Few experiences in life can deliver the simple pleasure of driving an open-top sports car on an open road under a cloudless sky. So with that image still fresh in your mind, let me tempt you into experiencing it for yourself.

In 1996 Alfa Romeo launched one of the prettiest convertibles money could buy. It had the looks, it had the performance and it also had the price tag — £22,000. Ten years on, the looks haven’t dated and the performance remains respectable. The big difference is you can now own one for just £3,500.

The Alfa Romeo Spider and higher spec Spider Lusso entered a marketplace devoid of the BMW Z3 or Mercedes SLK, and with buyers screaming out for a more exciting alternative to the Mazda MX-5 or MGF the Alfa Romeo became the most desirable sports convertible in the UK.

Under the bonnet was a 2 litre twin spark engine producing a tasty 150bhp. Exterior styling was decidedly Italian, flamboyant and sporty with twin headlights buried into the leading edge of the bonnet. And the theme extended into the stylish cockpit. The sports seats hugged you and the deeply dished dials kept the speed a private matter between driver and engine.

With the roof up or down the Spider looked good from every angle. Although slightly fiddly the roof disappeared into the car’s rump, leaving a clean profile. Even at speed with the hood down, motorway cruising was still a pleasure with the car’s wedgy profile cutting out most of the usual wind buffeting.

Standards have changed, of course, and buyers expect more for their money. But the car still gives respectable performance. Put it through the twisty stuff and it will hang on well enough. It lacks a little of the rigidity of its tin-top coupé brother and the scuttle shake is a little disconcerting at first but it’s not enough to spoil the fun.

In 2001 Alfa introduced its legendary 3 litre V6 engine with 218bhp. The 0-60mph sprint took just 6.8sec with a top speed of 145mph. With the extra power came extra kit, most notably an electric roof operation and leather upholstery. Today these V6 cars are the most desirable used buys, their original price premium of £4,000 over the 2 litre Lusso having dropped to just £750. You’ll have to stump up a little more to insure the 3 litre but, driven moderately, fuel consumption averages 25-28mpg in mixed motoring.

There are inevitably a few matters to consider before you rush out to buy a Spider. First, there’s build quality. All those rumours about Alfa Romeo reliability are not entirely untrue in respect of the Spider, so it’s worth taking your time before you splash the cash. Check that absolutely everything works — windows, stereo, air-con, mirrors. If you can touch it, test it.

Next, take the car for a long test drive. Being something of a plaything, some cars will have enjoyed the company of many owners, and one abusive relationship can leave a car badly scarred. Servicing every 12,000 miles is essential, and if possible take time to study any invoices to find out what work has been carried out.

Most importantly, take some time to drive more than one example. A good Spider will feel exhilarating, but drive a tired, worn one and you will notice straight away. Like the British weather the Alfa Romeo Spider may be a little unpredictable but on a fine sunny day there are few places I’d rather be.


Tyres Soft tyres can be a sign of porous alloy rims. The only cure is a new set of rims

Hood Check the hood mechanism works smoothly and that the roof fabric is undamaged. The 3 litre model has electric operation as standard

Engine Timing belts and tensioners on 2 litre models should be replaced every 35,000-40,000 miles. Check the service history for evidence and invoices

Rear suspension Beware of knocks and clunks that can signal worn bushes and mounting points

Bonnet Leading edge is prone to stone chips

Seats Leather upholstery, standard on 2 litre Lusso and 3 litre models, prone to wear on driver’s seat edge Keys Check all keys are present; the master red key on earlier models costs nearly £1,000 to replace because new locks will need to be fitted

Carpets Check for dampness, which is a sign that roof seals are less than effective

Air-conditioning Standard on later cars and a desirable option on early models, but check it works properly

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Alfa Romeo Spider 3.0 V6
Engine 2956cc, six cylinders
Power 218bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 29.1mpg
Acceleration 0-62mph: 6.8sec
Top speed 145mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Alfa Romeo 3.0 Spider 2002 52 with 30,000 miles and full service history. Pay £10,995 at an Alfa Romeo dealer or £9,750 privately

OR, FOR THE SAME MONEY...

1997 P Porsche Boxster 2.5
1999 S Mercedes-Benz SLK 230
1999 V Honda S2000
2000 X BMW Z4
2003 53 Toyota MR2