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The steering

According to some sources, initially the Duetto was fitted exclusively with Burman re-circulating ball steering, later cars alternatively being fitted with ZF worm-and-roller steering gear. But it appears from other sources that ZF worm-and-roller was fitted from the outset as well.

The Spider family is one of those rare animals – typically Alfa Romeo, it must be said – that could come out of the factory with a completely different piece of essential mechanical componentry, seemingly at random. This ambivalent approach to the steering equipment – you never knew whether you had re-circulating ball or worm-and-roller steering – remained so for the entirety of the Spider’s life.

The steering gear and linkage was positioned back behind the front cross-member, a good safety feature. For a sports car the steering was quite low-geared. 3.66 turns lock-to-lock – US mag quotes 3.3 turns, engendering some criticism, but it was widely praised for its superb feel.

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