A classic Alfa Romeo Spider featured in the much-loved sitcom Absolutely Fabulous could soon be yours.
The dark red Spider will head across the auction block later this month. It’s sale will take place at the Iconic Auctioneers Silverstone Festival event.
So, whether you fancy owning a piece of television history, or simply a desirable example of a classic Italian convertible, here is what you need to know.
A real Italian, sweetie
The 1993 Spider up for auction is taken from the final year of the convertible’s production. Indeed, this Series 4 model was probabaly among the last cars to leave the factory.
Like all Spiders, it was originally manufactured as a left-hand drive model. Naturally, this limited the Alfa’s appeal in the UK, so this car was later converted to a right-hand-drive setup.
Powered by a 2.0-litre twin-cam four-cylinder engine that develops 126hp, the Spider S4 was first registered as a Fiat dealer demonstrator in April 1993.
Wheels on fire
The following year, the Alfa would be seen on screen. It was used in the fifth episode of Ab Fab’s second series.
In the show, Joanna Lumley’s character of Patsy is forced to downsize from her normal chauffeur-driven Daimler, choosing the Alfa Romeo Spider as a compromise.
Encouraged by Eddie (Jennifer Saunders), the Alfa is parked outside the front door of the Harvey Nichols department store, then subsequently clamped and seized by the police.
After the Alfa’s star turn, it has lived a fully documented life, with just over 46,000 miles now recorded on its odometer.
Rolling down the road
Arwel Richards of Iconic Auctioneers, who sourced the car, said: “This is an ideal first-time classic, or a must-have for any diehard fan of the show.
“This star-car is without doubt both a sweetie and a darling. I’m sure the happy buyer will be cracking the Bolly when the hammer falls.”
Ahead of the auction, the Spider has been given a pre-sale guide price of between £26,000 and £30,000.
We’ll have to wait until Saturday 24 August 2024 to see if the Alfa achieves an absolutely fabulous sum when sold by Iconic Auctioneers. Tempted, darling?
