The Alfa Romeo Graduate, a spartan yet charming roadster, holds a special place in the hearts of Alfisti. It represented an entry point into the Alfa Romeo ownership experience, offering classic Italian styling and a spirited driving experience at a relatively accessible price. However, not all Graduate models are created equal. This guide will delve into the best and worst years of the Alfa Romeo Graduate, equipping you with the knowledge to make an informed purchase or appreciate the nuances of your current ride.
Alfa Romeo Graduate: A Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Year | Key Features/Changes | Considerations/Potential Issues |
|---|---|---|
| 1966-1967 | Original Spider Duetto (Boat Tail) - technically not a "Graduate" but the predecessor. Round tail design, 1600cc engine. Known for its beautiful styling and handling. | Difficult to find in good condition. Rust is a major concern. Parts availability can be challenging and expensive. High price point due to collectibility. |
| 1967-1969 | Spider Veloce 1750 - still not a "Graduate," but an important evolution. Larger 1750cc engine, slightly different styling. | Similar to the Duetto in terms of rust, parts availability, and cost. The 1750 engine is more powerful but also more complex. |
| 1969-1974 | Spider Veloce 2000 - Again, not a "Graduate," but precedes it. Larger 2000cc engine, minor styling updates including the "Kamm tail" (truncated tail). | Rust remains a significant issue. Early 2000 models can suffer from fuel injection issues. Parts availability is generally better than for the earlier Duetto and 1750 models. |
| 1975-1979 | Spider 2000 - Still not officially a "Graduate" but the direct predecessor. Slight changes to trim and emissions controls. | Increasing smog equipment. Rust remains a concern. Mechanical issues are generally well-understood and repairable. |
| 1980-1981 | Graduate Debut - Introduced as the "entry-level" Spider. Reduced features compared to the Spider Veloce. Simpler interior, steel wheels, deletion of some trim. 2.0L engine with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection. 5-speed manual transmission. | Considered a sweet spot for reliability and affordability. Bosch L-Jetronic is relatively reliable and well-documented. Rust is still a factor, but generally less severe than in earlier models. Simpler features mean fewer things to go wrong. |
| 1982-1985 | Minimal changes. Continued with the 2.0L engine and Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection. Minor trim variations. | Generally reliable and desirable. Rust is still a concern, particularly in areas with road salt. Watch for wear and tear on the interior components. |
| 1986-1989 | Minor styling updates, including integrated front and rear bumpers. Increased smog equipment in some markets. | Bumpers can be polarizing in terms of aesthetics. Increased smog equipment can impact performance and reliability. Rust prevention may be slightly improved compared to earlier models. |
| 1990-1993 | Spider - The "Graduate" name was dropped, but the basic car remained the same. Final years of production. Some models received minor improvements. | Later models may have benefited from slight improvements in build quality and rustproofing. However, they are also older and may require more maintenance. Parts availability is generally good. |
| 1994 | Spider - Very late production, extremely rare. Considered a collector's item. | Extremely rare and expensive. Finding parts may be challenging. |
Detailed Explanations
1966-1967 Spider Duetto (Boat Tail): These are the iconic, original "boat tail" Spiders. They are highly sought after by collectors due to their beautiful design and rarity. However, they are also the most prone to rust and can be expensive to maintain.
1967-1969 Spider Veloce 1750: A step up in performance from the Duetto, the 1750 offers more power. They share many of the same challenges as the Duetto in terms of rust and parts availability.
1969-1974 Spider Veloce 2000: The 2000 Spider Veloce introduced the "Kamm tail" design. The larger engine provides improved performance. While still susceptible to rust, parts availability is generally better than the earlier models.
1975-1979 Spider 2000: This period saw increasing smog equipment being added to the cars. Rust remains a concern, but mechanical issues are generally well-understood.
1980-1981 Graduate Debut: The Graduate model was introduced as a more affordable entry point into the Alfa Romeo Spider range. It features a simpler interior and less trim than the Veloce models. The Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system is relatively reliable. These years are often considered a sweet spot for reliability and affordability.
1982-1985: These years saw minimal changes to the Graduate. They are generally reliable and desirable. Rust remains a concern, especially in areas where road salt is used.
1986-1989: These models feature integrated front and rear bumpers, which can be polarizing in terms of aesthetics. Increased smog equipment in some markets can impact performance and reliability.
1990-1993 Spider: The "Graduate" name was dropped, but the basic car remained the same. Later models may have benefited from slight improvements in build quality and rustproofing.
1994 Spider: Extremely rare and considered a collector's item. Finding parts may be challenging.
Key Features/Changes: This column details the significant updates and modifications that occurred for each model year. These changes could include engine upgrades, styling revisions, or the introduction of new features. Understanding these changes is vital for determining which year best suits your preferences and needs.
Considerations/Potential Issues: This column highlights the potential problems and areas of concern associated with each model year. This includes common mechanical issues, rust susceptibility, parts availability, and the impact of emissions controls. Being aware of these potential issues will help you make an informed decision and budget for necessary repairs or maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which year Alfa Romeo Graduate is the most reliable?
The 1980-1981 models are often considered the most reliable due to their simpler features and the relatively reliable Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system.
Are Alfa Romeo Graduates prone to rust?
Yes, rust is a significant concern for all years of the Alfa Romeo Graduate, especially in areas with road salt. Thorough inspection is crucial.
How much does it cost to maintain an Alfa Romeo Graduate?
Maintenance costs can vary widely depending on the condition of the car and the type of repairs needed. Budget for regular maintenance and potential repairs to keep it running smoothly.
Is it difficult to find parts for an Alfa Romeo Graduate?
Parts availability is generally good, especially for mechanical components. However, some trim pieces and body panels may be harder to find, particularly for earlier models.
What is the difference between a Graduate and a Spider Veloce?
The Graduate was introduced as a more affordable version of the Spider, with fewer features and a simpler interior compared to the Veloce.
Are the bumpers on the 1986-1989 models easy to replace with earlier bumpers?
Swapping bumpers is possible, but it requires some modification and may not be a direct bolt-on replacement.
Should I avoid models with extensive smog equipment?
Models with extensive smog equipment can suffer from reduced performance and increased complexity. However, these systems can often be maintained or modified for improved performance.
What should I look for when buying an Alfa Romeo Graduate?
Carefully inspect the car for rust, paying particular attention to the floors, sills, and wheel arches. Check the engine for proper operation and listen for any unusual noises. Also, inspect the interior for wear and tear.
Are Alfa Romeo Graduates a good investment?
Well-maintained examples of the Alfa Romeo Graduate can appreciate in value over time, especially the earlier models. However, they are primarily enthusiast cars and should be purchased for enjoyment rather than solely as an investment.
Where can I find more information about Alfa Romeo Graduates?
Alfa Romeo owners clubs and online forums are excellent resources for information, advice, and support.
Conclusion
Choosing the best year for an Alfa Romeo Graduate depends on your priorities. If you prioritize originality and classic styling, the earlier models are appealing, but require extensive restoration. For a balance of reliability and affordability, the 1980-1981 models are a good choice. Ultimately, careful inspection and a thorough understanding of the car's history are crucial for making an informed decision.