Every once in a while, we get an inquiry for a classic sports car with automatic transmission. But the idea of fitting an MGB with some modern automatic transmission (as an example) sounds like a lot of work with a certain level of fabrication. And a lot of cost.

So we were thrilled when we found this car......my favorite Alfa Spider (a late model Series IV) and with only 32,000 original miles. NO RUST, excellent paint, excellent interior, new expensive cloth convertible top, and a lot of recent improvements: a chassis stiffener (basically steel pieces forming a rectangle and stiffing up the chassis, new shocks, new springs, new brakes, new radials of the correct size), has working air conditioning, original Alfa Romeo stereo, power steering and brakes, power windows, nicely carpeted trunk.

Before we purchased the car, had a chat with our local Alfa expert who told us these cars have German Bosch electronic fuel injection and the auto trans made by ZF in Germany. So no worry with these critical components.

Engine is Alfa's smooth powerful 2 liter all aluminum twin cam unit, durable and reliable. And from past experience, these cars have an excellent suspension and fabulous handling. Also with power assist four wheel disc brakes.

Car has its original boot cover in excellent condition, glass and trim are all in excellent condition, and have used the car for the past few months (alas, my girlfriend is 'shiftless') and it hasn't missed a beat. So, for the next owner, the car has even been 'pre tested.'

The result is a stylish classic sports car with all of the modern conveniences. AND comes with a factory hardtop in excellent condition.....even has its original support unit on rollers for easy moving around a garage.

All in all, maybe the ideal classic for one who is either shiftless OR just want the convenience of driving a modern car that is effortless to drive in traffic. And having covered nearly 1,000 miles, it has been a lovely experience.