1991 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER S4 2.0-LITRE

This 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider S4 is a low-mileage car in superb condition, and is presented in a terrific colour combination. Equipped with the more powerful 2.0-litre twin-cam engine that loves to rev out, it is paired with a five-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. The car has driven just 52,741 km (32,771 miles) from new, and is currently covered by an advisory-free MOT until April 2020.

The S4 version of the Spider was a significant improvement on its predecessor, both in aesthetic as well as structural terms. Pininfarina’s revisions produced a svelte roadster with smooth lines, and with higher-quality steel and enhanced protection from the elements, the S4 was a more handsome, usable and reliable car.

Delivered new in July 1991 via Alfa Romeo in Nuremberg, Germany, this Spider averaged around 3,500 miles per year in its first seven years on the road. In January 1999, the car was imported to the UK and had an MOT at 43,781 km. Later that year, it was acquired by the current owner, who has driven it less than 10,000 km (6,200 miles) in the last 20 years.

The Verde Inglese (English Green) paintwork is original and is in superb overall condition. It has a deep and even finish all around the car, with only a few minor stone chips at the front, and one or two imperfections elsewhere. The body retains the original Pininfarina badges on the flanks, and model badging at the rear. All of the brightwork is in great shape, as are the light lenses, with Bosch items at the front and Carello lamps at the rear.

The 12-hole, 15-inch alloy wheels that were fitted to the 2.0-litre Spider are in superb condition, with only one minor kerbing scuff to the nearside rear wheel. The mohair hood is still pristine, with just a small dent in the rear window noted by the vendor. The mechanism itself is wonderfully simple, taking a matter of seconds to put up the hood in the event of an unexpected rain shower. It also comes with the original tonneau cover that matches the interior.

In the cabin, the original tan leather upholstery is in excellent condition, and features the Alcantara centre panels on the seats. There are no rips or worn-through leather, and the seat bolsters exhibit only the smallest amount of wear. It retains the original steering wheel and gear knob, and the original carpets are still in very good order. All of the switchgear works as it should, though the vendor notes that the radio head unit and electric aerial are currently inoperative.

All of the door shuts and jambs are in great shape, with detailed photos in the media gallery showing their rust-free condition. The sills and the boot floor are also solid, and there are no signs of corrosion in the bonnet or boot gutters. All of the gaskets and seals around the doors and windows are also sound.

The engine bay is in very good order and the car is reported to be in great mechanical condition. There is early stamped service history with the car, and by the late 1990s the car had tipped over the 40,000 km mark. In June 1998 it was fitted with a new exhaust at 43,000 km, which is believed to be the last item of work completed in Germany. Its next full service was at 46,939 km at Middle Barton Garage in Oxfordshire, which included oil and air filters, a fresh set of spark plugs and renewal of the brake fluid.

In November 2013, at 52,172 km, the car was given an extensive service and overhaul by Rodney Garages in London. This included replacement of all of the coil springs, as well as the rear suspension arm bushes. The braking system was also refurbished, replacing all of the calipers and the master cylinder, as well as all brake discs, pads and hoses. Oils in the gearbox and differential were also renewed, along with the brake and clutch fluid. The fuel tank was drained and both fuel pumps plus the sender unit were replaced. Finally, new bulbs were fitted all round.

Within the last two months, Rodney Garages has given the car a fresh service, renewed the differential oil and the seals, and has replaced the centre propshaft mounting and bearing. The brake and clutch fluid has also been renewed. The car is now driving superbly.

The last MOT was in April 2019 at 52,184 km (32,425 miles), which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. A new set of Pirelli Cinturato P1 tyres has recently been fitted, in size 195/60 R15 all round, date-coded to early 2018.

It is accompanied by the original owner’s manuals and stamped service booklet, plus numerous invoices covering its time in Germany as well as the most recent work in the UK. The original tool pouch and jacking kit are also still with the car, stored behind the panel in the boot.

This Alfa Romeo Spider S4 is being offered for sale for the first time in 20 years, having been driven very sparingly over the last decade in particular, and offering a terrific opportunity for an enthusiastic next owner. While cosmetically original and superb, plenty of attention has been paid to the mechanicals in recent years to ensure this car drives as well as it looks. It is equally well suited to weekend use on dry days with the top down, or as a reliable modern classic for longer European tours.