RESERVE LOWERED: 2001 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER 3.0 V6 24V LUSSO

This Alfa Romeo Spider Lusso is a handsome example of one of the most distinctive millennium-era sports convertibles, presented in a rare factory colour combination and benefiting from a recent aesthetic and mechanical restoration. Under the bonnet is the famed 3.0-litre, 24-valve ‘Busso’ V6, which sends 217bhp to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 73,417 miles from new.

Introduced alongside its coupe brother the Alfa Romeo GTV, the Spider was launched in 1995 and was widely applauded for its characteristic Pininfarina-penned body design. This right-hand drive example was first registered on 3 May 2001, and was specified in ‘Lusso’ trim, with the unusual colour combination of Grigio Meteora paintwork and a red interior.

It is now offered for sale by an Alfa Romeo specialist dealer, who has had it fully restored over the course of the past year. As a result of this attention, the bodywork presents very well, with smooth, even shut lines and no signs of panel damage. Fully resprayed to a high standard, the Grigio Meteora finish has bright metallic shimmer and even gloss across the entire body.

Providing an eye-catching contrast, the red convertible hood fits well, though it is marked in some places, particularly above the driver’s side window, while there is a small scuff on its upper passenger-side. The exterior trim, badging and door seals are all in great shape, as are the car’s light lenses, which are clear and free of any chips or cracks. This Alfa Romeo Spider rides on its original set of 17-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, which show few signs of wear and feature their correct centre-caps.

On stepping into the cabin, you are met by a sea of red, with the supportive sports seats being trimmed in vibrant scarlet leather, which was supplied to Alfa Romeo by Momo. Both seats present very well, with plump bolsters and no signs of significant wear to their surfaces, while the matching door card inserts are equally well cared-for.

As is to be expected of a car of this age, there are some mild blemishes present in the interior, including slight wear to the black leather gear knob and the steering wheel rim, as well as some small marks towards to rear of the passenger door card and minor scratches on the passenger-side of the centre console, which are commensurate with the vehicle’s mileage.

Largely original throughout, the only aftermarket addition to the cabin is a Sony CD player, which features an auxiliary input for added functionality. All of the interior buttons, switches and electrical items are described as working without fault and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

Offered in excellent mechanical order, this Spider’s most recent service was carried out on 12 June 2020 at 73,271 miles by Alfa Romeo specialist A Capozzoli and Sons, Ilchester, which included replacement of the engine oil and a general inspection.

Prior to this, the car was serviced by A Capozzoli and Sons on 16 December 2019 at 73,141 miles, when the cambelt and water pump were changed, amongst other items. It was also serviced in June 2011 at 63,333 miles by David Coe Garage Services, Swansea, who performed a full service including a cambelt and water pump change.

During the car’s time with the vendor it has been fully mechanically overhauled. This included a full top-end engine rebuild – also by A Capozzoli and Sons – during which both heads were skimmed, the valves were re-cut and lapped in with new valve stem seals and new gaskets were fitted. As a final, finishing touch, the engine rocker covers were then repainted in silver with red lettering.

To allow the engine to transmit as much of its power to the road as possible, the gearbox was also rebuilt and the clutch was replaced. The rear brakes were also tended to, with new callipers being fitted on both sides, along with new discs and pads.

In addition, the air conditioning system was re-gassed for some extra comfort on those hot summer drives and the entire underside of the far was treated with Waxoyl, helping to protect it from the elements during the more common, wetter days.

Otherwise entirely standard, this Spider has been enhanced with a full, stainless steel Alfaholics Exhaust system, which allows its 3.0-litre Busso V6 to breathe more freely, and make emit and impressive roar while it does so.

Its last MOT test was conducted on 11 July 2020 at 73,369 miles, when it secured a first-time pass without a single advisory. All four wheels are fitted with Avon ZV5 tyres, which are described as being nearly brand new, with at least 5mm of tread remaining on each.

Accompanying the car are all of its original handbooks and its fully stamped service book with history up to 2013, while photographs document its recent engine rebuild. The vendor is also including its full set of keys – including the all-important brown master key – as well as the original tool kit.

This Alfa Romeo Spider 3.0 V6 24v is a striking modern classic, which is presented in a rare factory colour combination and which comes equipped with the desirable ‘Busso’ engine. Described as being completely rust free, this fully restored example benefits from a recent engine and gearbox rebuild and will make an excellent addition to any stable of Italian sports cars.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.