Alfa Romeo Spider

The wedge shape of the Alfa Romeo Spider can be traced back to the SZ which was launched in 1989, and more still to the Proteo concept car which Alfa showed at the Geneva Motor Show two years later. It was 1994 before the public got to see the actual Spider, but it was worth the wait.

With a dramatic wedge waistline running down the car and beautifully sculptured grille flanked by twin headlamps (actually one big lamp behind), the Spider was instantly recognizable as an Italian classic. Even with front-wheel drive, unusual for an Alfa sports car, it used the power well, thanks to MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear, again both new, as the cars previously used double wishbones and a live rear axle. The Twin Spark engine from other Alfa models was used and with balancer shafts plus 16 valves, it gave a smooth power delivery which would buzz eagerly to the 7,000rpm redline.