THE STORY

In the words of Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear – “you are not a true petrol-head until you have owned an Alfa”

Voted the most beautiful car at Geneva Motor Show and designed by Giorgetto Guigairo (car designer of the century) and Pinninfarina, this car was an instant classic the day it rolled out of the factory.

It was the most expensive Alfa you could buy in Australia at the time with a list price of $94,990 (manual version).

Engine choices were a 3.2 litre JTS V6 (260 Bhp) or a 2.2 litre JTS 4 cylinder (185 Bhp) and a 6-speed automatic or manual gearbox was available.

The electronically retracting fabric roof disappears in 29 seconds, seat heaters were standard as was climate control, cruise control, premium leather upholstery, a Bose sound system with 10-disc changer, remote central locking and electronic seat adjustment.

The Spider had two-stage front and side airbags and a driver's knee airbag, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and anti-slip regulation as well as Alfa's version of an electronic stability program, known as vehicle dynamic control.

Rear parking sensors and rain-sensing wipers were standard and the V6 had bi-xenon headlights

The V6 version of the Spider also had permanent all-wheel-drive as standard, a system of three differentials sending 57% of torque to the rear wheels - keeping with the car's performance aspirations - and 43% to the front.

Double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension keep the car flat and composed when  pushed hard into corners.

Only 2,559 Spiders were produced in 2008.

THE CAR

Sold new in Sydney to prominent family and purchased by the current owner 4 years ago, this example has always been garage kept.

Serviced locally in South Australia by an acknowledged Alfa/Ferrari expert, this rare Alfa is totally original and unmolested.

Sporting beautiful, flawless Misano Blue paint work, this car is equipped with the sporty 6-speed manual transmission. The 3.2 litre twin phaser V6 engine puts out a throaty glorious growl when pushed and sends power to the original Alfa horseshoe pattern wheels.

The supple Italian leather seats are two tone grey and charcoal with the Alfa Romeo logo and toning stitching done in blue to match the duco.

The convertible top is black and in as new condition. All electrics, options and features work.

The car comes with its original books, two original keys and the bottle of engine oil supplied at delivery come with this beauty.

A beautiful, modern classic – fun, practical and a blast to drive. Only 57,900km travelled.