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Alfa Romeo Spider · Fourth series /MANUFACTURERS/ALFA-ROMEO/SPIDER/105-115-SERIES-4

Alfa Romeo Spider 105/115 Series 4 (1990–1993)

Introduced in 1990, Series 4 was the final evolution of the classic 105/115 Spider. Pininfarina refreshed its appearance while retaining its traditional mechanical layout; production ended in 1993, with North American model-year references extending to 1994.

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Series 4
1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Series 4, photographed by Charles in 2023. Via Wikimedia Commons; CC BY 2.0. Original image, unmodified. Photograph: Charles · CC BY 2.0

The final classic Spider

Series 4 was the last development of the classic Alfa Romeo Spider, a two-seat, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive roadster. Introduced in 1990, it followed Series 3. Here, “generation” identifies the fourth series within the established 105/115 family, rather than an entirely new vehicle architecture.

Pininfarina assembled Series 4 at San Giorgio Canavese in Italy. Production ended in 1993. North American Series 4 sales began with the 1991 model year; North American 1990-model-year Spiders retained Series 3 bodywork. The 1994 Commemorative Edition belongs to the final classic series: its model-year designation should not be interpreted as evidence that regular production continued into 1994. Production and market chronology.

Design and continuity

Pininfarina gave the final series smoother ends and a more integrated appearance. Body-coloured bumpers replaced the earlier contrasting treatment, while a raised trailing edge on the boot and rear wings replaced the prominent rear spoiler. Rear lamps echoed the Alfa Romeo 164; electrically adjustable mirrors completed the exterior revision.

The car retained the classic Spider’s longitudinal engine and rear-wheel-drive layout. Its historical significance lies in this combination: updated styling extended the life of a long-established roadster without severing its connection to the original Spider. Stellantis Heritage’s fourth-generation history.

Engines and equipment

The range included 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre twin-cam four-cylinder engines. The European 1.6 retained carburettors and was available from 1990 to 1992; the 2.0 used electronic fuel injection. Catalysed and non-catalysed specifications differed, so a single power figure should not be applied across all markets. Manufacturer history.

The 2.0’s Bosch Motronic system controlled injection and ignition, and its engine featured variable valve timing. Power steering and electric windows were among the 2.0’s equipment changes. The cabin remained closely related to the late Series 3, with revised seats and console details. Alfa Romeo Owners Club series history.

Body style and market differences

The underlying body style remained an open two-seat roadster with a folding roof. A removable hardtop provided an alternative weather enclosure rather than a separate coupé generation.

All Series 4 cars left production in left-hand-drive form. Right-hand-drive examples were conversions; the British market included both specialist conversions and a manufacturer-warranted Seaking conversion. British-market cars were initially offered through Alfa Romeo dealers in left-hand-drive form with a hardtop included.

North American cars had distinctive safety equipment, including a driver airbag and additional knee padding, as well as market-specific lighting. These details should not be assumed to apply to European cars. Owners Club account of equipment and conversions.

Sources and image credit