Street Sighting ~ Alfa Romeo Spider

 

 

I can't remember where I lifted this from but it does summarise my fear/misconception about older Italian cars. A fear that was my initial reaction to seeing this Alfa...

I had actually noticed it the night before, parked in the darkness - roof down. I made a point of coming back to see it before work, to properly identify it. It left me questioning why someone would let such a car, especially a convertible, spend a night on the curb (literally)?

I'm guessing it would normally park up in the carport behind it but for whatever reason it was out. Fortunately this meant a reward for my powers of observation. Going back to my original point about the construction of Italian cars, the convertible Spider did seem exposed out on the street. 

It isn't news to me that my MX-5 takes its conception from cars like this Spider 1750, but seeing it in person really does take away from the MX-5. The Alfa reminded me of why so many people remember NA's as plastic-looking knockoff European roadsters, cheap and somewhat dorky. Even worn down the Alfa had more spirit and charm to it.

That said the Pininfarina badge is a stark reminder of why it looks so good. This one did look fairly used and the S-plates indicate it may have enjoyed many Adelaide hills drives.

Before I comment on fantasy ownership I did want to mention the windshield wiper arm arrangement.

Something about the arrangement of both arms facing each other really pleased me until I imagined the wiping motion. 

Moving on let's talk music which in this case would have to be Joe Dolce - Shaddap You Face, to help me cope as I sit on the curb waiting for a tow truck after it inevitably breaks down (probably why it's parked on the street). 

ITSA NOT SO BAD        ITSA NICEA PLACE        AH! SHADDUP IN YOU FACE