Could I ever fit into a spider?

[jontg428]

Well to start things off, I am 6' 5", and would love to add a spider to my collection at some time. Leg inseem is 36" (I am not trying to be feminin here.) Well here is the easy question, can I fit into a spider? Let me know, I have never sat in one. I can fit into a triumph spitfire, which I love, but would like to get an alfa instead, so much more of a theroughbread. Thanks for any that reply,

Jon

[quadrifoglio]

That's a good question. Here's the reason:

The seating position in a Spider is quite different than just about any car and for this reason it takes a while (few weeks) to get used to it for the first time. The result of this is that it will be quite difficult for you to be able to tell from the first few times that you sit in a Spider to try one out. If you are over about 5'10" a Spider feels terribly awkward until you get used to it but when you get used to it you'll find it quite comfortable.

That having been said my inseem is 32" and I honestly can't say if I would fit in a Spider if I was any taller. Certainly not a series 4 Spider unless the horrible American market knee bolsters were removed and European bolsters were installed (same as on Series 3 spiders).

I have owned three Spiders and I personally find them really comfortable. I actually drove one for 18 hours straight an a run from Boulder, CO to Cincinnati, OH and I was happy as can be the whole way!

So ignoring that whole long diatribe I think that you can fit, but you'll have to give yourself a chance to get used to the position.

[John M]

Hey Jon:

You should fit fine in a Series 2 Spider with the old style door panels and dash. Talking about the stainless bumper era of the 70s. Dramatically more room in those than the later Spiders. Like a Caddy in comparison the the latter ones.

But, as Tim noted, the late series 3 and series 4 will be more difficult. I am 6'4 and I have to take my shoes off to enjoy my 92. Problem is that the door panel handle sticks out near the steering wheel and gives you no way to lift your knee. Also as Tim noted, those S4 dash bolsters around the center console make it a real PITA to hit the gas pedal.

Best Regards,
John M

[164QV]

I'm 6"1' and used to own a Triumph Spitfire. That car is well-known for its loads of legroom despite being such a small car. It is a lot smaller than the Spider, but there is actually more room in it, than in the Spider. That said, you will probably still be able to fit in an early Spider (like mentioned by John), although I'd think you'd be more comfortable in a Spitfire. Thats a small sacrifice though, for all the benifits you will get in a Spider.

[breda65]

Im 6-5 and have a 91 spider. My inseam is 34 and I do fine, It's the only convertible that I can fit in with the top up. It's not like setting in the family sedan but it is worth owning an alfa.

[Roadtrip]

As a couple of guys mentioned the seating position is very different in an Alfa vs. a British sports car. When they did the seating position, I think Alfa's egonometric model was an orangutan. At 6'5" you're going to be taking a lot of stretch-breaks on a long trip!

[chasking]

I have a 1986 Spider. I am not that unusually tall (about 6'1") but I have a long trunk, and with the top up I have to hunch over or my head hits the top frame and/or roof. Also, my legs are substantially shorter than yours (inseam not more than 32") but I still have trouble with them; I really need a few more inches of space. I posted a query a while ago about ways to get more legroom, and I got some ideas which I intend to try out this summer; look for a thread entitled "Legroom?" in this forum.

As it is, after about an hour my leg starts to hurt from being constantly bent and turned sideways to fit. (This is of course with the seat all the way back.) So, as Roadtrip said, long trips will require regular breaks. But, for shorter trips it's fine. I suppose it's not fair to demand grand touring comfort from a car designed as a thrash-around-the-twisties sports car.

[gotglasses]

I have an 86 Quad - At 6-2 I can drive it , but not without interference at the stock steering wheel and / knee/ hand when I shift. I put on a 13" Momo wheel and it's OK now, except for the much heavier steering effort required to park.

[bill_bain]

6'5" will be a tight fit, but IIRC, the roundtail Spiders had more leg room than teh Kamm tail ones, so you might give them a look.

[tokky28]

I'm 5'8", but a friend recently borrowed my spider for their wedding getaway car. Her groom was probably 6'4-5" and I rememeber him knocking the shifter into his knees when going into 2nd. Otherwise, I think he enjoyed the drive.. of course.

Andre

[jontg428]

I currently own a 164, its a little tight, but not so bad, but god would I like to trade for a spider at some time. I appreciate all your suggestions. Round tails are out of my price range, but a nice series2 spider would be nice, just got to study up my SPICA section in the ALFA owner's bible! Thanks again for your help,

Jon

[ossodiseppia]

If you like your knees up near your ears, you'll fit just fine. Since there is no leg room and pletty of arm room, your legs will end up wraped around the steering wheel and your arms outstretched. The best thing for you to do is look for one in the paper and go fo a test drive.

[Bill77]

You may have trouble with fitting your feet on the gas pedal without overlapping onto the brake. Try driving with your foot splayed outwards so that you are pressing on just the bottom of the gas pedal, with your foot lower than the brake pedal. You may also experience trouble when braking when the edge of your foot catches on the gas pedal and starts to rev engine! This is very startling the first time it happens.

[JoeCab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadtrip When they did the seating position, I think Alfa's egonometric model was an orangutan.