Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider

Vehicle Overview

The Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider 1990 version, which was the 4th and final series was launched in autumn 1989, and saw Pininfarina returning to its roots with a clean and sleek design. This was achieved by eliminating the appendages that had previously weighed down the vehicle’s aesthetics. The disappearance of the spoiler contributed to a slimmer and decidedly more appealing look. The bumpers were integrated, more recessed, and matched the body color, while the redesigned front badge was incorporated into the bumper. Side skirts were replaced by sill covers, giving the car a more streamlined appearance. New electrically adjustable mirrors and redesigned rear light clusters were styled after Alfa Romeo’s flagship 164 model. Mechanically, the Duetto Spider remained unchanged and was offered in two versions: a 1.6-liter carburetor engine (AR01563) producing 109 HP at 6,000 RPM and a 2.0-liter engine with electronic injection. The latter featured a phase variator acting on the intake camshaft and came in two configurations: the AR01590 engine with 126 HP and the AR01588 engine with 120 HP, fitted with a catalytic converter and lambda sensor. Initially marketed for the US market, this version became the only available model of the Spider 2.0i cat from 1992 onwards. Additionally, all 2.0 versions were equipped with a limited-slip differential. The interior featured standard upholstery in beige or black sky, with Alcantara central sections. From 1992 onwards, black upholstery became available, and leather upholstery was an optional extra. The seats were moved back a few centimeters, and power steering was adopted across all models. The “Fourth Series” Duetto Spider was produced in 18,456 units and sold in three versions: 1600 carburetor, 2000 i.e., and 2000 i.e. with a catalytic converter. All versions offered the option of an unchanged hard-top from the “Third Series.” In 1990, color options included classic “Alfa Red,” “Black,” “British Racing Green,” “Metallic Gray,” “White,” and “Proteo Red or Mica Winner.” In 1992, “Broom Yellow” with a black interior was also offered, with this interior setup becoming an option for other colors from 1992 onwards. A full red leather interior was available as an option in combination with “Black” or “White.” Early prototypes were presented in various colors, including pink, Proteo Red with a red leather interior, metallic green with a sand leather interior, and metallic blue with a blue leather interior. For the US market, where the fourth series was named SPIDER VELOCE, this last series was exclusively offered in the 2.0 injection catalytic version to comply with US regulations. All cars were equipped with an airbag in the steering wheel, a third brakelight on the rear trunk, and more voluminous knee pads. The bumpers had gas shock absorbers instead of fixed supports, and side marker lights were integrated into the bumpers. All US-bound cars featured air conditioning, genuine leather interiors (only the seats), and a wooden gear knob. The instrumentation included a speedometer replacing the odometer, with a dual-scale speed indicator in miles and km. The car was available with a traditional 5-speed manual transmission and an optional 3-speed automatic transmission. The SPIDER VELOCE was exported to the USA, Canada, and Japan, with only a few units sold in Europe and very few remaining in Italy. Production ceased definitively in April 1993, except for the assembly of 190 numbered special series “Commemorative Edition” units prepared in early 1994.