Spiders in downtown Tokyo

Japan has long been one of the major stops on the Italian exoticar circuit, home to many serious collectors who covet Ferraris, Maseratis and who have also established a strong interest in Alfa's heat stopping 8C Competizione.

Of the 500 8C coupes, Japan got 67 official cars, but the order book was heavily over subscribed from day one.

With the 8C Spider, again the production run will be just 500 cars but Fiat chief Luca di Montezemolo has let it be known that Japan will be the second biggest market after Italy and about 70 Spiders are believed to be heading to Japan.

Many of the 8C Spiders were already pre-sold even before the spec and price were announced, says an Alfa Japan official, even in the current economic climate.

What's more, it's said some 8C coupe owners (who each put down the equivalent of $313,443) have also ordered the $367,696 Spider as well so as to 'have the complete set'.

Bella!