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Photo of a Alfa Romeo Spider

Alfa Romeo Spider

1966-1994: four series of Pininfarina curves and Alfa twin-cam power.1

Researched November 9, 2026 from 33 sources

Also called

  • DuettoChosen by a public naming contest in 1966, then blocked by Pavesi's confectionery trademark. In US usage, it usually means the original 1600.12
  • Osso di seppiaItalian for cuttlebone: the Series 1's long, rounded tail inspired the name.1
  • Coda TroncaUsed for Series 2, whose chopped Kamm tail replaced the rounded rear.3
  • AerodinamicaUsed for Series 3, whose 1983 facelift added rubber bumpers and a rear lip spoiler.1

At a glance

0100200
88–132 hpPower
0100200
170–190 km/hTop speed
0150300
137–187 N·mTorque
07501,500
990–1,225 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1348

Engine
1.3/1.6/1.8/2.0 L twin-cam inline-fours; carburetors or injection13
Layout
Front engine, rear drive; independent front, live rear axle1
Gearbox
5-speed manual; Series 4 adds an optional 3-speed automatic1
Built at
Pininfarina: Grugliasco (Series 1-3), San Giorgio Canavese (Series 4), Italy1
Units built
124,000+ total; Series 3: 44,242; Series 1 1600: 6,325, including 379 RHD347

The story

Replacing the Giulia Spider, the 105/115 wrapped Alfa's twin-cam four in Pininfarina bodywork. It spanned four series from 1966 to 1994, before the separate 916 and 939 Spider families.1

1966: Geneva debut, then Raffaello to America19661968: 1750 Veloce sharpens the sprint19681970: Series 2 adopts the Kamm tail19701971: 2000 Spider Veloce brings 132 hp19711978: 350 Spiders salute Niki Lauda19781982: Bosch replaces SPICA in US cars19821983: Series 3 grows a rubber ducktail19831990: Series 4 smooths the body19901993: Production ends; 190 farewell Spiders1993 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider (750/101): 1955–1962750/101Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider (101): 1962–1965101Alfa Romeo Spider Series 1 (Series 1): 1966–1969Alfa Romeo Spider Series 2 (Series 2): 1970–1982Series 2Alfa Romeo Spider Series 3 (Series 3): 1983–1989Alfa Romeo Spider Series 4 (Series 4): 1990–1993Alfa Romeo Spider (916) (916): 1995–916 1960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1341415
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1955–1962Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider (750/101)
1962–1965Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider (101)
1966–1969Alfa Romeo Spider Series 1 (Series 1)
1970–1982Alfa Romeo Spider Series 2 (Series 2)
1983–1989Alfa Romeo Spider Series 3 (Series 3)
1990–1993Alfa Romeo Spider Series 4 (Series 4)
1995–Alfa Romeo Spider (916) (916)
1966Geneva debut, then Raffaello to America
19681750 Veloce sharpens the sprint
1970Series 2 adopts the Kamm tail
19712000 Spider Veloce brings 132 hp
1978350 Spiders salute Niki Lauda
1982Bosch replaces SPICA in US cars
1983Series 3 grows a rubber ducktail
1990Series 4 smooths the body
1993Production ends; 190 farewell Spiders
  1. 1966

    Geneva debut, then Raffaello to America

    The 1600 debuts at Geneva in March with four disc brakes. Three Spiders sail Genoa-Cannes-New York aboard Raffaello for the US launch.45

  2. 1968

    1750 Veloce sharpens the sprint

    The 1750 Veloce cuts the sprint to roughly 100 km/h from the 1600's 11 seconds to 9.8; its options include a ZF limited-slip differential.14

  3. 1970

    Series 2 adopts the Kamm tail

    The 1750 Veloce gets a Kamm tail and more luggage room. Length drops from 4,250 to 4,120 mm; the 2,250 mm wheelbase stays.14

  4. 1971

    2000 Spider Veloce brings 132 hp

    The 1750 gives way to a 1962 cc engine rated at 132 hp, creating the 2000 Spider Veloce.1

  5. 1978

    350 Spiders salute Niki Lauda

    A 350-car Niki Lauda edition launches at the Long Beach Grand Prix; special badges and a rear spoiler distinguish it, with no mechanical changes.1

  6. 1982

    Bosch replaces SPICA in US cars

    The US 2.0 switches from mechanical SPICA injection to Bosch L-Jetronic; output rises from 111 to 115 hp.16

  7. 1983

    Series 3 grows a rubber ducktail

    Series 3 adds rubber bumpers and a rear lip. North America's Graduate follows in 1985; Quadrifoglio arrives in 1986 with gray leather and red carpets.17

  8. 1990

    Series 4 smooths the body

    The spoilers disappear; bumpers turn body color and taillights span the tail. Bosch Motronic and an optional three-speed automatic arrive.1

  9. 1993

    Production ends; 190 farewell Spiders

    The last original Spider is built in April 1993. North America's 1994-model Commemorative Edition totals 190, each with a numbered dashboard plaque.1

Every generation

  • Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider
    750/1011955–1962
  • Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider
    1011962–1965
  • Alfa Romeo Spider Series 1
    Series 11966–1969
  • Alfa Romeo Spider Series 2
    Series 21970–1982
  • Alfa Romeo Spider Series 3
    Series 31983–1989
  • Alfa Romeo Spider Series 4
    Series 41990–1993
  • Alfa Romeo Spider (916)
    916

Power over the years

From 108 hp to 132 hp in 5 years.

050100150 196519701975198019851990 hp 1966 · 108 hp · 1600 (DIN)1968 · 88 hp · 1300 Junior (DIN)1968 · 102 hp · 1300 Junior (SAE, from PS)1968 · 116 hp · 1750 Spider Veloce (DIN)1968 · 130 hp · 1750 Spider Veloce (SAE, from PS)1969 · 115 hp · 1750 Veloce Iniezione (US)1971 · 132 hp · 2000 Spider Veloce1982 · 115 hp · 2.0 Bosch L-Jetronic (US)1986 · 126 hp · Quadrifoglio 2.0 (Europe)1990 · 120 hp · Series 3 2.0 (US, 1990)1991 · 120 hp · Series 4 (US) 132 hp 2000 Spider Veloce 108 hp 1600 (DIN)
14679
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
19661081600 (DIN)
1968881300 Junior (DIN)
19681021300 Junior (SAE, from PS)
19681161750 Spider Veloce (DIN)
19681301750 Spider Veloce (SAE, from PS)
19691151750 Veloce Iniezione (US)
19711322000 Spider Veloce
19821152.0 Bosch L-Jetronic (US)
1986126Quadrifoglio 2.0 (Europe)
1990120Series 3 2.0 (US, 1990)
1991120Series 4 (US)

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Spider 1600 Duetto

    Standard

    Spider 1600 Duetto

    1966–1967

    108 hp

    6,325 built

  • Spider 1300 Junior (Series 1)

    Standard

    Spider 1300 Junior (Series 1)

    1968–early 1970

    88 hp

    2,680 built

  • Spider 1600 Junior (Series 2)

    Standard

    Spider 1600 Junior (Series 2)

    4,848 built

  • 1750 Spider Veloce (Series 1)

    Standard

    1750 Spider Veloce (Series 1)

    1968–early 1970

    116 hp

  • Standard

    2000 Spider Veloce (Series 2)

    1971–1982

    132 hp

    16,320 built

  • Spider Graduate (North America)

    Standard

    Spider Graduate (North America)

    1985–1990

  • Standard

    Spider Veloce (US, Series 3)

    1983–1990

  • Standard

    Spider (North America, Series 4)

    1991–1993

    120 hp

  • Standard

    Spider Veloce (North America, Series 4)

    1991–1993

    120 hp
  • Spider Quadrifoglio Verde

    Special

    Spider Quadrifoglio Verde

    1986–1990

    2,598 built

  • Niki Lauda Spider

    Limited

    Niki Lauda Spider

    1978

    350 built

  • Limited

    Spider Commemorative Edition (North America)

    1994

    120 hp

    190 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Long scallops run along the low body sides.513
  • A low triangular grille carries the Alfa badge.413
  • Early 1600s: European headlight covers versus large chrome bezels on US cars.4
  • 1969 US 1750s have larger side repeaters.4

Year by year

  1. 1966–1969

    Series 1 has the long Osso di Seppia boat tail; the original 1600 has a body-colored metal dashboard.14

  2. 1969–1970

    Series 2 Coda Tronca adopts a chopped Kamm tail, revised handles and a more steeply raked windshield.13

  3. 1974–1976

    Black rubber-covered bumpers replace stainless-steel ones for North American crash rules.1

  4. 1983

    Series 3 Aerodinamica puts the grille in its black front bumper and adds a rubber rear lip spoiler.1

  5. 1986

    Veloce and Quadrifoglio gain a single gauge pod, a new console and a smaller leather-trimmed steering wheel.19

  6. 1990 / 1991 North America

    Series 4 loses the add-on spoilers, gains body-colored bumpers and stretches the rear lights across the tail.1

Against its rivals

  • Spider vs Mercury Capri XR2 (1993)

    Quarter-mile lower is better

    Spider17.3 s
    Mercury Capri XR2 (1993)16 s
    8
  • Mazda MX-5 Miata (1993)

    Spider vs Mazda MX-5 Miata (1993)

    Power

    Spider120 hp
    Mazda MX-5 Miata (1993)116 hp
    8

Prices

Value today $7.0K–$51.5K2122

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$50K$100K$150K 1990200020102020 Value today: $7,000–$51,500 1986 · $19,600 · US base, Quadrifoglio1990 · $16,950 · US base, Graduate1993 · $25,815 · US base/as tested, Veloce 2024 · $14,500 · 1978 Spider 2.0, 78k miles shown, BaT2024 · $15,800 · 1987 Spider Quadrifoglio, 62k miles shown, BaT2025 · $7,100 · 1991 Spider Veloce 5-speed, 102k miles shown, BaT2025 · $106,400 · 1969 1750 Spider Veloce, restored, Monterey2025 · $64,000 · 1994 Veloce Commemorative Edition, 2,700 miles, BaT2026 · $17,001 · 1993 Veloce, 15k miles shown, BaT2026 · $51,500 · 1967 1600 Duetto, 46k miles shown, BaT2026 · $27,100 · 1967 1600 Duetto, 66k miles shown, TMU, BaT2026 · $79,500 · 1994 Veloce Commemorative Edition, 3k miles, BaT2026 · $7,000 · 1986 Quadrifoglio, 80k miles shown, BaT2026 · $12,750 · 1974 2000 Veloce, 19k miles shown, TMU, BaT2026 · $15,010 · 1991 Spider automatic, 50k miles shown, TMU, BaT2026 · $6,900 · 1986 Spider Quadrifoglio, 65k miles shown, BaT $106.4K Monterey, 2025
8912152122252627282930313233
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1986Price when new$19,600US base, Quadrifoglio
1990Price when new$16,950US base, Graduate
1993Price when new$25,815US base/as tested, Veloce
2024Auction sale$14,5001978 Spider 2.0, 78k miles shown, BaT
2024Auction sale$15,8001987 Spider Quadrifoglio, 62k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$7,1001991 Spider Veloce 5-speed, 102k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$106,4001969 1750 Spider Veloce, restored, Monterey
2025Auction sale$64,0001994 Veloce Commemorative Edition, 2,700 miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$17,0011993 Veloce, 15k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$51,5001967 1600 Duetto, 46k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$27,1001967 1600 Duetto, 66k miles shown, TMU, BaT
2026Auction sale$79,5001994 Veloce Commemorative Edition, 3k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$7,0001986 Quadrifoglio, 80k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,7501974 2000 Veloce, 19k miles shown, TMU, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,0101991 Spider automatic, 50k miles shown, TMU, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,9001986 Spider Quadrifoglio, 65k miles shown, BaT
2026Value today$7,000–$51,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Three national titles for Yellow #3”
    • “Rudolph's 500 km fuel tank”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 33 sources
  1. Alfa Romeo Spider - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. AlfaCentro: Feature Articles : Naming the Alfa Romeo Duetto alfacentro.com
  3. Alfa Romeo Spider - Goodwood Classic Solutions insurance.goodwood.com
  4. Alfa Romeo Tipo 105 Spider Guide — Supercar Nostalgia supercarnostalgia.com
  5. Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 "Duetto" heritagehubitaly.com
  6. The Amazing, Affordable Alfa Spider - Sports Car Market sportscarmarket.com
  7. Collectible Classic: 1983-1990 Alfa Romeo Spider | Automobile Magazine motortrend.com
  8. From the Archive: 1993 Sports Car Comparison Test caranddriver.com
  9. 1983-1990 Alfa Romeo Spider: Cheap Wheels (Pictures and History) | The Daily Drive | Consumer Guide® blog.consumerguide.com
  10. Alfa Romeo Spider Kaufberatung: Classic Cars autozeitung.de
  11. Quando Niki Lauda virou um Alfa Romeo - Motor Show motorshow.com.br
  12. 3k-Mile 1994 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce Commemorative Edition 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $79,500 on September 29, 2026 (Lot #265,541) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  13. Road test - Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0 August 1986 - Motor Sport Magazine motorsportmagazine.com
  14. Alfa Romeo Giulietta (1954) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  15. No Reserve: 1974 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider Veloce for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,750 on November 7, 2026 (Lot #272,923) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  16. Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider February 1967 - Motor Sport Magazine motorsportmagazine.com
  17. Alfa Romeo Giulia - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  18. Gran Turismo 5 - List of featured cars gran-turismo.com
  19. Paul Spruell – The Road Racing Drivers Club rrdc.org
  20. Drop-Top Italian Tank, Or 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider? - Petrolicious petrolicious.com
  21. 1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,000 on October 14, 2026 (Lot #268,424) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  22. 20-Years-Owned 1967 Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider Duetto for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $51,500 on July 2, 2026 (Lot #250,638) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  23. Alfa Romeo Spider FAQ - Things to look for when buying a Spider alfaspiderfaq.org
  24. Alfa Romeo 1300 Spider von 1969: Kaufberatung - AUTO BILD KLASSIK autobild.de
  25. No Reserve: 1993 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,001 on June 17, 2026 (Lot #248,176) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  26. No Reserve: 1967 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 1600 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $27,100 on August 14, 2026 (Lot #257,718) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,010 on August 24, 2026 (Lot #259,329) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. 1978 Alfa Romeo Spider for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,500 on January 11, 2024 (Lot #133,094) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,800 on November 8, 2024 (Lot #169,884) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,100 on March 19, 2025 (Lot #184,285) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,100 on September 29, 2026 (Lot #265,538) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloce by Pininfarina | Monterey 2025 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  33. 2,700-Mile 1994 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce Commemorative Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $64,000 on July 10, 2025 (Lot #199,973) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • alfacentro.com
  • insurance.goodwood.com
  • supercarnostalgia.com
  • heritagehubitaly.com
  • sportscarmarket.com
  • motortrend.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • blog.consumerguide.com
  • autozeitung.de
  • motorshow.com.br
  • bringatrailer.com
  • motorsportmagazine.com
  • gran-turismo.com

Photo credits

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