In 1983, precisely with the purpose of putting the spotlight back on the famous Duetto, the Series 3, called Aerodinamica, was presented. It was a model that distanced itself from its Kammback predecessor, not so much for its technical content—mostly unchanged compared to the Series 2—but for its aerodynamic details, at first criticised by Alfa Romeo purists. I am mainly talking about the conspicuous black rear spoiler and never-before-seen black plastic bumpers. Pininfarina, author of the design, was farsighted: though the Aerodinamica was not immediately appreciated in Italy, it was hugely successful abroad, particularly in the United States.

Italians took longer to appreciate the aesthetic of the Series 3 that, after all, was just conforming to the style of the period.

During that decade, fashion led to a glorification of excess in more or less any other field, and the automotive world had no choice but to comply with showy aerodynamic detailing decorating models of pretty much every segment, from small cars to executive saloons.

Duetto, a myth that until then had survived for two decades, had to adapt: retaining its elegance, without overdoing it, as befits a style made in Italy.

In all truth, in the case of this Alfa Spider Series 3, these aesthetic changes—already close to the American taste—were useful to significantly reduce production costs, especially in terms of export. The body of Series 3 was already almost set for the US market that, due to the safety regulation then in effect, would have otherwise imposed expensive modifications.

In 1986, the range of this Duetto was expanded to include a sportier, better-equipped vehicle. The Quadrifoglio Verde had new front bumpers, side skirts, new 15’’ rims and a more polished interior, available only with grey seats and blood-red carpets. Two options for the body: red and metallic light grey. The engine was a classic 2.0 L that put out 128 hp, the last with carburettors.