Alfa Romeo Spider 916 price

• Early Spider: The initial 2.0-litre Twin Spark four-cylinder was rated at 150bhp. Evo lists a five-speed manual transmission for this version. (evo, checked 4 November 2026.)
• V6: The 3.0-litre V6 later broadened the range; availability and specification varied by market. Evo describes the later 24-valve car at 220bhp. (evo, Alfa Romeo Owners Club, checked 4 November 2026.)
• Updates: Phase 2 arrived in 1998 with exterior and cabin revisions. The 2003 facelift brought the larger Alfa shield and the 2.0-litre JTS to some specifications. Confirm the precise engine from the car, because late Twin Sparks also remained available. (Alfa Romeo Owners Club, checked 4 November 2026.)

The hood is the Spider’s most important difference from a GTV in a buying comparison. A dry cabin, sound fabric and seals, and a roof that completes its full cycle are more persuasive than photographs taken with the top down. Early manual hoods have fewer mechanisms to fail; a power hood needs a careful demonstration. The V6 attracts buyers for its engine, while the Twin Spark can make a satisfying lighter car if its belt and oil history is strong. Original interior trim matters because repeated water entry can leave a cabin shabby. Engine, phase and mileage should be compared only after those condition checks. (Classic & Sports Car, evo, checked 4 November 2026.)

Operate the hood more than once. Check the fabric at folds, the rear window, the meeting point with the windscreen and the outer corners above the side windows. Evo identifies leaks where the roof meets the screen; damp carpets and tired trim are practical clues. Drive with the roof raised as well, so wind noise and water-seal fit can be judged. (evo, Classic & Sports Car, checked 4 November 2026.)

The mechanical checks resemble the GTV’s but deserve their own inspection. Ask when the Twin Spark cambelt was changed; listen for variator rattle at a cold start and check the oil level. A flat engine can point to an airflow-meter fault, although diagnosis is needed before replacing parts. Listen for knocks from the rear suspension, inspect the tyres for uneven wear, and ensure every gear engages cleanly. On a V6, inspect the oil-cooler pipes for deterioration. A roof fault and an engine fault together can turn a tempting Spider into a substantial repair project. (Alfa Romeo Owners Club, Classics World, evo, checked 4 November 2026.)

For the Twin Spark, specialists cited by Classics World recommend a cambelt change at 36,000 miles or three years, despite the longer original schedule. The Alfa Romeo Owners Club describes routine services at the earlier of twelve months or 12,000 miles and notes that the Twin Spark’s eight plugs are a scheduled replacement item. Add periodic roof-seal and drain checks to the normal mechanical work. Keep invoices for suspension bushes, brake work and any hood repairs: each helps a future buyer understand whether a Spider has been used and maintained as an open car. (Classics World, Alfa Romeo Owners Club, checked 4 November 2026.)

Does the Spider 916 roof leak? It can, particularly where the hood meets the windscreen. Inspect the seals and cabin with the roof up; a dry photograph proves little. (evo, checked 4 November 2026.)

Is a manual hood preferable? It has fewer operating parts to assess. A sound power hood is fine, but watch it open, close and latch fully. (Classic & Sports Car, checked 4 November 2026.)

Which engine needs the closest belt check? The Twin Spark has a well-documented history of belts failing before the original interval. Demand a dated invoice for the work. (Alfa Romeo Owners Club, checked 4 November 2026.)

Is the Spider simply a GTV without a roof? They share major mechanical parts, but the Spider adds hood and water-ingress checks. Its open body also feels different on the road. (Alfa Romeo Owners Club, evo, checked 4 November 2026.)

Sources:

• Alfa Romeo Owners Club model guide — checked 4 November 2026.
• Alfa Romeo Owners Club maintenance guide — checked 4 November 2026.
• evo Spider buying guide — checked 4 November 2026.
• Classics World GTV and Spider mechanical guide — checked 4 November 2026.
• Classic & Sports Car Spider buying guide — checked 4 November 2026.