The Alfa Romeo Spider type 105/115 was built from 1966 to 1993 in four main series. To order the right body panels, brightwork, soft top or interior parts, you first need to know which series the car belongs to. This guide sets out the visual cues and approximate years for each series, followed by the checks to make on the paperwork and the bodyshell.
Series 1: Duetto and osso di seppia (1966-1969)
The first series is recognisable by its long, rounded tail, which the Italians nicknamed "osso di seppia" (cuttlefish bone), also known as the boat tail. The name "Duetto" originally referred to the 1966 1600 Spider; today it is often used for the whole first series.
- Models: 1600 Spider (Duetto), followed by the 1750 Spider Veloce and 1300 Junior.
- Tapered, rounded tail with small rear lights.
- Clear headlight covers, depending on model and market.
- Standing (floor-hinged) pedals.
Series 2: coda tronca (1970-1982)
From 1970 the tail was shortened and cut off square: this is the "coda tronca", or Kamm tail. The front end stays close to the first series, but the rear changes completely, as does the dashboard.
- Models: 1750 Spider Veloce, 2000 Spider Veloce, 1300 Junior and 1600 Junior.
- Truncated, vertical tail with larger rear lights.
- Chrome bumpers on European cars; cars built for the United States received specific bumpers depending on the year.
- Hanging pedals.
Series 3: aerodinamica (1983-1989)
The third series keeps the Kamm tail body but adopts black synthetic parts that change its appearance markedly.
- Main models: 1600 and 2000, later the Quadrifoglio Verde with side skirts.
- Black wraparound front and rear bumpers in place of the chrome bumpers.
- Black spoiler on the boot lid and a spoiler lip under the front bumper.
- Interior changes during the production run, notably to the centre console.
Series 4 (1990-1993)
The last series is based on the Series 3, with a restyled tail and painted bumpers.
- Body-coloured bumpers.
- Rounder rear end with no spoiler and a full-width light bar.
- 1600 carburettor and 2000 electronic fuel injection versions, depending on the market.
Summary table
| Series | Approximate years | Main identifier | Body panels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series 1 (Duetto) | 1966-1969 | Long, rounded tail | Spider body panels 1966-1969 |
| Series 2 (coda tronca) | 1970-1982 | Kamm tail, chrome bumpers | Spider body panels 1970-1982 |
| Series 3 | 1983-1989 | Black bumpers, rear spoiler | Spider body panels 1983-1989 |
| Series 4 | 1990-1993 | Body-coloured bumpers, light bar | Spider body panels 1990-1993 |
The years are production years; a car registered early in the year may belong to the previous series.
Check the paperwork and the bodyshell
Appearance is not always enough: many Spiders have been modified during restorations (chrome bumpers fitted to a Series 3, headlight covers added, interior from another series). Before ordering, note:
- the chassis number stamped into the body and the one on the identification plate, to compare with the registration document;
- the type code (105 or 115, depending on the engine and period);
- the date of first registration, bearing in mind the overlap between series.
If in doubt, include this information with your enquiry: we check compatibility before dispatch.
What the series means for parts
The series mainly determines the rear panels, the bumpers and their mountings, the lights, the soft top and its frame, as well as several interior parts. The shop categories are organised accordingly:
- Spider soft tops, with separate part numbers for 1966-1969 and 1970-1993;
- Spider brightwork, including front bumpers;
- all Spider parts, sorted by function.
The mechanicals (twin cam engine, gearbox, suspension and running gear) are largely shared between several series, but some parts vary with engine size and fuelling (carburettors or injection). Always state the engine size and year.
The Ma Petite Italienne workshop
Founded in 2017 in Nazelles-Négron (Indre-et-Loire, France), our workshop handles diagnosis, servicing and restoration of Spiders of every series, for customers from all over France and abroad. To identify a car, get a quote or arrange for us to take your car in, contact us.