The Graduate's Alfa

Picture Dustin Hoffman, frantically racing along the California coast, hoping to make it to the church in order to stop the woman he loves from marrying someone else. And the car he's in, a recent college graduation present, is an Alfa Romeo Spider.

By 1966 Alfa had determined that they needed to update their successful Giulia 105 series and Guiulietta 101 series cars. They took the basics from the Giulia, including the 1.6 liter twin cam inline four cylinder engine which would eventually grow to 1.7 L and finally to 2.0 L. The striking difference was the body work that was designed by Batista Pininfarina and Franco Martinego.

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 1966, the Spider officially didn't have a name. Alfa held a contest to give it a name and offered a brand new car as the prize. Over 10,000 entries flooded in with the winning name chosen being the Duetto. Unfortunately that name had been copyrighted and so Alfa ultimately went with the Spider 1600.

Though the first generation of Spiders technically ran through 1969, Alfa introduced the 1750 Spider Veloce in early 1968. It was part of a whole line of Alfas that were utilizing a new 1779 cc inline four that put out 116 horse power and allowed the new Spider to top out at 118 miles per hour. Later that year, a smaller version called the Spider 1300 Junior was introduced with a trimmed down 1290 cc engine. Though smaller it was still capable of hitting 106 mph.

The Series Two was introduced in 1970 and saw some major changes. While the same power plant was under the body, the exterior showed an impressive make over. The most noticeable change was with the rear end gaining a more traditional look. This also provided more luggage space. There were also a number of other cosmetic touches ranging from a more raked windshield to different door handles.

The following year, in 1971, saw another new engine. This one was a 1962 cc inline four and thus the name was officially changed to the 2000 Spider Veloce. The 1750 Spider was later re-budded the 1750 Spider Junior.

Series Three cars were introduced in 1982 and would run into the 1990 model year. Again, significant changes in design were easily apparent but also the cars now featured Bosch electric fuel injection.

A Series Three special edition meant to commemorate the Spider's appearance in the 1967 film The Graduate was released. Specially badged, the Graduate was meant to be a lower cost, entry level Alfa. While it had the same basic mechanicals it lacked such touches as alloy wheels and electric windows. Air conditioning and a radio were the only options. A 1987 Graduate is our primary feature car.

Series Four cars came out in 1990 and ran through 1993 when the car was retired. During its run over 110,000 Spiders were sold with 1990 being the largest selling year with slightly more than 9000 sold.

This car will always be associated with the movie as Dustin Hoffman drove it and the fantastic Simon and Garfunkel soundtrack played in the background. Mrs. Robinson may or may not have been trying to seduce you but the Alfa Spider sure was.