Alfa Romeo Spider Type 4

Author
Discussion

dinkel

Original Poster:

26,932 posts

258 months

Thursday 22nd May 2014
quotequote all
Pininfarina styling lasted from 1966 to 1993. Until the 8C it was the last RWD Alfa:

In good company. David shared his red gems with friends. A gesture very politely accepted. What a diamond geezer.


Early morning run to a classic car meeting - where it rained - and most of the time with the top down.


Three teams: we started with the ladies driving.


Basically in production for 27 years, it only grew 120 kgs. This last gen has the 2 litre DOHC with Bosch EFI.


Heading for a 600 kms run today: the cars went fine and with the soundbyte to match.

More to come.

jamieboy

5,910 posts

229 months

Thursday 22nd May 2014
quotequote all
dinkel said:
Until the 8C it was the last RWD Alfa:
I think the last of the RZs were later than the last of these. They're lovely cars, though. smile

benjj

6,787 posts

163 months

Thursday 22nd May 2014
quotequote all
I recognise those cars wink

sunbeam alpine

6,941 posts

188 months

Thursday 22nd May 2014
quotequote all
benjj said:
I recognise those cars wink
Hi Ben!

Albert is really making the cars look good. We had a great day out, followed by the Dutch Spring Run the weekend after.

Albert - I'm feeling the need for a trip - I'll send you a mail.

smile

dinkel

Original Poster:

26,932 posts

258 months

Friday 23rd May 2014
quotequote all
It's the Spring Run itch eh? . . . Absolutely bursting diary though . . . but a big chance we can make things work out.

DSR reunion: Lilian and I made our mind up and will send dates for a match of karting! A sunday somewhere near. wink

Maybe the Spider is the most enjoyable of Davids cars: top down is a big bonus. The fuel injected 2 litre picks up at 2K where the GTV gets into 'drive mode' at over 3K. Bologna Webers and all that. Driveablity all over. A pity 2nd gear was a bit adventurous: too adventurous for my GF Lilian to have a seat and a go. At 120 kmh on the motorways the roadster comes alive. I'd leave an MGB or MX5 and pick up a Spider to do just that.

On the rural roads the Type 4 feels at home and the 5-speed is perfectly matched to the torquey Nord-plant. No need to rev above 4-5K, it will get you there! It's funny but this frame isn't to go anywhere then where you want it to go when in corners. It just won't move sideways. So, a proper GT wink

Without no doubt the mighty 155 Q4 gets everyones vote for a barky soundbyte and brisk performance . . . and there's probably no small GT that looks any better than the 1750 GTV. But for the sheer allround, daily business routine? Here's the Spider.

I'd love to compare the Type 4 with the Type 3 Aerodinamica and the Type 2 Codatronca: anyone has experience in this?

On with the show.

sunbeam alpine

6,941 posts

188 months

Friday 23rd May 2014
quotequote all
We're away the first half of June (up to 17th) - touring in the UK with the Spider. smile

After that we'll definitely be up for something!

smile

LordBretSinclair

4,288 posts

177 months

Friday 23rd May 2014
quotequote all
Where in the UK David???

Any chance of an "Ecurie Arras" meet up??

sunbeam alpine

6,941 posts

188 months

Friday 23rd May 2014
quotequote all
LordBretSinclair said:
Where in the UK David???

Any chance of an "Ecurie Arras" meet up??
We'll be heading up to the Lake District (staying in Keswick), then back via Oxford (mum's birthday). (Did SW and Cornwall last year)

Always up for an "Ecurie Arras" meet up. Will be coming over to Wiltshire in late August - maybe we could meet up. Will send you a PM.

dinkel

Original Poster:

26,932 posts

258 months

Saturday 24th May 2014
quotequote all
sunbeam alpine said:
We're away the first half of June (up to 17th) - touring in the UK with the Spider. smile

After that we'll definitely be up for something!

smile
End of June anyways: packed diary > enjoy your weekend!

dinkel

Original Poster:

26,932 posts

258 months

Wednesday 11th June 2014
quotequote all
More Spider Tipo 4:

Some can't stand convertible / cabrio / drop top / spider driving, but we love it. Especially in the early morning there's not much more to top it.


Legendary badge proudly on so many fantastic cars. It's truly amazing a car brand could produce so much absolute stunning works of art. To name a handfull of my favorites: 8C 2900 Lungo, 159 F1, 6C30 MM, Giulia TZ2, Montreal, Bertone GTV, Tipo 33 Stradale, GTV 2.5 V6 ... if you're not familiar with these and endulge yourself with a few hours of Googling be prepared for shock and awe. Top notch automotive yum.


Italian cars seem to be designed with the human experience in mind. It offers space, ergonomics, good seats, aural pleasure, power, handling on the edge of comfort. The balance between 'drawn into a rough experience' and 'offered a chance to la bella vita' is delicate and for some a little to much. For those there's always the German choice of cars.


David warned me: "It's the Spider that always draws the crowds. The connaisseurs ask about the GTV and the Q4 is left alone because no one recognizes it for what it is." And indeed. When in ghostcity Doel, a family asked to take pictures of their kids in front of the Spider. I invited them inside the car and the kids when nuts.


That Doel place is like a decor for a gangster movie.

benjj

6,787 posts

163 months

Thursday 12th June 2014
quotequote all
David, if you're in the Lakes you're about 90 mins from me. Give me a shout if you want a coffee meet up.

sunbeam alpine

6,941 posts

188 months

Tuesday 17th June 2014
quotequote all
The Crack Fox said:
If you're passing the East Midlands on your travels I'd be very happy to put the kettle on. (Rich, black 968 on the RdJ)
benjj said:
David, if you're in the Lakes you're about 90 mins from me. Give me a shout if you want a coffee meet up.
Sorry guys - we were staying in probably the only holiday cottage in the Lake District with no internet connection (didn't think to ask when booking), so didn't see your kind offers.

Would have been great to meet up. Hopefully next time!

Keep it stiff

1,762 posts

173 months

Tuesday 17th June 2014
quotequote all

Legendary badge proudly on so many fantastic cars. It's truly amazing a car brand could produce so much absolute stunning works of art. To name a handfull of my favorites: 8C 2900 Lungo, 159 F1, 6C30 MM, Giulia TZ2, Montreal, Bertone GTV, Tipo 33 Stradale, GTV 2.5 V6 ... if you're not familiar with these and endulge yourself with a few hours of Googling be prepared for shock and awe. Top notch automotive yum.


I keep getting drawn to ads for Montreals, if a red RHD car popped up by bank account could be seriously at risk!




sunbeam alpine

6,941 posts

188 months

Tuesday 17th June 2014
quotequote all
Keep it stiff said:

Legendary badge proudly on so many fantastic cars. It's truly amazing a car brand could produce so much absolute stunning works of art. To name a handfull of my favorites: 8C 2900 Lungo, 159 F1, 6C30 MM, Giulia TZ2, Montreal, Bertone GTV, Tipo 33 Stradale, GTV 2.5 V6 ... if you're not familiar with these and endulge yourself with a few hours of Googling be prepared for shock and awe. Top notch automotive yum.


I keep getting drawn to ads for Montreals, if a red RHD car popped up by bank account could be seriously at risk!
Hi Mike,

I keep thinking back to 2001 when I was offered a Montreal in pristine condition for €7500. That was the year I'd quit my job and started up on my own, and was afraid to risk it!

Every once in a while I kick myself!








Sorry, did I say every once in a while, I meant several times a day!

Keep it stiff

1,762 posts

173 months

Wednesday 18th June 2014
quotequote all
sunbeam alpine said:
Hi Mike,

I keep thinking back to 2001 when I was offered a Montreal in pristine condition for €7500. That was the year I'd quit my job and started up on my own, and was afraid to risk it!

Every once in a while I kick myself!

Sorry, did I say every once in a while, I meant several times a day!
Greetings David, we have all been there with the "if only". Mine was buying a DB4 in the early 80's for £5k and thinking I had done well when I sold it a couple of years later for £10k!

Seeing that pair of Montreals in Arras just served to rekindle my desire and my man maths keeps telling me that I need to buy before their values escalate beyond my reach.




Edited by Keep it stiff on Wednesday 18th June 08:24

dinkel

Original Poster:

26,932 posts

258 months

Wednesday 18th June 2014
quotequote all
If I had to choose between a Montreal and this:

http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I'd be tempted to choose the V6.

dinkel

Original Poster:

26,932 posts

258 months

Thursday 26th June 2014
quotequote all
A David snap:

Oh yes, grinning all the time.

Who's going to Spa this Saturday?

sunbeam alpine

6,941 posts

188 months

Thursday 26th June 2014
quotequote all
dinkel said:
A David snap:

Oh yes, grinning all the time.

Who's going to Spa this Saturday?
Could be up for a trip out (if we're not working). smile

dinkel

Original Poster:

26,932 posts

258 months

Friday 27th June 2014
quotequote all
We'll be there around 9:30. Text me if you are there: cool!

dinkel

Original Poster:

26,932 posts

258 months

Sunday 31st August 2014
quotequote all
Last bit of my T4 snaps:

Heading for a great day out.


Early morning so cold ... shot from the raunchy and swift Q4.


Whole lotta popping and banging going on.


T4 top down tailing the luverly 1750 GTV.


Many think the last Spider is the best looking.


Do yourself a favour and pick one up before prices rise: MX5 reliability and decent mpg.


Wow.


Decent sticker.


The Spider might be the least interesting car of the pack, it always gets the most attention.


A family asked if the kids could have a pose near the car: it has two front seats, so get 'em inside!


Thank you David and Lut, for the wonderfull Alfarun!