Alfa Romeo Spider S4 (1990–1993) Price Guide

The Series 4 is the final and most refined classic Spider. Pininfarina reworked the body with integrated body-coloured bumpers, and the result is the most cohesive-looking Spider since the original Kamm-tail.

What Changed

Launched in 1990, the S4 represented the most significant body redesign since the Series 2. The inverted-triangle Alfa grille reappeared for the first time since the Kamm-tail era. The front chin spoiler was subtly integrated. The side skirts became part of the bodywork rather than bolt-on additions. The rear duck-tail spoiler was eliminated, replaced by a gentle upcurve of the body panel itself. Power steering was standard. The 2.0-litre twin-cam received variable valve timing, and a catalytic converter was fitted from the start. A factory hardtop was standard on UK cars and is rare and desirable. Production ended in 1993 after 27 years and four series.

Buying

The S4 is the most usable classic Spider. Power steering makes town driving tolerable. The integrated styling avoids the visual compromises of the Aerodinamica. The variable valve timing improves low-speed tractability. Rust is less advanced than on earlier series simply because the cars are younger, but the same structural areas need checking. S4 values have been rising steadily as buyers recognise the car as the culmination of one of the longest continuous production runs in sports car history.

The S4 was the last rear-wheel-drive Spider. Its replacement, the 916-series, switched to front-wheel drive and the GTV coupe’s platform — a change that purists mourned but pragmatists welcomed.