Imported Alfa Romeo Type 916 Spider (w/ startup)

A black 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider (Type 916) startup up and leaving San Dimas Cars & Coffee in Downtown San Dimas, organized by the city's Parks & Recreation Department. Introduced at the 1994 Paris Motor Show, the Type 916 featured styling by Enrico Fumia at Pininfarina and was available as a 2+2 coupe (GTV) or a two-seat roadster (Spider). Neither variant was sold in North America as Alfa Romeo decided to withdraw from the market in 1995 with the 164 sedan as the last available model. This imported example is powered by a 1.8-liter Twin Spark four-cylinder engine producing over 140 horsepower.

The '90s were a great time for open European sports cars. Fiat had the quirky Barchetta and Renault had the insane Sport Spider. Alfa's entry may be much more tame in comparison to those two, but it's no less a unique sportster that won't be mistaken for anything else on the road. And the biggest problem with all three cars? None of them were made available to us poor Americans.

As a kid I bought a 1:18 scale model of the 916 Spider with little knowledge of the car, simply because I was fascinated by its styling. From the front clamshell hood to the unique rising beltline to the single taillight strip, the entire design is cohesive and incredibly well-executed - sporty, elegant, and unique without trying too hard to be cool. And seeing it in person, my childhood opinion certainly hasn't changed.

Thanks to the 25-year rule, the Spider can now be imported to our shores, although I imagine finding parts and service must be challenging. This example may be equipped with the humble base-level powertrain, but I'm sure it's still a fun car to enjoy, whether you're going for a spirited drive or simply wanting to look and feel good with some Italian style. I don't know how common these cars were/are in Europe, but needless to say they're certainly a rare sight here in the States, and they probably always will be.

Would you import a Type 916 Spider to the U.S.? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!