I appreciate all the good humor!
Honestly, I remember admiring the Spiders when I was young and couldn't afford one, or had other priorities in my life.
The previous owner of my Spider drove it to my house one summer day with the top down, and it brought back many memories of my youth. I nearly drooled on the car as I admired it. Before Dave died, he called me and asked me if I wanted to buy the Spider. My first comment was that I couldn't afford it. When he told me he only wanted $2500, I nearly ran to the bank. Maybe impulsive to some, but I saw it as an opportunity to buy a great looking fun car for what some people pay in auto insurance per year.
The PO did mention that the car needed a clutch slave and perhaps a master brake cylinder. I took the car to the local Alfa specialist (a great one Alfa mechanic by the way). The Alfa mechanic installed a new master brake cylinder, clutch slave, and repaired the radiator. I haven't had to make a major repair yet, but have to do weird things like clean the fuses, clean all the grounds, replaced a wire to the alternator, things I really consider maintenance like no other vehicle I've owned.
What I got for aound $3000 is the sexiest looking, fun car I've ever owned. I know it may never be worth a fortune, but I really enjoy driving the car more than any other car I've owned. Its just plain fun, for only $3000. Considering taking $3000 to a new car dealer, using it for a down payment on a Porsche, Corvette, or any other car that would be as fun as my Spider, it would make enough difference on my payment and insurance to buy a six pack of beer.