Next First published 1998 June 23                              alfa romeo spares

Spider prices

Have you sold your Spider recently or just got your hands on a Duetto? E-mail and I'll add your information to the list!

From the 1999 Sept. 14 Business Week: ALFA ROMEO'S WHEELS OF FORTUNE?

MENTION THE ALFA ROMEO, and most car buffs think of Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate, shooting across the Bay Bridge to snatch sweetheart Katharine Ross from an unwanted marriage. Now, the 1966-69 Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider is more than a movie memory.

Hemmings Motor News has named it one of 1998's best entry-level collectible cars, says editor Dave Brownell. He pegs its popularity not to the movie but to the fact that the Duetto is a good drive, sharp-looking, and--here's what collectors love--undervalued.

Pre-World War II models are too pricey for starting collectors. But a '69 Duetto in mint condition goes for only €10,000. Most collectible cars go up in value from 5% to 10% annually. Brownell expects the Duettos, of which 6,300 were made, to appreciate at the 10% rate. ''The Alfa is a wonderful riving car with very balanced steering and the verve and spirit of a Ferrari,'' he says.

He cautions that the cars are rust-prone and temperamental. But who cares when you can drive the car that made Dustin a star?

How about that, wish you had one, eh?

The following list was excerpted from a recently obtained copy of "Keith Martin's 1997 Sports Car Price Guide" (subscription info at 800-289-2819). The list has been updated with information from the Auto Italia Dec -96 where Roberto Giordanelli offers reassurance to those who may have a fear of Spiders.

Alfa Romeo Spider Prices US Rating Model Years Price range (US$) Market tendency from 1/96 Price range £ Euro rating ****

• Duetto 66-67 Price range (US$) $10,000 to $13,000 Up, yes, definately If you got one, keep it! £9.000 to 15.000 Concours territory **** ****
• 1750 Roundtail 67-69 Price range (US$) $ 9,000 - $12,000 Up, yes, really going up! Found one, buy it! £10.000 to 15.000 Mint condition **** ***
• 1300 Jr Roundtail 68-70 Price range (US$) $ 6,000 - $10,000 Yes, really Happy revving engine! £6.000 to 11.000 Mint condition **** **
• 1750/2000 70-74 Price range (US$) $ 4,000 - $ 7,500 Up £7.000 to 10.000 yes! *** **
• 2000 75-81 Price range (US$) $ 3,500 - $ 6,000 Much desired £3,000 to 7.000 ** **
• 2000 82-84 Price range (US$) $ 3,000 - $ 6,000 Popular £5.000 to 8.000 ***
• 2000 85-86 Price range (US$) $ 3,500 - $ 6,000 somewhat decreasing £3.000 to 7.000 ** **
• 2000 87-90 Price range (US$) $ 4,500 - $ 7,500 somewhat decreasing £5.000 to 9.000 ** ***
• 2000 91-92 Price range (US$) $10,000 - $13,000 decreasing £8.000 to 12.000 *** ***
• 2000 93 Price range (US$) $12,500 - $14,000 Might increase £9.000 to 15.000 ***

  The ratings:

• Five stars -- value likely to be much more than the market at large, perhaps as much as 50% in the next 36 months.
• Four stars -- will outperform the market at large; perhaps 25% gain in 36 months.
• Three stars -- fully priced at current time. A decent buy, but will appreciate along with the market at large
• Two stars -- somewhat overpriced today or a car that is slightly out of favor. May represent a good buying oportunity if you think the market's opinion of the car will change.
• One star -- woof, woof! A dog that nobody cares about and most likely no on ever will.

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