I don't mean to start an argument with anyone, but there is just too much incorrect speculation on this thread...
USA model Spiders have always had identifying badges on them. The script "Spider Veloce" side emblems started with the model year 1979. (Emphasis on model year, not manufacture date.) Through and including 1984 Alfa offered one USA model, which was the Spider Veloce, and all Spider Veloces had the side script emblems. (Well, on the last year of the series 2, Alfa did offer a special commemorative edition...)
In 1985, Alfa introduced the Graduate edition, and it had a script emblem on the side that read "Graduate". The series 3 Graduate had the script side emblems for its entire run.
The 1985 USA Spider Veloce had the script emblems as well. From 1979 through and including 1985, on all USA Spiders, the script emblem is on the top portion of the front fender, right above the fender crease. Starting with the transition year, 1986, the script side emblems were moved down just a few inches to the middle portion of the front fender. This is very logical since the pininfarina emblem (the small 'p') was replaced by a rectangular badge that was positioned in the middle section of the rear fender. Thus, both emblems are in the middle giving some balance to the appearance. The script emblems were fitted to all series 3 USA Veloces. And yes, series 4 Veloces had different emblems altogether.
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