Difference between revisions of "Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce"

From WOI Encyclopedia Italia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m
m
Line 21: Line 21:
 
|colspan=2|[[Image:Roundtail_1750.jpg|250px|1968 Alfa Romeo Spider 'Roundtail']]
 
|colspan=2|[[Image:Roundtail_1750.jpg|250px|1968 Alfa Romeo Spider 'Roundtail']]
 
|}
 
|}
 +
{{dablink|This article is about the original Alfa Romeo Spider, launched in 1966.<br>For the 916-series Alfa Romeo Spider launched in 1995, see [[Alfa Romeo GTV & Spider]]. <br/>For the Alfa Romeo Spider based on the Alfa Romeo Brera, see [[Alfa Romeo Brera]].}}
  
−
The '''Alfa Romeo Spider''' is a [[roadster]] produced by the [[Italy|Italian]] manufacturer [[Alfa Romeo]] from [[1966]] to [[1993]] (190 Spiders were badged as 1994 Commemorative Editions for the North American market).  Widely regarded as a design classic, it remained in production for almost three decades with only minor aesthetic and mechanical changes.
+
{{Infobox Automobile
 +
|image        = [[Image:1967-Alfa-Romeo-Duetto-Red-Front-Angle-st.jpg|250px|Alfa Romeo Spider]] ''Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider (Duetto)''
 +
|name        = Alfa Romeo Spider
 +
|aka          = Giulia Spider<br>105-series Spider<br>"Classic" Spider
 +
|manufacturer = [[Alfa Romeo]]
 +
|assembly=[[Grugliasco]], [[Turin]], [[Italy]]
 +
<br>[[San Giorgio Canavese]], [[Italy]] (Pininfarina)
 +
|production  = 1966&ndash;1993
 +
|layout      = [[FR layout]]
 +
|transmission =5-speed manual
 +
|body_style  = 2-seater [[roadster]]
 +
| engine        = 1.3&nbsp;L [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>1.6&nbsp;L [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>1.8&nbsp;L [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>2.0&nbsp;L [[Straight-4|I4]]
 +
| wheelbase        = {{Auto mm|2250}} Duetto
 +
| length          = {{Auto mm|4255}} Duetto
 +
| width            = {{Auto mm|1626}} Duetto
 +
| height          = {{Auto mm|1295}} Duetto
 +
| weight          = {{Auto kg|996}} Duetto
 +
|predecessor  = [[Alfa Romeo Giulietta|Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider]]
 +
|successor    = [[Alfa Romeo GTV & Spider|Alfa Romeo Spider (1995)]]
 +
|related      = [[Alfa Romeo Giulia]]
 +
|similar      = [[Lotus Elan]]
 +
| designer    = [[Pininfarina]]
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
[[Image:Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider 1965 white r TCE.jpg|thumb|right|240px|1st series, Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto.]]
 +
[[Image:Roundtail 1750.jpg|right|thumb|240px|1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloce 'Roundtail'.]]
 +
[[Image:GraduateSpider.jpg|right|thumb|240px|[[Dustin Hoffman|Dustin Hoffman's]] Spider (1966 1600 Duetto) runs out of gas in ''[[The Graduate]].'']]
 +
[[Image:Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 Veloce.JPG|thumb|240px|Series 2, Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 Veloce.]]
 +
[[Image:Alfa spider 3rd frankfurt vorn.jpg|right|thumb|240px|Alfa Romeo Spider 3rd series 'Aerodinamica'.]]
 +
[[Image:Alfa spider 3rd frankfurt hinten.jpg|right|thumb|240px|Alfa Romeo Spider 3rd series 'Aerodinamica'.]]
 +
[[Image:Alfa romeo spider serie4 closed.jpg|right|thumb|240px|Alfa Romeo Spider 4th series, closed.]]
 +
[[Image:Alfa romeo spider serie4 open.jpg|right|thumb|240px|Alfa Romeo Spider 4th series, open.]]
 +
 
 +
The '''Alfa Romeo Spider''' is a [[roadster]] produced by the [[Italy|Italian]] manufacturer [[Alfa Romeo]] from 1966 to 1993 (190 Spiders were badged as 1994 Commemorative Editions for the North American market).  Widely regarded as a design classic, it remained in production for almost three decades with only minor aesthetic and mechanical changes. The three first series were assembled by
 +
Pininfarina in Grugliasco and the fourth series in San Giorgio Canavese.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
  
−
Based on an [[Alfa Romeo Giulia|Giulia 105]] series chassis, the Spider was launched in 1966. Unnamed at launch, the name "Duetto" was chosen in a write-in competition in Italy. The Italian firm of [[Pininfarina]] was responsible for the design of the body, as well as being involved in the manufacture of the vehicle's [[monocoque]] construction (designed with the relatively new principles of [[crumple zone]]s incorporated into the front and rear). The engine was a 1570cc variant of the Alfa Romeo twin [[camshaft]] four cylinder engine, and produced 109 hp. Sparsely fitted inside but including five speed [[Transmission (mechanics)|transmission]], [[disc brakes]] and independent front [[Suspension (vehicle)|suspension]], the price on launch in Italy was 2,195,000 [[Italian lira|lire]].  
+
'''Series 1 Spider (1966-1969)'''
 +
 
 +
Based on the [[Alfa Romeo Giulia|Giulia 105]] series chassis, the Spider was launched in 36th [[Geneva Motor Show]] in 1966. Unnamed at launch, the name "Duetto" was chosen in a write-in competition in Italy. The Italian firm of [[Pininfarina]] was responsible for the design of the body; in fact, the Duetto was the last project with which founder [[Battista Pininfarina|Battista "Pinin" Farina]] was personally associated.  Pininfarina were also responsible for the manufacture of the vehicle's [[monocoque]] construction (designed with the relatively new principles of [[crumple zone]]s incorporated into the front and rear). The engine was a 1570&nbsp;cc variant of the Alfa Romeo [[Alfa Romeo Twin Cam engine|twin cam]] four cylinder engine, and produced {{Auto hp|109|0}}. Sparsely fitted inside but including five speed [[Transmission (mechanics)|transmission]], [[disc brakes]] and independent front [[Suspension (vehicle)|suspension]], the price on launch in Italy was 2,195,000 [[Italian lira|lire]].
 +
 
 +
The original "Duetto" was in production from 1966-1967; replaced in late 1967 by the 1750 Spider Veloce, powered by a {{Auto hp|118|0}} 1779&nbsp;cc engine. In Europe this was fitted with two twin [[carburettor]]s, whereas models for the [[North America]]n market (from MY 1969) had [[SPICA]] (Società Pompe Iniezione Cassani & Affini) mechanical fuel injection.
 +
 
 +
Modifications were also made to the suspension, brakes, electrics and wheels and tyres though the car looked effectively the same. Visible differences were limited to the rear-view mirror repositioned to the door, and different badging on the tail. During the production run, the front repeater lights were moved ahead of the wheelarches. The car's official title was 1750 Spider Veloce, the name "Duetto" being dropped from this point on. 
 +
 
 +
A new Spider 1300 Junior, with a 1290&nbsp;cc engine producing {{Auto hp|89|0}}, was introduced in 1968. This lacked various features of the 1750, including the plastic headlight fairings, the brake servo, hubcaps and opening quarterlight.
 +
 
 +
Due to its round (or long) tail, the Series 1 Spider is sometimes known by the nick-name of "Osso di Sepia" - Italian for cuttlebone fish.
 +
 
 +
'''Series 2 Spider (1970-1982/83)'''
 +
 
 +
In 1970 the first significant change to the exterior styling was introduced on the 1750 Spider Veloce, with the original's distinctive elongated round tail changed to a more conventional cut-off tail, called the "Kamm tail", as well as improving the luggage space. Numerous other small changes took place both inside and out, such as a slightly different grille, new doorhandles, a more raked windscreen, top-hinged pedals and improved interior trim.
 +
 
 +
1971 saw the Spider Veloce get a new, larger powerplant - a 1962&nbsp;cc, {{Auto hp|132|0}} unit - and consequently the name was changed from 1750 Spider Veloce to 2000 Spider Veloce.  The 1600 Spider restarted production a year later as the Spider 1600 Junior, and was visually identical to the 1300.
  
−
The original Spider was only in production for a year, replaced in [[1967]] by the 1750 Spider Veloce, powered by a 118 hp 1779cc engine. In Europe this was fitted with two twin [[carburettor]]s, whereas models for the [[North America]]n market had Spica mechanical fuel injection. Modifications were also made to the suspension, brakes, electrics and wheels and tyres though the car looked effectively the same. Visible differences were limited to the rear-view mirror repositioned to the door, and different badging on the tail. During the production run, the front repeater lights were moved ahead of the wheelarches. The car's official title was 1750 Spider Veloce, the name Duetto being dropped from this point on. 
+
The 1300 and 2000 cars were modified in 1974 and 1975 respectively to include two small seats behind the front seats, becoming a "two plus two" four seater. The 1300 model was discontinued in 1977. Also, between 1974 and 1976, the early-style stainless-steel bumpers were discontinued and replaced with black, rubber-clad units to meet increasingly stringent North American crash requirements.
  
−
[[Image:Alfa_Romeo_Spider_Duetto.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto]]
 
−
A new Spider 1300 Junior, with a 1290cc engine producing 89 hp, was introduced in [[1968]]. This lacked various features of the 1750, including the plastic headlight fairings, the brake servo, hubcaps and opening quarterlight.
 
  
−
In [[1970]] the first significant change to the exterior styling was introduced on the 1750 Spider Veloce, with the original's distinctive elongated round tail changed to a more conventional cut-off tail, called the Kamm tail, which arguably made the car look more modern, as well as improving the luggage space. Numerous other small changes took place both inside and out, such as a slightly different grille, new doorhandles, a more raked windscreen, top-hinged pedals and improved interior trim.
+
'''Series 3 Spider (1982/83-1989/90)'''
  
−
[[Image:Alfa_Romeo_Spider_2000_Veloce.JPG|thumb|250px|Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 Veloce]]
+
The Series 3 Spider was previewed in North America for the 1982 model year with the introduction of 2.0 liter Bosch electronic fuel injection to replace the SPICA mechanical injection.  
−
[[1971]] saw the Spider Veloce get a new, larger powerplant - a 1962cc, 132 hp unit - and consequently the name was changed from 1750 Spider Veloce to 2000 Spider Veloce.  The 1600 Spider restarted production a year later as the Spider 1600 Junior, and was visually identical to the 1300.
 
  
−
The 1300 and 2000 cars were modified in [[1974]] and [[1975]] respectively to include two small seats behind the front seats, becoming a "two plus two" four seater. The 1300 model was discontinued in [[1977]].
+
The Spider underwent a major styling revamp in 1983, which saw the introduction of black rubber front and rear bumpers. The front bumper incorporated the grille and a small soft rubber [[spoiler (automotive)|spoiler]] was added to the trunk lid. The change altered the exterior appearance of the car considerably and was not universally praised by enthusiasts. Various other minor mechanical and aesthetic modifications were also made, and the 1600 car (never available in North America) dropped the "Junior" name.  
  
−
The Spider underwent a major revamp in [[1983]] which saw the introduction of black rubber front and rear bumpers. The front bumper incorporated the grille and a small [[spoiler]] was added to the trunk lid. The change altered the exterior appearance of the car considerably and was not universally praised by enthusiasts. Various other minor mechanical and aesthetic modifications were also made, and the 1600 car dropped the "Junior" name.
 
−
{{commonscat|Alfa Romeo Spider}}
 
−
The ''Quadrifoglio Verde'' (Green Cloverleaf) model was introduced in [[1986]], with many aesthetic tweaks, including sideskirts, mirrors, new front and rear spoilers, and optional removable hardtop.  It was otherwise mechanically identical to the standard Spider Veloce model (which many Alfa enthusiasts felt was better looking than the QV with all its external styling geegaws), with a 1962 cc double overhead cam, four-cylinder engine (twin two-barrel carburetors in Europe, electronic fuel injection in North America) and five-speed manual transmission.  The interiors were also similar, with a high level of luxury available, including multi-speaker sound systems, electric window lifts and mirrors, air conditioning, alloy wheels, and leather seats.  For the North American market a model dubbed the Graduate was added in tribute to the car's famous appearance in the [[1967]] film, ''[[The Graduate]]'', starring [[Dustin Hoffman]].[[Image:GraduateSpider.jpg|right|thumb|250px|[[Dustin Hoffman|Dustin Hoffman's]] Spider runs out of gas in ''[[The Graduate]]'']]  The Graduate was intended as a less expensive "entry-level" Alfa.  Thus, while it had the same engine and transmission as the QV and SV, it lacked the handsome alloy wheels and luxury options of the other two models. The Graduate model had manual windows, basic vinyl seats, a vinyl top, and steel wheels as standard. It first appeared in 1985 in North America and continued until 1990. 
 
  
−
The final major change to the Spider came in 1990.  The primary mechnical change was that the European model was given the North American's Bosch electronic fuel injection.  Externally, the Spider lost its front under-bumper spoiler and the rear trunk-lid spoiler and picked up [[Alfa Romeo 164|164]]-style rear lights stetching across the width of the car as well as plastic bumpers the same color as the car.  There is debate among the marque's enthusiasts as to whether this last set of styling changes improved or detracted from the car's classic looks.
+
The ''Quadrifoglio Verde'' (Green Fourleaf Clover) model was introduced in 1986, with many aesthetic tweaks, including sideskirts, mirrors, new front and rear spoilers, hard rubber trunk mounted spolirs with integral 3rd stoplight and optional removable hardtop.  It was otherwise mechanically identical to the standard Spider Veloce model, with a 1962&nbsp;cc double overhead cam, four-cylinder engine (twin two-barrel carburetors in Europe; North American models retained the Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection introduced for the 1982 model year except that the VVT mechanism was now L-Jet activated) and five-speed manual transmission.
 +
   
  
−
In North America, these changes didn't appear until the 1991 model year. Power steering and a driver-side airbag also appeared as standard for North American Spiders.  
+
The interiors was revised with a new center console, lower dash panels (to meet U.S. regulations) and a single monopod gauge cluster (with electronic gauges). For the North American market a model dubbed the Graduate was added in tribute to the car's famous appearance in the 1967 film, ''[[The Graduate]]'', starring [[Dustin Hoffman]].
  
−
Production of the original Spider ended in [[1993]]. An [[Alfa Romeo GTV & Spider|all-new Alfa Spider]] arrived one year later.
+
The Graduate was intended as a less expensive "entry-level" Alfa. While it had the same engine and transmission as the Quadrifoglio and Spider, it lacked the alloy wheels and luxury features of the other two models. The Graduate model had manual windows, basic vinyl seats, a vinyl top, and steel wheels as standard. Air conditioning and a dealer-installed radio were the only options. It first appeared in 1985 in North America and continued until 1990.
  
−
A limited edition Spider Commemorative Edition was produced for the North American market in 1993 and was badged as a 1994 model. Each of the 190 Spider CEs imported to the United States had a small plaque affixed to the dashboard that identified which of the 190 cars it was. The CEs differed from previous Spiders in that they had a special badge on the nose, a "CE" script badge below the "Spider Veloce" badge on the tail, unique gold center caps on the "phonedial" 15" wheels, and burled wood interior trim. Each model came with a leather portfolio, numbered keychain, and documentation. The cars followed the VIN sequence 008276 to 008460, although there does not appear to be any systematic order numbering. It appears that all of the 1994 Spider Commemorative Editions were produced in May 1993.
+
Minor changes occurred from 1986-89, including new paint colors, a center high mount stop lamp ([[CHMSL]]) midway through 1986 for North American models, a move away from the fade-prone brown carpet and new turn signal levers. Some 1988 models featured automatic [seatbelts] that extended from a large device between the front seats.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Series 4 Spider (1990/91-1994)'''
 +
 
 +
The final major change to the Spider came in 1990.  The primary mechanical change was that the Spider was given Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection with an electric fan.  Externally, the Spider lost its front under-bumper spoiler and the rear trunk-lid spoiler and picked up [[Alfa Romeo 164|164]]-style rear lights stretching across the width of the car as well as plastic bumpers the same color as the car.
 +
 
 +
In North America, the styling changes didn't appear until the 1991 model year; 1990 models featured the Motronic fuel injection but retained the black bumpers. Power steering, larger knee bolsters and a driver-side airbag also appeared as standard for North American market Spiders, which were available in two configurations: Spider and Spider Veloce. Primary differences were in standard equipment; the Veloce substituted leather seats for the base model's vinyl, 15" alloy wheels were one size up from the standard steel wheels with hubcaps, air conditioning and a cloth top were standard.
 +
 
 +
Production of the original Spider ended in 1993.  An [[Alfa Romeo GTV & Spider|all-new Alfa Spider]] arrived one year later.
 +
 
 +
A limited edition Spider Commemorative Edition was produced for the North American market in 1993 and was badged as a 1994 model. Each of the 190 Spider CEs imported to the United States had a small plaque affixed to the dashboard that identified which of the 190 cars it was. The CEs differed from previous Spiders in that they had a special badge on the nose, a "CE" script badge below the "Spider Veloce" badge on the tail, unique gold center caps on the "phonedial" 15" wheels, and burled wood interior trim. Each model came with a leather portfolio, numbered keychain, and documentation. The cars followed the VIN sequence 008276 to 008460, although there does not appear to be any systematic order numbering. It appears that all of the 1994 Spider Commemorative Editions were produced in May 1993.
 +
 
 +
{|
 +
|-
 +
| valign="top"|
 +
===Production 1970-1993===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%" border=1 cellpadding=3
 +
|- tr BGCOLOR="darkred"
 +
! style="background:#DCDCDC;" | Year
 +
! style="background:#DCDCDC;" | Units made
 +
|-
 +
| 1970 || 2,539
 +
|-
 +
| 1971 || 3,735
 +
|-
 +
| 1972 ||  4,121
 +
|-
 +
| 1973 || 4,848
 +
|-
 +
| 1974 || 5,107
 +
|-
 +
| 1975 || 5,189
 +
|-
 +
| 1976 || 4,338
 +
|-
 +
| 1977 || 4,183
 +
|-
 +
| 1978 || 3,868
 +
|-
 +
| 1979 || 4,129
 +
|-
 +
| 1980 || 5,584
 +
|-
 +
| 1981 || 1,653
 +
|-
 +
| 1982 || 1,923
 +
|-
 +
| 1983 || 5,365
 +
|-
 +
| 1984 || 6,587
 +
|-
 +
| 1985 || 5,590
 +
|-
 +
| 1986 || 7,215
 +
|-
 +
| 1987 || 4,339
 +
|-
 +
| 1988 || 4,090
 +
|-
 +
| 1989 || 3,950
 +
|-
 +
| 1990 || 7,106
 +
|-
 +
| 1991 || 9,073
 +
|-
 +
| 1992 || 3,640
 +
|-
 +
| 1993 || 1,956
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
| valign="top"|
 +
 
 +
===Generations===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%" border=1 cellpadding=3
 +
|- tr BGCOLOR="darkred"
 +
!style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" valign="middle" |Model
 +
!style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" valign="middle" |Engine
 +
!style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" valign="middle" |Power
 +
!style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" valign="middle" |Torque
 +
!style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" valign="middle" |Years
 +
|-
 +
|colspan="5" | '''Serie 1''': '''''Duetto'' or ''osso di sepia'''''
 +
|-
 +
|'''Duetto'''||1600&nbsp;cc|| {{Auto PS|109|0}} || {{Auto Nm|142|0}} ||1966-1967
 +
|-
 +
|'''1750 Veloce'''||1779&nbsp;cc|| {{Auto PS|118|0}} || {{Auto Nm|186|0}} ||1967-1969
 +
|-|-
 +
|'''1750 Veloce US version'''||1779&nbsp;cc|| {{Auto PS|132|0}} || {{Auto Nm|186|0}} ||1969
 +
|-
 +
|'''1300 Junior'''||1290&nbsp;cc|| {{Auto PS|89|0}} ||-||1968-1969
 +
|-
 +
|colspan="5" | '''Serie 2''': '''''Fastback'' or ''Coda Tronca'''''
 +
|-
 +
|'''1750 Veloce'''||1779&nbsp;cc|| {{Auto PS|133|0}} || {{Auto Nm|187|0}} ||1970-1973
 +
|-
 +
|'''1300 Junior'''||1290&nbsp;cc|| {{Auto PS|104|0}} || {{Auto Nm|137|0}} ||1970-1973
 +
|-
 +
|'''2000 Veloce'''||1962&nbsp;cc|| {{Auto PS|128|0}} ||-||1971-1982
 +
|-
 +
|'''1600 Junior'''||1570&nbsp;cc|| {{Auto PS|110|0}} ||-||1972-1981
 +
|-
 +
|colspan="5" | '''Serie 3''': '''''Aerodinamica'''''
 +
|-
 +
|'''Aerodinamica 2000'''||1962&nbsp;cc|| {{Auto PS|128|0}} || {{Auto Nm|178|0}} ||1982-1989
 +
|-
 +
|'''Aerodinamica 1600'''||1570&nbsp;cc|| {{Auto PS|104|0}} || {{Auto Nm|142|0}} ||1983-1989
 +
|-
 +
|'''2000 Quadrifoglio Verde'''||1962&nbsp;cc|| {{Auto PS|132|0}} ||-||1985-1989
 +
|-
 +
|colspan="5" | '''''Serie 4'''''
 +
|-
 +
|'''Type 4'''||1962&nbsp;cc|| {{Auto PS|126|0}} || {{Auto Nm|166|0}} ||1990-1993
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==External links==
 +
 
 +
*[http://www.highwoodalfa.com/duettoregister Alfa Romeo Spider register]
  
  
Line 80: Line 245:
  
  
−
 
+
{{Alfa Romeo modern timeline}}
 
{{Alfa Romeo Post War}}
 
{{Alfa Romeo Post War}}
 
{{Alfa Romeo}}
 
{{Alfa Romeo}}

Revision as of 16:09, 18 March 2008

1965 Alfa Spider at Wheels Of Italy
Alfa Romeo Spider
Alfa Romeo Spider
Manufacturer: Alfa Romeo
Production: 1966–1993
Body Styles: FR 2-seater roadster
Predecessors: Alfa Romeo Giuletta Spider
Successors: Alfa Romeo Spider (1995)
Competitors: Lotus Elan
1968 Alfa Romeo Spider 'Roundtail'
This article is about the original Alfa Romeo Spider, launched in 1966.
For the 916-series Alfa Romeo Spider launched in 1995, see Alfa Romeo GTV & Spider.
For the Alfa Romeo Spider based on the Alfa Romeo Brera, see Alfa Romeo Brera.
Alfa Romeo Spider
Alfa Romeo Spider Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider (Duetto)
Manufacturer Alfa Romeo
Also called Giulia Spider
105-series Spider
"Classic" Spider
Production 1966–1993
Assembly Grugliasco, Turin, Italy


San Giorgio Canavese, Italy (Pininfarina)

Predecessor Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider
Successor Alfa Romeo Spider (1995)
Body style(s) 2-seater roadster
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 1.3 L I4
1.6 L I4
1.8 L I4
2.0 L I4
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
Wheelbase 2250 mm (Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character "{". in) Duetto
Length 4255 mm (Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character "{". in) Duetto
Width 1626 mm (Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character "{". in) Duetto
Height 1295 mm (Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character "{". in) Duetto
Curb weight Template:Auto kg Duetto
Related Alfa Romeo Giulia
Designer Pininfarina
1st series, Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto.
1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloce 'Roundtail'.
File:GraduateSpider.jpg
Dustin Hoffman's Spider (1966 1600 Duetto) runs out of gas in The Graduate.
Series 2, Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 Veloce.
Alfa Romeo Spider 3rd series 'Aerodinamica'.
Alfa Romeo Spider 3rd series 'Aerodinamica'.
Alfa Romeo Spider 4th series, closed.
Alfa Romeo Spider 4th series, open.

The Alfa Romeo Spider is a roadster produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1966 to 1993 (190 Spiders were badged as 1994 Commemorative Editions for the North American market). Widely regarded as a design classic, it remained in production for almost three decades with only minor aesthetic and mechanical changes. The three first series were assembled by Pininfarina in Grugliasco and the fourth series in San Giorgio Canavese.

History

Series 1 Spider (1966-1969)

Based on the Giulia 105 series chassis, the Spider was launched in 36th Geneva Motor Show in 1966. Unnamed at launch, the name "Duetto" was chosen in a write-in competition in Italy. The Italian firm of Pininfarina was responsible for the design of the body; in fact, the Duetto was the last project with which founder Battista "Pinin" Farina was personally associated. Pininfarina were also responsible for the manufacture of the vehicle's monocoque construction (designed with the relatively new principles of crumple zones incorporated into the front and rear). The engine was a 1570 cc variant of the Alfa Romeo twin cam four cylinder engine, and produced 109 hp (81 kW). Sparsely fitted inside but including five speed transmission, disc brakes and independent front suspension, the price on launch in Italy was 2,195,000 lire.

The original "Duetto" was in production from 1966-1967; replaced in late 1967 by the 1750 Spider Veloce, powered by a 118 hp (88 kW) 1779 cc engine. In Europe this was fitted with two twin carburettors, whereas models for the North American market (from MY 1969) had SPICA (Società Pompe Iniezione Cassani & Affini) mechanical fuel injection.

Modifications were also made to the suspension, brakes, electrics and wheels and tyres though the car looked effectively the same. Visible differences were limited to the rear-view mirror repositioned to the door, and different badging on the tail. During the production run, the front repeater lights were moved ahead of the wheelarches. The car's official title was 1750 Spider Veloce, the name "Duetto" being dropped from this point on.

A new Spider 1300 Junior, with a 1290 cc engine producing 89 hp (66 kW), was introduced in 1968. This lacked various features of the 1750, including the plastic headlight fairings, the brake servo, hubcaps and opening quarterlight.

Due to its round (or long) tail, the Series 1 Spider is sometimes known by the nick-name of "Osso di Sepia" - Italian for cuttlebone fish.

Series 2 Spider (1970-1982/83)

In 1970 the first significant change to the exterior styling was introduced on the 1750 Spider Veloce, with the original's distinctive elongated round tail changed to a more conventional cut-off tail, called the "Kamm tail", as well as improving the luggage space. Numerous other small changes took place both inside and out, such as a slightly different grille, new doorhandles, a more raked windscreen, top-hinged pedals and improved interior trim.

1971 saw the Spider Veloce get a new, larger powerplant - a 1962 cc, 132 hp (98 kW) unit - and consequently the name was changed from 1750 Spider Veloce to 2000 Spider Veloce. The 1600 Spider restarted production a year later as the Spider 1600 Junior, and was visually identical to the 1300.

The 1300 and 2000 cars were modified in 1974 and 1975 respectively to include two small seats behind the front seats, becoming a "two plus two" four seater. The 1300 model was discontinued in 1977. Also, between 1974 and 1976, the early-style stainless-steel bumpers were discontinued and replaced with black, rubber-clad units to meet increasingly stringent North American crash requirements.


Series 3 Spider (1982/83-1989/90)

The Series 3 Spider was previewed in North America for the 1982 model year with the introduction of 2.0 liter Bosch electronic fuel injection to replace the SPICA mechanical injection.

The Spider underwent a major styling revamp in 1983, which saw the introduction of black rubber front and rear bumpers. The front bumper incorporated the grille and a small soft rubber spoiler was added to the trunk lid. The change altered the exterior appearance of the car considerably and was not universally praised by enthusiasts. Various other minor mechanical and aesthetic modifications were also made, and the 1600 car (never available in North America) dropped the "Junior" name.


The Quadrifoglio Verde (Green Fourleaf Clover) model was introduced in 1986, with many aesthetic tweaks, including sideskirts, mirrors, new front and rear spoilers, hard rubber trunk mounted spolirs with integral 3rd stoplight and optional removable hardtop. It was otherwise mechanically identical to the standard Spider Veloce model, with a 1962 cc double overhead cam, four-cylinder engine (twin two-barrel carburetors in Europe; North American models retained the Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection introduced for the 1982 model year except that the VVT mechanism was now L-Jet activated) and five-speed manual transmission.


The interiors was revised with a new center console, lower dash panels (to meet U.S. regulations) and a single monopod gauge cluster (with electronic gauges). For the North American market a model dubbed the Graduate was added in tribute to the car's famous appearance in the 1967 film, The Graduate, starring Dustin Hoffman.

The Graduate was intended as a less expensive "entry-level" Alfa. While it had the same engine and transmission as the Quadrifoglio and Spider, it lacked the alloy wheels and luxury features of the other two models. The Graduate model had manual windows, basic vinyl seats, a vinyl top, and steel wheels as standard. Air conditioning and a dealer-installed radio were the only options. It first appeared in 1985 in North America and continued until 1990.

Minor changes occurred from 1986-89, including new paint colors, a center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL) midway through 1986 for North American models, a move away from the fade-prone brown carpet and new turn signal levers. Some 1988 models featured automatic [seatbelts] that extended from a large device between the front seats.


Series 4 Spider (1990/91-1994)

The final major change to the Spider came in 1990. The primary mechanical change was that the Spider was given Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection with an electric fan. Externally, the Spider lost its front under-bumper spoiler and the rear trunk-lid spoiler and picked up 164-style rear lights stretching across the width of the car as well as plastic bumpers the same color as the car.

In North America, the styling changes didn't appear until the 1991 model year; 1990 models featured the Motronic fuel injection but retained the black bumpers. Power steering, larger knee bolsters and a driver-side airbag also appeared as standard for North American market Spiders, which were available in two configurations: Spider and Spider Veloce. Primary differences were in standard equipment; the Veloce substituted leather seats for the base model's vinyl, 15" alloy wheels were one size up from the standard steel wheels with hubcaps, air conditioning and a cloth top were standard.

Production of the original Spider ended in 1993. An all-new Alfa Spider arrived one year later.

A limited edition Spider Commemorative Edition was produced for the North American market in 1993 and was badged as a 1994 model. Each of the 190 Spider CEs imported to the United States had a small plaque affixed to the dashboard that identified which of the 190 cars it was. The CEs differed from previous Spiders in that they had a special badge on the nose, a "CE" script badge below the "Spider Veloce" badge on the tail, unique gold center caps on the "phonedial" 15" wheels, and burled wood interior trim. Each model came with a leather portfolio, numbered keychain, and documentation. The cars followed the VIN sequence 008276 to 008460, although there does not appear to be any systematic order numbering. It appears that all of the 1994 Spider Commemorative Editions were produced in May 1993.

Production 1970-1993

Year Units made
1970 2,539
1971 3,735
1972 4,121
1973 4,848
1974 5,107
1975 5,189
1976 4,338
1977 4,183
1978 3,868
1979 4,129
1980 5,584
1981 1,653
1982 1,923
1983 5,365
1984 6,587
1985 5,590
1986 7,215
1987 4,339
1988 4,090
1989 3,950
1990 7,106
1991 9,073
1992 3,640
1993 1,956

Generations

Model Engine Power Torque Years
Serie 1: Duetto or osso di sepia
Duetto 1600 cc 109 PS (108 hp/80 kW) Template:Auto Nm 1966-1967
1750 Veloce 1779 cc 118 PS (116 hp/87 kW) Template:Auto Nm 1967-1969
1750 Veloce US version 1779 cc 132 PS (130 hp/97 kW) Template:Auto Nm 1969
1300 Junior 1290 cc 89 PS (88 hp/65 kW) - 1968-1969
Serie 2: Fastback or Coda Tronca
1750 Veloce 1779 cc 133 PS (131 hp/98 kW) Template:Auto Nm 1970-1973
1300 Junior 1290 cc 104 PS (103 hp/76 kW) Template:Auto Nm 1970-1973
2000 Veloce 1962 cc 128 PS (126 hp/94 kW) - 1971-1982
1600 Junior 1570 cc 110 PS (108 hp/81 kW) - 1972-1981
Serie 3: Aerodinamica
Aerodinamica 2000 1962 cc 128 PS (126 hp/94 kW) Template:Auto Nm 1982-1989
Aerodinamica 1600 1570 cc 104 PS (103 hp/76 kW) Template:Auto Nm 1983-1989
2000 Quadrifoglio Verde 1962 cc 132 PS (130 hp/97 kW) - 1985-1989
Serie 4
Type 4 1962 cc 126 PS (124 hp/93 kW) Template:Auto Nm 1990-1993


External links


1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto

  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 1.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 2.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 3.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 4.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 5.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 6.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 7.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 8.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 9.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 10.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 11.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 12.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 13.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 14.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 15.jpg
  • 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto .jpg


External Links

Restoration of a 1969 Alfa Spider Veloce


<- Previous Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A., a subsidiary of the Fiat S.p.A. since 1986, car timeline, 1980s-present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Supermini Junior
Small family car Alfasud 33 145/146 147 149
Arna
Compact executive car Alfetta 75 155 156 159
Nuova Giulietta
Executive car Alfa 6 90 164 166 169
Coupé Sprint GTV (916) GT
GTV Brera
Cabriolet Spider (916) Spider (939)
Sportscar SZ/RZ
Roadster Spider
Supercar 8C Competizione and Spider
Racing car 179/182/183T/184T/185T SE 048SP
<- Previous Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A., a subsidiary of the Fiat S.p.A. since 1986, car timeline, 1946-1979 Next ->
Type 1950s 1960s 1970s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Small family car Dauphine* Alfasud
Compact executive car Giulietta (750/101)
Giulia Giulietta (116)
1750 Alfetta
Executive car 1900 2000 2600 2000 Alfa 6
Cabriolet 1900 2000 2600
Coupé Giulietta Sprint
Giulia Alfetta GT/GTV and GTV6
1900 2000 2600
Roadster Spider
Gran Sport Quattroruote
Sports car …6C 2500 Montreal
33 Stradale
Off-road Matta
Racing car TZ/GTA
…158/159 Tipo 33 177
*Dauphine was produced under Renault license
Alfa Romeo S.P.A.
1910-1920 24hp | 40-60hp | Castagna | Torpedo | RL | RM | P1 | P2 | 6c 1500 | 6c 1750darkorange
1920-1940 1750 Drophead | 8c 2300 | 6c | 6c 1900 | 6c 2300 | 8c 2900 | 12 cylinder | P3 | 1935 Twin-engine
1940-1950 158 | 6c 2500
1950-1960 1900 | AR 51 The Matta | Disco Volante | Giulietta | 1.3 | 2000
1960-1970 Giulia | Super 1600 | TI | Sprint Speciale | Alfa Romeo TZ | Alfa Romeo GTA | Alfa Romeo 2600 | Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/3 | Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale | Spider Veloce | 1750
1970-1980 Montreal (1970–1977) | Alfasud (1972–1983) | Alfetta (1972–1977) | Arna | Berlina | GTV | Guilia Nuova Super 1300
1980-1990 GTV | GTV6 | Sprint | 33 (1983–1994) | Alfa 6 (1979-1984)| 90 (1984–1986) | Alfa Romeo Milano (Euro 75) (1985–1992) | 164 (1987–1998)
1990-2000 SZ | GTV (1995–present) | Spider (1998–present) | 145 (1995–2001) | 146 (1995–2001) | 155 (1992–1998) | 156 - GTA (1997–present) | 166 (1998–present)
2000 onwards GT (2004–present) | 147 - GTA (2001–present) | 159 | 167 (2007?) | Brera (Preview-2005) | Spyder (2007?) | Kamal (Expected-2007)
Concept Cars 33.2 · Carabo · Diva · Navajo · BAT series · Disco Volante · 2000 Sportiva · Kamal · Nuvola · Scighera · Visconti · Full List
Fiat Group brands Abarth | Alfa Romeo | Autobianchi | Ferrari | Fiat | Lancia | Innocenti | Maserati
Fiat Group Corporate Website | Fiat Auto Website
Retrieved from "http://woiweb.com/wiki/index.php?title=Alfa_Romeo_Spider_Veloce&oldid=36179"