500-mile Alfa 4C Spider for sale
Need a new summer sports car? It's never too soon for an Alfa Spider
It seems like only yesterday that the world eagerly anticipated Alfa's new rear-wheel drive sports car, when it was actually way back in 2014. The excitement was easy to understand: the car was going to have a carbon tub, a sub-1,000kg kerbweight, a dual-clutch gearbox and the kind of design only Alfa could deliver. Finally, the firm's many followers were to get the evocative sports car they had desired for so long.
As it transpired, the 4C was some way short of the mark, for a variety of reasons. It was very hard not to like it, because it was an impossibly stylish and very ambitious Alfa Romeo, but elements of the drive bordered on the unforgivable. Which was a shame.
Then along came a Spider, arguably an even better-looking Alfa 4C, and without quite such a weight of expectation on it given the reality of driving the Coupe. But, in fact, it proved to be a better driver's car than the hardtop. Changes to the chassis, steering and weight distribution made the Spider a much calmer, less frenetic sports car, albeit one still blessed with the inherent agility that comes with such low mass. On circuit, one review said the Spider was "a real pleasure", praising the brakes and chassis balance in slippery conditions. The car was still some way from perfect - for which the laggy, droney engine was mostly responsible - but there was no doubt it was a better 4C.
Now, a few years after production wound up and with Alfa seemingly committed to the same unimaginative future as everybody else, the appeal of a used 4C isn't hard to see. We're all inclined to look more generously on a car as an occasional roadster than an everyday Boxster rival, and it would be naïve to assume that Alfa badge doesn't still hold some sway. It seems likely, too, that the aftermarket scene could help resolve any lingering issues to deliver the 4C Spider you really want. And that should have been made in the first place.
This one is even more notable than most. Not only has it covered just 500 miles since being one of the last cars registered in 2019, but it was also specced to over £70,000 when new. Pretty much everything that could have been optioned on - racing exhaust, carbon mirror covers, the paint, the upgraded leather, the 19-inch wheels and so on - was added by the original owner. Right down to the model-appropriate personalised plate, it would seem that this Spider was bought by the most dedicated of Alfa fans. Exactly the kind of person you'd want to own the car before you, basically.
Furthermore, in a world of frankly unbelievable used car prices, that this Spider is available for more than £15k off its new RRP just 500 miles later looks more than tempting. Obviously, nobody needs reminding that £55,000 buys plenty of other nearly new sports cars, from Porsche to Lotus and many more, but for sense of occasion the 4C really knows no equal. With so few made and therefore buying opportunities limited, this looks like one not to miss. And it'll be sunny again soon, promise.
Here it is, in Rosso competition, really shows the lines well.I always found it ha dmes brilliantly, this had the Race exhaust, which got a bit too much for me sometimes..
This was one of the most memorable road trips I've ever been on, glorious car to do it in.
ked up.Still like them know.
then I've read a lot testers reviews and... nah, was a bit disappointed (never driven in one myself though)
then I learn from many updates by aftermarket people, which gave some hope for some things, stil a lovely small=ish car, but...
If a Lotus Elise even some older ones, drive better, then whats the point of all that carbon talk.
there also seem some specialist, like this car (for sale) they made POGEA ZEUS 003 with 350hp, at a cost of 60k euros on top.
all special leather, also the dash and other bodywork, also suspension, no idea if it better drives though, but there are some video's also on the web.
I can say that the 4c is similar in some ways but so very different.( Elise gearboxes with out any mods anyone ? )
The comments seem to center around the steering and the fact that all the early tests and hear say is that it's just awful. Might have been the case with early cars but the alfa works blocks and change of tyres work a treat. Certainly makes a difference so much so owners going to sell the car get those mods and then keep it. it's a huge difference.
Does it follow the camber, yes. does it make you concentrate and feel and drive the car. Yes. Does it make it special every time I go out. For sure. Does is severely tramline and become dangerous
No
I miss my Elise but I would miss my 4C more.
Happy for the reviews Circa 2014 of those early cases to keep followng them around. Those reviews meant no one bought them, which means I have a car that is very rare, fun to drive, amazing on track and in the flesh is stunning. When I bought cheap as well...... they are only going one way in price.
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