1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Series 3 |

Sold

1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Series 3

Sold Price

£4,240

Mileage~89,761 km
TransmissionManual
Engine1.6L
LocationRoyal Wootton Bassett

SOLD

1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Series 3

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

The Alfa Spider offers the enthusiast the definitive Italian car experience.

The Alfa Romeo Spider first made its appearance in 1966, but thanks to a combination of its twin-cam engines, five-speed gearboxes and that distinctive styling, it retained a steady demand. Alfa kept the car in production as its sole open-top sports car for three decades, until production finally ceased in 1993. With the exception of equipment and several facelifts, development was fairly minimal but it retained much of its driving experience characteristic of the original. Noting a noticeable gap in the UK market for open-top sports cars, one time Alfa Romeo dealer, Bell and Corvill imported cars straight from the factory and converted them to RHD.

This 1988 Series 3 car has been owned by the current enthusiast for 12 years and has been regularly maintained by a specialist. The car looks solid throughout, with a decent engine and a tidy interior. The car is in need of some mechanical work, as it currently doesn’t run under its own power due to a fault with the clutch. It could be viewed as an ideal car to bring up to scratch without too much effort and a perfect opportunity to see out the rest of the summer, in an iconic and head-turning bona fide classic.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren Rungasamy after meeting Simon the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The car has always been garaged during my ownership and it's been quite a decision to sell.

Simon used it occasionally for work and sunny days but it has recently seen less and less use.

The car could appeal to someone who is handy with a spanner who could revitalise this solid example.

Simon

Vehicle Owner

Simon saved £0,720* when they
sold their Alfa Romeo with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The classic styling has not been diluted with time - it's still got its Italian flair.

Wheels and Tyres

The tyres are mixed brands but are in decent condition with legal tread throughout. The rear items being less than 10 years old. The Campagnolo five star alloys are in good shape too, with some minor scuffing noted on the outer rims but typical in line with the age of the car.

Bodywork

The panels fit flush with no significant issues with the condition of the metalwork - there are a handful of small dings but nothing major. All of the doors open with no effort and close with no straining. Structure wise the car looks to be in good shape, with the chassis, floor pan, inner wings, boot and engine compartment looking solid. The car has a few corrosion blemishes on some of the panels, mostly confined to small imperfections to the wheel arches and scabs coming through on the scuttle and the corner of the off-side bottom of the wing. The most notable corrosion on the car is limited to the rear valance, around the exhaust pipe.

Please review all the hi resolution images and videos to assess the condition for yourself.

Paint

The paint finish is generally of a good standard, there are a few flat spots in places, where the car has seen overspray (mostly noted on the nearside of the car) but the core measure of the paint has a decent shine and looks presentable.

The most significant paint damage can be observed on the nearside rear wing arch but it has not gone beyond the primer.

Overall, we think the presentation could be improved greatly with just a bit of time and a good amount of elbow grease.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen condition is good, with no cracks or chips, just a few signs of laminate damage creeping in at the edges. The side windows and quarter lights are good. The glass rubber is in good condition too, with small imperfections noted on the passenger door rubbers. The boot rubber is good and is doing a sterling job in keeping the rain out.

The trim is complete and correct for the S3 model. The bumpers show minor wear, mostly on the rubber sections. Both rear bumper end caps are missing. The rear spoiler component is in good condition. The chrome work is in good condition with age-related wear but no significant pitting. The original wing mirrors have been removed and replaced with different items, the originals come with the car.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The Spiders' appeal is instantly enhanced by a professional right-hand-drive conversion.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in good condition and retain their shape, although the driver's side has tear on the upright section and little damage on the headrest and seatbelt mount.

The carpets are good throughout.

Dashboard

The Bell and Colvill RHD conversion has a reputation for variable quality, although this example is good with no significant signs of poor conversion. The materials have retained a good level of durability, with the odd frayed corner or fitting. The dashboard condition is good, with no significant scuffs or misuse.

As expected, the dials and controls show some signs of age, with the core functions, such as the electric windows, lights and aftermarket radio/CD player (subject to a reset) are functional.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The Momo steering wheel is in good condition, with some expected wear on the wood.

The gear stick was fitted sometime before Simon took ownership, but is in good condition too.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The throaty twin-cam engine has proved to be reliable and a hit with enthusiasts and spirited drivers.

Engine and Gearbox

Mechanically the car is sound but was placed into storage earlier this year due to a failing clutch. Simon has bought a master cylinder for the car, which will be part of the sale. The car was said to drive well prior to this. As a consequence of a lack of use in recent months the starter motor has become temperamental but the engine does fire up, and once running sounds healthy with no issues in regards to leaks or poor running. The car reaches temperature with no drama, with any condensation from the exhaust soon disappearing. In light of the clutch and starter motor, this car would need to be trailed to its new home. The car received a new water pump last year.

Suspension and Brakes

The car, most likely due to its storage status emits a noise that seemed to be coming from the hubs. Prior to the car being laid up, there was no such issue. The suspension and brake components are said to be good, the front callipers were replaced 5 years ago.

The Drive

The car has a current MOT, and prior to the car being laid up, it was used as an occasional car and was said to have no issues with the way it drove. Simon enjoyed its spirited drive and head-turning looks and he told us that the Alfa ran well with no major issues regarding its reliability over the 12 years of ownership, largely due to its regular maintenance.

Electrics and Other

The mohair hood is in decent condition, having been rebuilt and retrimmed in 1999. The rear plastic glass has light scratches but is intact with no suggestion of water ingress. Its operation is seamless and can be raised and lowed with no issues.

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History and Paperwork

This car has seen plenty of attention over the years - a great base to improve and even have equity in.

Believed to have been a Bell and Colvill RHD conversion for the UK, this car was taken on by Simon in 2009. It has seen a succession of owners since 1988 with paperwork going back to 1996, suggesting the car has a typical ownership profile of being used as an occasional car. The more significant paperwork shows that recent work has covered structural repairs to the cross-member and sills with undersealing. Along with the usual sundry items, there is also a pleasing amount of servicing paperwork too.

Simon has taken the car to a trusted Italian car specialist to ensure that the car is being sympathetically maintained and fitted with the correct parts.

The car does not have a current MOT, and as mentioned in this listing there are some issues which would need seeing to in order to pass. This means the car would need to be transported from Simon's garage - remember we can help with that and there's a calculator at the bottom of the listing that will give you a good idea/guesstimate on price. Please contact us if you want a more accurate price.

We have actioned all our usual checks on the seller, V5 and HPi clear.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
21-09-2020	MOT	89,579 km
21-05-2020	Service	88,685 km
19-09-2019	MOT	87,843 km
23-08-2018	MOT	87,166 km
17-08-2017	MOT	86,136 km
05-08-2016	MOT	84,772 km
29-07-2015	MOT	83,923 km
02-07-2014	MOT	82,676 km
04-07-2013	MOT	80,028 km
06-07-2012	MOT	77,424 km
08-07-2011	MOT	75,089 km
08-07-2010	MOT	73,303 km
19-06-2010	Service	72,562 km
19-06-2009	MOT	69,159 km
16-07-2008	MOT	68,862 km
13-07-2007	MOT	68,266 km
26-05-2006	MOT	60,025 km
22-07-1999	Service	58,035 km
07-09-1998	Service	53,631 km
29-08-1997	Service	45,129 km
30-09-1996	Service	39,139 km

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Key Details

ModelSpider S3
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date1988
CC1600cc
Mileage~89,761 km
HistorySome
ColourRed
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimPlastic / Vinyl
Chassis #ZAR11535000010120
Engine #10120
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
Former Keepers10
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned12 Years
Key FeatureProject Car

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Ask Questions

Seller : Simon B Sale Date 12.10.2021

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

2 Comments

Paul Lopez

3 years ago

Good Evening, Im look for an Alfasnd I’ve stumbled on your car and reading the old MOT,s it states unable to check quality of welds to inners sills due to excessive underseal! I take this repair was carried out correctly and to a high standard? Write up states won’t move, is it a clutch failure or could it be gearbox? Paperwork shows bill for a breakdown, was that for clutch/transmission fault? Thanks in advance Paul lopez

Simon

Paul Lopez

3 years ago

Good morning, During my ownership I have had the nearside middle sill replaced due to corrosion. this involved cutting out rear and front wheel arch panels and fitting sill and repairing panels this was carried out by a local independent Alfa specialist. The same specialist has examined the car and it is a clutch failure. the breakdowns/call outs I have had were for a section of the exhaust came away which has obviously been repaired.
Regards, Simon

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Vehicle Location

Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire

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