Fantasy Junction

Description

1988 Alfa Romeo Graduate

Chassis No. – ZARBA5643K1063075
Engine No. – AR01544*614717*
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 2.0L Twin Cam four-cylinder
Transmission – 5 speed manual
Mileage – 48,689
Current owner – Purchased in 2022 with 47,000 miles indicated

General History

With the early origins of the famed “Duetto”, the second series cars arrived in 1970 with a more aerodynamically efficient Kamm tail rear, larger trunk capacity, new grille, new door handles, a more dramatically raked windscreen, hanging foot pedals, and improved interior trim. These distinct improvements created a nicely balanced car which continued into the 1980s with the Series III cars that would include the “Graduate”, a base model vinyl interior, vinyl top, steel wheel edition named in homage to the film starring Dustin Hoffman as the Alfa-driving youth in search of life’s meanings beyond the future of plastics. Hoffman’s Robinsonian fears and future therapy sessions aside, the Alfa Romeo Graduate retained superb looks and impressive performance via 2 liter twin cam power and 5-speed manual transmission. The Series III Graduate was a welcome offering to the lineup delivering a very nicely balanced package that continues to entice new generations to open air Italian sports car motoring.

History of this Car

This Alfa was purchased new on December 12, 1988, at Cochran & Celli Chevrolet, Oakland, CA by Berkeley, CA resident and long term owner who retained the car with regular services, maintenance, and care through their ownership including regularly passing emissions tests, and services provided by Alfa specialists at Oliveria Engineering, Berkeley, CA which services in 2016 consisting of a new battery, three rebuilt brake calipers, new master cylinder, new clutch slave cylinder, a new fan belt, fuel tank pump repair, and an oil and filter change at 46,630 miles. Also, around this same time, the seats were reupholstered in black leather (originals were vinyl) and the convertible top was replaced with new black canvas (original was vinyl). 

Around 2019, this Alfa was sold to the second owner who briefly kept it hoping his wife might enjoy it, instead, it was sold to the current owner in 2022, who purchased the car with 47,000 miles. Shortly after purchase the car was serviced including a new clutch, new clutch hose, new slave cylinder, new inner shift boot, transmission mount, two new motor mounts, and new upper and lower radiator hoses. The current owner also had body and paint experts at Perfect Reflections perform paint correction, paintless dent removal, and blending in the driver’s side paint in selected areas. Though use of this car has been limited in recent years, the owner has been diligent about services and the car runs and drives very well, consistent with the low miles and preserved condition.

Cosmetic and Mechanical Condition

Today this Graduate Spider presents very nicely with all components and materials reflective of a driver level combination of original features and refurbished areas. The nicely finished red paint is glossy, has consistent coverage, and a few paint imperfections which add to the overall original character and history of this car. The hood, doors, and trunk exhibit very good panel fit, though the front air dam shows damage attributed to a parking curb. The general finish of the bumpers, trim, emblems, and various chrome parts is quite nice overall with good detailing, benefiting from long-term care and indoor parking. The circular pattern cast wheels are painted silver metallic wearing a set of Laufenn radial 185/70 R14 tires with ample tread remaining.


The interior has been preserved and remains in excellent condition, in particular the seats, which were correctly reupholstered in leather – a handsome addition including correct seat pleating and perimeter piping. The seat foam for the seat bottoms and side bolsters are comfortable and supportive. A very nice array of instruments and a very nice black Alfa Romeo branded steering wheel deliver a satisfying visual presence. The dashboard material is in very nice condition as are the door panels, matching black carpet, and various interior trim. A dash mounted Clarion AM/FM stereo is installed. The black canvas top has a clear rear window and the top fits snugly when up and stows easily behind the seats covered by a black vinyl top boot. Black carpet floor covering completes the luggage area, covering the steel slotted spare rim and tire.


Under the hood reveals the later series fuel-injected 2 liter engine. The overall condition reflects the 49,000 original miles indicated on the odometer and appears to have been properly maintained without the need for refinishing or cosmetic refurbishment as the original components appear to be in very good condition, consistent with driver level presentation.

On the road, this Spider delivers spirited open-air motoring consistent with the driver level condition. The engine fires quickly, delivering excellent power in all ranges, waking up in the higher revs as the cams come on. The gearbox and clutch operate well along with the brakes and steering which are enjoyably balanced especially under more spirited use. Underneath, the car is tidy and clean, consistent with the overall history recorded in the service records and reflected by the former long term owners and current owners of this Alfa Romeo Graduate.

Included with the car

The car is accompanied by copies of service records, owner’s manuals, warranty manual, tools and tool case, and a spare starter.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608