare in itself.

**papajam** · #10 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 06:07 PM

Welcome to the BB, tbutler and congrats on your new purchase!!

As others have suggested, you have indeed purchased a US version 2000 Spider Veloce. Since 1972 Spiders start with chassis #3042501 and 1975 Spiders start with #3047001, 1974 would be about right for your 3045365 example. There should be a data plate on the leftside doorjamb with the build date.

Please post some pics so we can help assess it's condition and value.

**Roadtrip** · #11 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 06:45 PM

For the record, the front and rear bumpers (for all the protection they provide, they're more accurately described as trim pieces), are stainless steel, NOT chrome. Scratches, if not too deep can be polished out.

As a new owner of a Spider, you need to cultivate an unhealthy paranoia of parking the nose of your car anywhere close to any other moveable object . . . . like pointed at another car in a parking lot.

It's at about bumper hitch height for that woman in the SUV backing into the parking spot, while putting on lipstick and talking on the cell phone at the same time.

BAMAALFA · #12 (**permalink**) 07-10-2006, 07:13 AM

tbutler, I sent you a PM. Please reply. Thanks, David

turbolarespider · #13 (**permalink**) 07-10-2006, 10:53 AM

Good buy!! I hope you can totally fall in love with the car just like all of us have- don't feel bad about not knowing "anything"- everyone here started with that somewhere along the line.

IMHO, you have one of the best Spiders of the 5 series- it's got the light stainless bumpers, and the highest spec SPICA fuel injected motor. It can be made to run "better"... but live with her for a while to know what you want to do.

Congratulations, and welcome to the Alfa Family!

Eric

tbutler · #14 (**permalink**) 07-10-2006, 10:37 PM

Thanks for all the feed back, I'll try to get some pics and more info on the car up later. We have gotten it running and the brakes seem pretty good, but there is some oil leakage. Also body has been repaired on one fender.

beatle_bayly · #15 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 02:27 AM

Tbutler,

STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW

!

Your life could be in grave danger. One bite from that Spider and it could be terminal, or at least last for the rest of your days on this earth.

Luckily, we here in Australia are quite adept at dealing with such dangers and I am willing to help.

Forward the Spider to me poste-haste, along with a crisp $100 bill (US currency accepted) and I'll take care of things for you. You don't need to provide credit card details