1981 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

Location: Venice, Florida

Why It's Curated: This 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce is for sale in Venice, Fl. This Spider represents a thoughtful restoration that transforms a classic Italian roadster into a refined weekend cruiser. The comprehensive mechanical overhaul includes a freshly rebuilt 2.0-liter twin-cam engine enhanced with high-lift cams, dual Weber carburetors, and electronic ignition—all completed within the last 500 miles. The drivetrain received equal attention with a rebuilt transmission, new clutch, and taller differential gears for improved highway cruising. Beyond the mechanical excellence, this Spider showcases tasteful period-correct modifications including chrome bumpers replacing the original rubber units, Carello headlight covers, and LED lighting upgrades. The custom bronze metallic paint and Miata seat conversion with new upholstery demonstrate the owner's commitment to both authenticity and usability. With comprehensive documentation and recent maintenance totaling virtually every system, this Spider offers the reliability of a modern car wrapped in timeless Italian styling.

Check out the pictures in the gallery & use the contact form to get in touch with us and the seller to ask questions and/or make an offer for this vehicle.

Model History: The Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce emerged from Pininfarina's timeless design language, representing the final evolution of the Series 2 generation that debuted in 1970. By 1981, this iconic roadster had matured into a refined grand tourer, featuring the sophisticated 2.0-liter twin-cam engine that delivered 102 horsepower through a precise five-speed manual transmission. The Veloce designation marked the top-tier variant, distinguished by its dual Weber carburetors, sport suspension tuning, and comprehensive instrumentation that appealed to driving purists seeking authentic Italian character without the complexity of Alfa's more exotic offerings. What sets the 1981 Spider apart is its position as the last of the chrome-bumpered European-specification models before federalization requirements transformed the design. The twin-cam engine represented decades of Alfa Romeo's racing heritage, featuring hemispherical combustion chambers and dual overhead camshafts that traced their lineage directly to the company's Grand Prix successes. Against contemporaries like the Fiat 124 Spider and MGB, the Alfa offered superior refinement and performance, with its sophisticated suspension geometry providing exceptional handling dynamics that established it as the benchmark for affordable European roadsters. This generation's enduring appeal stems from its perfect balance of accessible performance, timeless styling, and mechanical simplicity that makes it equally suited for spirited weekend drives and concours presentation.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1981
Make: Alfa Romeo
Model: Spider 
Trim: Veloce
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
Miles: 37,700
Mileage Verification: Actual Miles
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Manual (3 pedals)
Number of Forward Gears: 5
Engine: 2.0 Liter dual OHC 4 cyl
Exterior Color: Bronze, cinnamon metallic. Custom color
Interior Color: Tan and black
State of Registration: Florida
Vehicle Location: Venice
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Not Clean (eg Rebuilt)

Details:

Engine & Transmission:
High lift cams, Dual Weber carbs, electronic ignition, header, stainless full flow exhaust, electric fan all within last 12 months and 500 miles
Newly rebuilt within last 6 months and 500 miles.

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes:
Taller differential gears last 6 months and 500 miles

Wheel Size and Offset: 14" standard offset
Tire Brand, Model, and Size: Hankook

Exterior & Interior:
Repainted 15 years ago

New custom seat upholstery with Miata seats installed within last year. Modern stereo. Wood steering wheel and shift knob; 
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: No

Other Notable Features or Functions:
Ugly rubber bumpers replaced with new chrome bumpers from previous model, new interior, ceramic coating, chassis stiffener, Carello headlight covers, LED headlights, new convertible top, I have matching paint for the car that was recently mixed. Spray can and 1 quart can.
About 15 years ago, this car had a small electrical fire at the right headlight, damaging the paint and some wiring. (Pictures available). Since the car was nearly 30 years old at the time, the insurance company decided to write off the car, and it was issued a rebuilt title. Seeing the small amount of damage, the last owner snapped it up and had it professionally repaired and painted. It was then brought to Florida and legally re-certified as roadworthy by the Florida Department of Transportation. It has run and operated for 15 years since then under the same owner and has been trouble-free. I bought it from that owner. He cried as I was pulling it out of his driveway. This car has been overhauled by its current owner with a great deal of love and pride. It is turn-key and needs absolutely nothing done to it to make it a weekend cruiser or a daily driver. I have receipts for all upgrades and repairs, and will take it to a local mechanic of the buyer's choosing if they prefer.

Recent Maintenance:
All fluids, new clutch, overhauled transmission, new clutch, oil analysis, new engine seals, plugs, brake calipers, pads and brake lines, brake and clutch master cylinders, brake booster, all cables (hood and trunk), all shocks, complete front and rear suspension overhaul (bushings), front springs, new power window regulators and switches, new center console, door gaskets and seals, new battery, LED dashboard lights.

Mechanical, Rust, Cosmetic Known Flaws:
One paint blemish (discoloration) about 1" round at top of right quarter panel next to convertible top boot. No other paint flaws or rust anywhere.