I have no idea why decent spiders sell for much more money now, maybe all the brit stuff and Alfas are too expensive. Spider auto rears are pretty rare because there weren't that many auto spiders made and lots of guys want them for their 5-speed spiders to lower the highway rpm. My buddy did this to his spider and fourth is now where fifth used to be....drove it halfway around the DC beltway before I realized I had one more gear!
My wife and I drove home from New York two weeks ago and I found it amusing that my Kia Optima turbo was turning 2200 rpm at 85mph
Years ago I went to Carlisle Import show and at 80 mph I was turning about 5,500 rpm and oddly the motor got smoother and smoother as the rpm went up....even if I did have to wear earplugs.
Ah.. I missed the "auto Spider 5 speed", I just read Spider 5 speed. So that complicates things. I am glad you followed up carl.