Choco-Calzone: 1978 Alfa Romeo Spider

Last year, Porsche celebrated the 55th anniversary of the 911.  The 911 of 1963 doesn't share much in common with the 2018 911 other than maybe possessing four wheels and being rear-engined.  You definitely coudn't use parts from a 1963 911 on a 2018. In 1966 Alfa Romeo debuted their two seat Spider and changed very little over its 28 year production run. Meaning that you won't have too much trouble with parts for whatever year Spider strikes your fancy.  Find this 1978 Alfa Romeo Spider for sale in Astoria, OR for $6,300 via craigslist.

The series 2 Spiders were powered by first, a 1779cc DOHC aluminium 4 pot, then later, the final incarnation of the venerable Alfa four at 1962cc's.  If you want to be pedantic, this Spider is a series 2B, as it has the post-1975 crash bumpers. It still has its SPICA mechanical fuel injection system intact, but seems to have lost its smog system's air injection pump and has an earlier exhaust manifold.  The '78s were the first year of catalytic converters on the Spider; no mention if this car's cat has run away from home.

Inside the seats look in good nick, and the dash is free from cracks.  There is a picture of the odometer that shows about 20K miles, but Alfas of this generation have 5 digit odometers.  I love those bazoomy shrouds on the speedo and tach of this vintage of Spider.

The series 2 Spider is also referred to by People In The Know as Coda Tronca for it's truncated Kamm tail. Some say the Duetto's tail was chopped off for aerodynamic reasons, others say it was just that Kamm tails were fashionable when the tail-ectomy was performed. Either way, this car's diving board bumper still has its "chrome" strip intact.  Most got acne and were removed.

Here's the seller's ad of very few words:

This Spider has had extensive renewal including the SPICA fuel pump, clutch hydraulics, rear wheel rotors, new canvas top among many.
Michelin Metric tires.
No issues with 2nd gear synchros.
New front shocks.

I cannot receive phone texts

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Gianni is Daily Turismo's long-lost Pacific Northwest correspondent and resident Alfista.