In 1985 the line was split into
three models, the Graduate, Veloce, and Quadrifoglio (pronounced
"kwah-drih-FOH-lee-oh). The Graduate was the
"introductory" level of trim, with vinyl seats, vinyl top,
and steel wheels. The Veloce came with leather seats, a cloth top,
power windows and power external rear view mirrors, and very
attractive "star" alloy wheels. The Quadrifoglio came with
specially designed leather seats, canvas top, "phone dial"
alloy wheels, a/c standard, special carpeting, a redesigned front
spoiler and tacked-on "side skirts, and a detachable hard top.
It should be noted that the cars differed only in trim, not in
anything important like engine output or handling goodies. The
Graduate was advertised as an "Enthusiast's Car"... i.e.
it got all the important stuff, but not the gadgets or the plush
things. In short:
- Graduate = vinyl seats, no power windows or mirrors, steel
wheels (sometime with platic covers).
- Veloce = leather seats, power windows and mirrors, Campagnolo
"star" alloy wheels.
- Quadrifoglio = all above, phone dial wheels, side skirts, and
removable hardtop
A/C was an option Veloce, maybe on the Grad, maybe standard on
the quad.
Here are some comments about the Graduate model. Thanks to Darren
Gates
Wille,
On the page listed, you're listing of 1985MY Alfa Graduate shows a
question mark next to item #2 Side stripes.
The sides on ine, while lacking any actual emblems beyond the
Pinnifarina "F" just behind the doors, did have a gold
double pinstripe, in vinyl, not painted, down each side originating
in the area just shy of the rear side marker lamps and traveling
above the body sculpting to a point just short of the headlight
bezel. On the fender, and breaking the stripe at a point about
5-10cm from the front seam of the doors, there was a cursive
"Graduate" done in the same gold vinyl as the stripe
proper. (might have been someone trying to be 'decorative', but it
didn't appear that way)
Unfortunately I've since removed the pin-striping due to a few
damaged spots in it and the body, or I would send a photo of it for
your reference. I foolishly thought I could get it replaced somehow.
Sorely mistaken on that point.......
The U.S. version I recently acquired had factory black paint, (or at
least I presume so, as sanding various spots of the body to the
metal revealed nothing but the black topcoat and a primer layer, and
the color label in the trunk/boot does say black), with red/burgundy
interior.
Air conditioning was in the car, and appeared factory spec with the
exception of where someone had cut the hoses that went through the
firewall. (firewall hose grommets present, crank pulley still had
the outer ring with spacer/belt tensioner washers intact, the
compressor was still present on a stock mount fixed to the block and
upper oil pan, secondary radiator was in place along with an
electric fan with temp sensor hardwired as part of the factory
harness, etc)
Wheels are steel as you list, (patterned as the GTA alloy wheels
offered by Highwoodalfa,
are 14x6.5" and silver or alumicoated in color with the
underhood data sticker and glove box data sticker calling for
185/70-14. Stainless steel trim rings and centercaps with embossed
Alfa logo at all 4 corners.
Mirrors are as shown here http://www.international-auto.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=2672
with the exception that the right one is etched with the
"objects in mirror are closer than they appear" warning
found so commonly today.
The big gray area I have right now is the conflict between what the
interior is, and what it should be according to what specs I can
find. The car has a data plate listing it's manufacture as late '85,
yet it carries the instrumentation and console fittings of an '84
and back model. (separate pods for tach and speedo, triple
instruments in the center console above the radio, pre-'85 steering
wheel, etc) Beyond that, all other interior components consist of
what one would expect on the '85. (seat bolster/rib pattern, luggage
'scuff plates' in the rear jump seat area, and the like)
I've no clue if someone just cobbled a few cars together to arrive
at what I've got in the garage now, but it really doesn't appear
that way. Some clues I have is that every bit of glass in it still
has the factory logo embossed or painted right onto it, and oddly
enough, the wiring layout matches that of an '85 on. I find it
doubtful that someone could or would preserve such items in the
event they were piecing a car together from several wrecks. It just
wouldn't be cost effective. (ok, it's a reach, though I'm also
basing it on the appearance that no apparent repair/replacement of
any kind as been done to the body or chassis after being looked at
by several individuals who would be more than capable of spotting
such things)
Either way around, I thought it might be of use and, (potentially),
offer a bit more data to add to the archives eventually.
Regards,
Darren Gates
US Spider
Graduate (1985MY/1986-89) |
- 'Graduate' insignia (eg front wings)
- Side stripes (Pls see comments above by Darren gates)
- Steel wheels + narrower tyres (with plastic covers from
'85?)
- Lack of clock/electric windows + mirrors
- Plastic seat upholstery (old-style seats retained after '86
revisions)
- nb. Body colour = ivory only [or Enthusiast?]
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