Vehicle Description
At the 1957 Turin Auto Show, Alfa Romeo unveiled its stunning and
futuristic Giulietta Sprint Speciale. Penned by Franco Scaglione
for Bertone, the S.S. featured a slick, swoopy, and bumperless
aerodynamic alloy body fitted with lightweight plexiglass windows
and gutsy 1300 cc twin-cam. Scaglione's drew his inspiration for
this gorgeous design from within his own portfolio, as the Sprint
Speciale was inspired by the radical and outrageous B.A.T. concept
cars that traveled the show circuit earlier in the decade. A
minimum of 100 cars was needed to homologate the new model for FIA
regulations, and while a handful of them were skinned in aluminum,
most production cars were built primarily in steel with alloy used
on the doors and deck lids. The first series of the S.S. was built
on the 750-series Giulietta chassis, with the 1300cc twin cam
engine kept largely standard, aside from updated Weber 40 DCOE3
carburetors and a free-breathing sports exhaust. Standard
production Sprint Speciales gained road trim such as bumpers,
proper glass windows and enough creature comforts to transform the
S.S. into a junior grand touring car; a uniquely stylish
alternative to the likes of a Porsche 356 or Austin Healey. For
1963, Alfa Romeo updated their Giulietta line with a host of
mechanical improvements, the most significant being the 1600 cc
engine, now making 112 horsepower in Sprint Veloce specification.
The new car, internally known as the 101-series was named Giulia (a
clever play on it being a grown up version of Giulietta), and the
Sprint Speciale was carried over; with increased performance from
the powerful 1600 engine, as well as a 5-speed gearbox and disc
brakes on later models. Comfort was also improved with more
luxurious trim. While the Giulia SS did not achieve much in the way
of success on the race tracks of the world, it was no less a
uniquely beautiful and lively performance car that has earned a
place among the most collectible and desirable of all post-war Alfa
Romeos. Our featured 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale is a
gorgeous and highly desirable late production model that has been
sympathetically restored to a high standard, presented in the
classic shade of Alfa Red (AR501) over black upholstery. The
original Italian registration log book shows this car, S/N
AR381099, was first registered on the 22nd of May, 1964 in Milano.
Renewal stamps go through approximately 1980 when car was purchased
from the original owner and exported to the United States. Sometime
after its arrival in the USA, it received a bare metal respray in
the lovely shade of red it wears today, and in 2010 it underwent a
comprehensive mechanical refurbishment and detailing to concours
standards. It presents in excellent condition, the body exhibiting
exemplary panel fit and superbly straight body lines topped high
quality paintwork. The chrome bumpers and bright trim all present
in excellent condition, and much of the glass appears to be in
excellent original order. We appreciate the details such as correct
Carello headlamps which highlight the careful attention given to
ensure the restoration is true to original. Riding on correct
original Borrani steel wheels with hub caps and Vredestien Sprint
Classic tires, the little Alfa sits beautifully on the road, its
magnificent shape quite unlike any other car that has come before
or after. As part of the restoration, the interior was
sympathetically freshened with new seat covers in correct original
black vinyl material, piped in red to match the painted dash. The
excellent original door panels were carefully preserved along with
interior quarter panels, parcel shelf and the dash top. Fresh black
carpets are bound in red and present in fine order. Original gauges
and switchgear also appear in very good condition, as does the
wonderful original steering wheel with its polished alloy spokes
and black rim. The boot is lined with the original rubber mat while
the spare wheel, tool roll and fuel filler take up most of the
available space. For weekend tours, a generous luggage space is
found behind the seats. As a later production model, this Giulia
S.S. benefits from the numerous improvements Alfa Romeo made to the
101 series over the course of production. This car is fitted with
its correct Veloce specification 101.21 series engine which is
mated to a five-speed gearbox as original, as well as front disc
brakes. The engine is very well detailed with factory correct paint
finishes on the accessories and fittings, as well as period correct
decals and labels. With 112 horsepower from the gutsy little
twin-cam four and only 2,000 pounds to move around, the Giulia S.S.
is an absolute joy to drive, with that typical 1960s Alfa Romeo
flair and excitement. This superb Giulia S.S. benefits from a high
quality yet sympathetic restoration, and it remains very fine
condition both mechanically and cosmetically. Shown at Concorso
Italiano in 2010, it was awarded Best 101-series Alfa Romeo in what
was no doubt a very crowded and highly competitive field. It runs
and drives beautifully, and is ideally suited for driving events
such as the New England 1000, Copperstate 1000 or similar rallies
and tours. The Sprint Speciale offers the joy that comes with
driving any Alfa-Romeo of the period, along with the unmistakably
beautiful Bertone styling. Beautifully presented and highly
desirable, this Giulia Sprint Speciale will be a most welcome
addition to any collection.
