CLASSIC DRIVE: Alfa Romeo Spider (S4)

Imported from the UK, the '90s Alfa Romeo Spider Series 4 is a rare find in South Africa. Is it as much fun as the Alfisti would like you to believe?  

Words and images: Wilhelm Lutjeharms 

If I’m not mistaken it was Jeremy Clarkson who said years ago on the BBC's Top Gear that you must own an Alfa Romeo once in your life before you can be classified as a true petrolhead… or something along those lines. 

• Find a classic Alfa Romeo for yourself here.

This can probably be said about a number of brands. However, there are not many brands that offer performance, style and driving enjoyment at the "relatively" affordable end of the market. There are also few brands that have had as troubled a past, as Alfa Romeo. Somehow, however, the mystique of the brand appears little diminished, even through the turbulent years.

Then there is the brand's racing history, and particularly its local racing pedigree, which is quite incredible. Combine all of this drama, excellence, history and passion, and Alfa Romeo remains a very alluring brand. 

This brings us to this pretty 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider (Series 4) that was imported by Freight Factory from the UK and which is currently for sale at Creative Rides. 

These cars were manufactured between 1990 and 1993 and were mostly fitted with a 2.0-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine. All these cars were produced in left-hand drive, and those few right-hand drive versions (like this one) would have been conversions. In this case, the conversion was done by Bell & Colvill in the UK. It also seems that there are now only a handful of these cars in South Africa, making it a rather rare model to experience.

Behind the wheel

The first elements that grab your attention is the compact size of the car, followed by the sleek and stylish Pininfarina design with those delicate telephone dial wheels. As I open the door with the small, chromed door handle, the cabin does take you back in time. Taking into consideration that this is a cabin that has been converted from the left- to right-hand drive, there is not a lot to find fault with.

There is a little play in the glove compartment’s door and you will find the aftermarket audio system above the gearlever, but otherwise the car feels and looks neat and tidy. The long gearlever protrudes towards the driver at an angle, while the metal and wood combination steering wheel feels perfect in your hands and is also of a good size. 

I leave the roof up for the first part of my drive and allow the fluids to warm up. The gearlever has a mechanical feel to it but easily moves between the five ratios. At the same time, it doesn’t take long to appreciate the lightweight nature of the car. 

Parked in Kalk Bay, a number of pedestrians take note of the little Italian and on one or two occasions they even want to hear a little more about this Spider. It looks absolutely dainty compared to modern cars, but as I start to head back, it is this compact nature that stands out as one of its most alluring features.

Heading along Boyes Drive, you can really place it perfectly on the road because you have such a good view over the bonnet and it takes so little space up in the lane. The engine is willing and comes more alive as the revs rise, plus, it only has around 1 160 kg to pull down the road. The steering wheel allows for good feedback and the turn in is quick through the corners - in line with what I expected of the car.

Now with the roof down (which is an easy job), one can also appreciate the exhaust note from the single pipe while the wind blowing through the cabin is especially fun on this slightly warmer day during this rather cold and wet Cape winter. If you select to have a passenger along, the Alfa is just as enjoyable at modest speeds, complete with your right elbow resting on the window sill.

Summary

I understand why some enthusiasts and collectors will prefer the earlier Series 1 and 2 models. One could argue that they are neater and more classic in terms of their design. This model does look more early '90s than mid-60s. At the same time, there is also a debate to be had that the last of a range is usually the best. There is definitely a modern flair to the Series 4 Spider, both in terms of its interior and exterior elements, but also its performance. It might have been converted to right-hand drive, but you are guaranteed to drive a very rare Alfa Romeo that seems a perfect blend of classic and modern. 

Specifications:
Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0 Series 4

Engine: 2.0-litre, in-line four cylinder

Power: 89 kW @5 800 rpm

Torque: 157 Nm @ 2,700 rpm 

Transmission: 5-speed manual, RWD

Weight: 1 160 kg

0-100 km/h: 9.2 seconds

Top speed: 192 km/h

Years produced: 1990 – 1993