Advice on Spider Purchase
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9 Posts
Here's the link to the car
Looks pretty nice. Pic 112 appears to show bondo on the sill, which is the structural heart of the car and a potential red flag. Have you owned an Alfa before, or know someone who has? Your local AROC chapter can refer you for a qualified pre-purchase inspection.
David OD
Laguna CA
David OD
Laguna CA
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1,058 Posts
It's been for sale for quite a long time. maybe they are ready to drop the price.
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1,058 Posts
bring a magnet
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1,492 Posts
For 10k you are in the ball park if the dive train is in great shape. Have a compression test and does second gear shifts smoothly?
Ken Smith
Ken Smith
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1,058 Posts
I would be glad to help out if you have any questions.
The sills look "wobbly" , if there is bondo (take a fridge magnet, not a powerful one) then walk away, the colour and stripes will put most people off and you are looking at good money for a respray, ask for restoration pictures, if none.......also get them to jack it up on the jacking points one at a time, don't do it your self, and check the door gaps as they do, any movement and the sills are past their sell by, if they refuse to jack it up then walk away. Just noticed there is overspray and drips so I wouldn't even bother going to see it
I would not walk away, I would run. For 10K, a 76 Spider should be in great condition. This one has rust, and some rot. Jack points look shaky. Floor pans will need replacing. Front and rear suspension need to be done. SPICA has been converted to carbs, which isn't really a deal killer, but a little harder to care for.....You can tell how a car has been cared for, by the attention to detail. Look at picture 55. The gauges are crooked. In my opinion, this car has been made to look good. To look "sporty" and eye catching, but should be avoided. There are a lot of other examples out there in better condition for less.
Here is a well sorted 77 Spider that sold on BAT for $7377....
bringatrailer.com
No Reserve: 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider
Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #33,273.
bringatrailer.com
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86 Posts
Lots of bond in the sills, uneven door gaps ...i think that paint job is hiding quite a few poorly filled rust damaged areas. Be cautious.
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1,938 Posts
Agreed. This looks to be a case of lipstick on a pig.
If you're just looking for a driver, this might fit the bill: 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider | eBay It will probably sell for less than $2500. Rust? Absolutely, but you know what you're getting.
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1,938 Posts
I'd just spend the money and get a non-rusty example. For the $9k in the original post, OP should be able to get something clean.
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493 Posts
I think you will find this very helpful..
Alfa Romeo Spider FAQ
www.alfaspiderfaq.org
If you are serious about buying an Alfa, buy Pat Bradens book Alfa Romeo Owners Bible. Good info on Alfa's, plus he has a chapter on what to look for when buying an Alfa. It's a great reference guide.
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