A modern classic by Pininfarina, the simple-yet-elegant Alfa-Romeo Spider (also known as the Alfa Romeo Spyder) roadster bodywork commenced with the 1966 Duetto, which would prove enduringly popular, lasting on into the late 1990s. The Spider's mechanics were essentially those of the Giulia saloon, comprising independent front suspension, coil-suspended live rear axle and four-wheel servo-assisted disc brakes. Widely regarded as a design classic, the Alfa Romeo Spider remained in production for almost three decades with only minor aesthetic and mechanical changes.

The chassis of the Spider was based on the previous Giulia 105 series', the spider was one of the first cars to feature 'crumple zones' built into the Pininfarina-styled monocoque construction body. The car was initially known as the Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto and was powered by the engine from the Sprint GTV, a 1.6-litre, double-overhead-camshaft four cylinder unit producing 109hp. The car used a 5-speed box, disc brakes and independent suspension. The Duetto was produced for just two years before being superseded by the 1.8-litre 1750 Spider Veloce.

The Alpha-Romeo Spider Veloce (1750) had a larger engine, at 1779cc, and produced 118hp. Changes were also made to suspension, brakes and electrics. The styling of the car had proved so popular that it was left alone, the only visual differences made being the slight repositioning of the rear-view mirror and a new badge on the rear.

The Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce itself then lasted until the advent of the 132bhp 2000 model in 1970. About this time Alfa also introduced a new entry model, the Alfa Romeo Spider 1300 Junior, with a few of the refinements of the larger car missing. Wind tunnel testing resulted in the 2000, and final 1750 models, sporting a drag-reducing Kamm tail, while other improvements included bigger brakes and a limited-slip differential.

Later Alfa were to make the first significant changes to the car, adding 2 small seats to make the Spider a 2+2 4 seater. Later still in '83 the car saw it's first major styling changes, with the addition of large black bumpers, a new spoiler and a modified grill. 1986 saw the introduction of the Quadrifoglio Verde model and the entry level Graduate Spider.

Outstanding speed, acceleration and handling were all characteristics of this class-leading model, which nevertheless possessed a quite remarkable docility, even at higher speeds.