1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Graduate

The Alfa Romeo Spider was produced from 1966 to 1994 along four distinct series. The Series 3 Spider was introduced to the North American market for the 1982 model year with the introduction of 2.0 liter Bosch electronic fuel injection replacing the prior SPICA mechanical injection. Additional styling revisions followed in 1983, with black rubber bumpers, a small rubber spoiler added to the rear kammback, and other minor aesthetic modifications.

Minor changes were made from 1986 to 1989. The 1988 Spider was marketed as the Spider Graduate, Spider Quadrifoglio, and the Spider Veloce. The Graduate was priced at $15,400, the Quadrifoglio at $22,000, and the Veloce at $19,000. The base engine was the dual overhead camshaft four-cylinder unit with an aluminum block and head, a Port fuel injection system, solid valve lifters, and five main bearings. It offered 115 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 119 lb-ft at 2,750 RPM. The engine was backed by a five-speed manual transmission and disc brakes provided the stopping power.

The Spider Veloce added power windows and leather seats, and the Quadrifoglio added an AM/FM stereo with cassette player, larger wheels and tires, and air conditioning. It could be ordered with or without a removable hardtop. Air conditioning on the Graduate and Veloce was a $995 option. Metallic paint on the Veloce and Quadrifoglio was priced at $275.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020