・Top specification Green Cloverleaf/Quadrifoglio Verde model ・Great runner with rebuilt twin-cam ・Comprehensive two-year restoration in 2015 ・Comes with the rare and desirable factory hardtop & tonneau cover
The Background
The Alfa Romeo Spider was originally created during the days of flower power and kaftans and survived long enough to see the revival in the late '80s. Granted it suffered somewhat from a middle-aged spread but you can guarantee that this car still feels like it's 18 years old. Strong demand in the States was the main factor for its stay of execution, its neat handling and charismatic engines helping its cause, as other roadsters fell by the wayside. Production of the car actually increased by the time this 1987 Series 3 QV was registered.
This original Bell and Colvill converted car was imported in 1987 (all S3 &S4 spiders left the factory in LHD), it retains all of the Quadrifoglio Verde (QV) trim level but with the benefit of removal of the less than stylish QV side skirts. Most agree that these bolt-ons were of questionable value, which ruined the sleek 60’s styling. There has also been a subtle improvement to the rear bumper and spoiler giving it a much nicer backside. The car comes with newly trimmed seats and backdated door cards to compliment the look. Suitable period alloys and a factory hardtop, on top of a stack of history and paperwork. This includes its original service book, past MOTs and, rather charmingly, its original Bell and Colvill keyring. Subject to an extensive restoration in 2015, it has seen very few miles since then and has been kept indoors during that period.
This car was supplied by specialists Bell and Colvill who are a top-end bespoke dealer, known for the importation of niche cars but also offered a tantalising opportunity for British owners to experience classic 2-seater open-top motoring. At the time there were limited options to buy a new open-top Italian car for sensible money, so Bell and Colvill adapted the Alfa Romeo Spider for the RHD market.
It continued to be serviced by Bell and Colville with service stamps up until 1994, beyond this the car was rigorously maintained regardless of cost by several other marque specialists. The car was continually used until 2008 when it was taken off the road. After its hibernation it was bought by an Italian classic car enthusiast in 2015 and underwent extensive restoration and a few subtle but visually appealing upgrades.
The car was taken on by its current owner in 2017 soon after its restoration and has seen further improvements and additional work. As a fan of motoring, with a not inconsiderable collection of fine cars, he took the car on as a potential weekend and the occasional car. However, a re-evaluation and need to free up funds for a business venture combined with a lack of use, means that the car is now up for grabs.
The car has a pleasing amount of provenance, covering much of the receipts of parts during the restoration, but also MOTS back to 1995, with service stamps, past tax discs, the original owners manual as well as Bell & Colvill paperwork. The car was extensively restored in 2015, which included a full engine rebuild gearbox seals water pump, radiator and fan shroud. The running gear also saw a complete overhaul, with specific attention paid to the suspension pans and bushes as well as the total overhaul of the braking system. While the mechanical aspect was being perfected, the body was said to be in reasonable condition but was stripped back and any rust cut out and repaired including new outer sills. It comes with an MOT until September 2021.
The original grey QV seat covers were looking tired as they had worn quite badly and were retrimmed in a more tasteful black scheme. The original door cards have also been backdated to new S2 items far more in keeping with the classic style. The carpets have aged somewhat but are in presentable condition but could be something for the next owner to investigate.
A new set of overmats have just been added to the car, which helps the interior presentation. The dashboard and centre console show typical but minor signs of ageing and have no significant damage or cracks. The dials and switchgear are all in good condition and are said to be functional.
The nicely finished steering wheel is in good condition with limited signs of wear, with the gear stick in decent condition with the leather grater being undamaged. The car is fitted with front/rear speakers and comes with a DAB player, which is currently unconnected.
The bodywork structure is in good condition, with even panel gaps and good fitting panels throughout. There are no signs of significant external corrosion evident, with the underside in solid condition having the benefit of new outer sills and any corrosion being totally dealt with during the 2015-2017 restoration, with the owner confidently stating that the car can be jacked up using its jacking points if needed (that can’t be said for a lot of these cars)! The car is dent free with no unsightly issues to distract you from the lines. The sills, engine bay and inner wings are good, with all doors hanging well with no obstruction to open or close.
The Alfa Rosso paint is in very good condition, with an excellent finish throughout. The lustre and shine of the paint are eye-catching and well applied. The mohair hood is in good condition, the owner has pointed out that it has a small repair to it but is said to be watertight. The inside of the hood is in good condition with no damage. The rear plastic screen is clear. In addition to this, the car also comes with a rare factory hardtop and a tonneau cover, both of which are in good condition.
The Spider in 80’s facelift form has always been a divisive subject, with many lamenting the loss of the boat-tailed purity of the ‘60s original. However, the Series 3 car is still sympathetic to the contour and lines of the car. The rear Zender spoiler and swelt bumper modification gives the car a more Kamm tail appearance and will be enough to pique the interest of any Spider fan.
The car has also lost its side skirts, which if wanted can be provided with the car upon its dispatch to its new owner. The chrome mirrors are also upgraded items. The tyres are in good condition and have plenty of life left in them. The original pepper pot wheels have been replaced by a set of smart Speed-line alloys, however, if these are not to your taste the originals will also be included as part of the sale.
The freshly rebuilt 2-litre twin-cam engine starts up with ease and with no obstructions, the engine idles nicely, with no nasty noises or unwanted tapping. The ride is said to be compliant, without ungainly creaks or rattles. The engine is well presented, with hoses and ancillary in good condition. As the car has been subject to an extensive mechanical overhaul, with many of its key components replaced and retains the typical brio associated with the model.
The gearbox has been subject to new seals and mounting bushe and is said to perform well. Other items on the car that are worth noting are the deletion of the rear silencer and the stance of the car has been slightly changed by the addition of Eibach lowering Springs. In addition, the carb mounts have been replaced. The exhaust is in good order with no issues with blowing or surface corrosion and the brakes have been well maintained with plenty of life left in them. The owner is also keen to point out that the recently fitted Alfa 105 series parts are of high quality.
It’s no secret that the original S1 cars are the ones that most of the Alfasti hanker for, but with values going through the roof, not to mention 50 or so years worth of issues to be uncovered, the later versions suddenly look appealing. Alfa stopped the development of the car in the ’70s but it was still way ahead of the competition, offering eager vocal engines, excellent handling and an unmistakable heritage. Well sorted and well restored RHD examples are not easy to find and this S3 model has been tastefully updated to offer a more superior aesthetic to the original 1987 car.
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1987 Alfa Romeo Series 3 Quadrifoglio Spider
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