As timeless as the Alfa Romeo Spider’s shape has proved to be, 1975 saw Pininfarina made an attempt to renew the styling of the popular two-seater, incorporating not only a more modern design language, but also the latest safety features. Owing to mounting safety concerns regarding convertibles – and the resulting adoption of roll-hoops, pioneered by the 1967 Porsche 911 Targa – Pininfarina’s clean-sheet design included a safety bar that began at the front of the car in order to reinforce lateral strength. Presented at that year’s Turin Motor Show, the resulting Eagle was the final concept to be overseen by the design house’s styling chief, Aldo Brovarone of Ferrari 365 GTC/4 fame. 

The Spider that never graduated

Ultimately, the Eagle was never developed beyond the concept stage, and the Spider went on to be produced for almost two further decades in a form largely faithful to that of the late-60s original. However, Brovarone’s final accomplishment can stand proudly alongside his more commercially successful efforts, even if it hasn’t matured quite as well as the car it was intended to replace.

Photos: Pininfarina