Verdict
A
← Alfa Romeo Spider (105/115) · 1966-1982 · 105
Alfa Romeo Spider (105/115) Series 1-2 (Duetto / Kamm Tail)
The Duetto and Kamm-tail. 1.3 / 1.6 / 1.75 / 2.0 twin-cams. Pininfarina's last hurrah. Featured in The Graduate.
BHP
89-132 bhp
0–60
8.5 s
Top speed
115 mph
MPG
24.0 mpg
Used
$15,000-$80,000
The original Series 1 'boat tail' Duetto (1966-1969) had a 1.6-litre twin-cam (109 hp) with twin Webers, no rear sway bar, and a distinctively elongated rounded tail. Roughly 6,324 1600 Spiders and 2,680 1300 Juniors built across the Series 1 run. Series 2 (1969-1982) introduced the Kamm-tail — squared-off rear for better luggage space — and progressively offered 1.3, 1.6, 1.75, and 2.0-litre engines. SPICA mechanical fuel injection appeared on US-market cars from 1969 to meet emissions; many Alfisti prefer the 1750 over the 2.0 due to lighter weight and similar power. Only ~1,500 USA/SPICA 1969 1750 Spiders were imported, making them rare. The car's appearance in The Graduate (1967) made it a cultural touchstone in America. Today the Series 1 Duetto and 1969 1750 are the most valuable; later Series 2 cars remain attainable entry points to vintage Alfa ownership.
Strengths
- Pininfarina's last Alfa design — genuinely beautiful
- Twin-cam four-cylinder is a benchmark engine for its era
- Series 1 Duetto is a blue-chip collector car
- Featured prominently in The Graduate (1967)
- 28-year production run means parts are well-supported
Weaknesses
- All examples now 40+ years old
- SPICA fuel injection on US 70s cars is troublesome
- Rust is the killer — sills, floors, rear arches
- Original interiors were primitive (metal dash, rubber mats)
- Wind noise at speed is significant
Notable tech
- Alfa Romeo 1.3/1.6/1.75/2.0 twin-cam four-cylinder
- 5-speed manual standard from launch (uncommon in 1966)
- SPICA mechanical fuel injection on US 1969+ cars
- Disc brakes all four corners
- Featured in The Graduate (1967)
Common issues
- Rust — sills, floors, rear arches, trunk floor
- SPICA fuel injection finicky on US cars (many converted to Webers)
- Engine oil leaks (front main, rear main, valve cover)
- Distributor and ignition wear
- Soft-top frame and fabric deterioration
Used-market budget
$35,000
Series 1 Duetto $50-80k+ for #2 condition cars. 1969 1750 Spider Veloce $40-65k. Later Series 2 driver-grade cars $15-25k. Project cars from $5k. Documented history and rust-free origins are critical.