Overview
Roadster Salon is the largest restorer of Italian vintage convertibles in the US. While our focus is restoration and re-engineering spiders to a contemporary standard, we also have a limited selection of low mile, original cars. When we come upon one of these rarities, they are typically Roadster Salon certified, so that they are eligible for our 1 year limited warranty.
Certifying a nearly 40 year old car is a challenge. It requires all major components to be put through our evaluation process. Even the most well cared for, ultra-low mile examples are subject to deterioration over time. Gaskets, seals, bushings and other rubber components dry out as they age, causing leaks and potential reliability concerns. Each Roadster Salon certified example goes under an arduous process that takes between 75-100 man hours of labor to complete. All wear items are thoroughly inspected, repaired or replaced. This includes tires, suspension components, drive line seals and gaskets, and more.
The result is a low mile car that can be driven with confidence anywhere in the country. Consequently, Roadster Salon spiders are the first choice for buyers who value quality and reliability in an original spider.
Car History and Cosmetic Impressions
This is a one owner car. It was purchased from an elderly couple who bought it new in 1982. Car was driven consistently during Summers only through out its lifetime. Consequently, the car is rust free. Undercarriage, exterior and interior are all impeccable, like a trip back in time. No smells or signs of abuse anywhere. Exterior looks like a well cared for two or three year car. No dings or excessive scratches to mar its lovely profile.
A few words about the interior. Just impeccable. Light tan is the best color combination with Red. No dash cracks or imperfections. Seats, console and door panels look like new. Some nice upgrades like a real Nardi wood steering wheel and premium Pininfarina floor mats are installed.
Since the car did not come from a sunny climate, there is no UV damage to the interior or exterior. No components appear faded or worn. Exterior paint is very shiny and looks wet. Since it would be very unusual for a nearly forty year old car to look this nice, we suspect the car was repainted at some point. However, there are no obvious signs, like over-spray or tape lines. If the paint is not original, the work was very high-end and meticulous. No door dings or significant scratches. Noticed a few minor paint chips that were retouched.
Driving Impressions
There are 29K original miles on the odometer, and the car drives every bit as tightly as you would expect an ultra-low mile example to drive. Following our service work, its manners improved even further. This is an extraordinary example by any measure. One of nicest examples known to remain. Acceleration, braking and handling are all fresh and feel like new. I owned a new one back in the early 1980's, and the driving comparison is virtually identical. Automatic transmission shifted flawlessly. A well sorted spider is intoxicating to drive, whether on a warm sunny day or cool evening. They are great cars that manage to combine elements of a contemporary driving experience with the flair of a vintage convertible.
Market Report
There are very few spiders comparable to this that are not fully restored. For Roadster Salon to reproduce a Spider at this level, it would be our Avanzato model--at $45K plus. This is a unique opportunity to buy an investment quality spider, fully certified by the Roadster Salon staff, with our exclusive one-year warranty. Today, top quality fuel injected Spider 2000 models have become highly sought after, entry level collectibles. This car represents great value, and can be enjoyed daily, and worry free.
