To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVEEstimate:
$80,000 - $120,000
- Offered from the collection of Raymond Boniface
- Bianco over black and red vinyl and black top
- 69 hp, 1.3-liter Twin Cam inline-four engine; four-speed manual
transmission
- Appealing Pinin Farina design
By the dawn of the 1950s, Alfa Romeo looked little like its prewar
self. Ferocious engines and body-on frame designs were on their way
out; they were replaced with a sophisticated twin-cam four cylinder
and the brand's first forays into monocoque construction. Yet
despite a push toward the mainstream, which was necessitated by a
changed economic climate in Europe, Alfa Romeo continued to possess
the same spirit that had guided it to numerous grand prix victories
prior to World War II.
Alfa Romeo's new small-car lineup arrived to much fanfare in 1954
with the introduction of the stately Giulietta Sprint coupe. The
next year, a sedan, or berlina, version debuted. But the automotive
world was turned on its end a few months later, when the Pinin
Farina-designed Giulietta spider was unveiled mid-1955. Styled by
Pinin Farina, the appealing spider was built on a slightly shorter
wheelbase. The Italian marque's Twin Cam inline four-cylinder
engine was downsized to 1.3 liters for the 750-series Giulietta and
used an alloy cylinder block and Solex carburetor.
The Giulietta spider would eventually be replaced by the Giulia
spider, although the name change was not accompanied by a
full-scale redesign. As a result, the spider's basic look continued
for almost a decade before being replaced by the Duetto-a testament
to Pinin Farina's work.
This 1957 Giulietta 750D is now offered from the collection of
noted enthusiast Dr. Raymond Boniface. The 1,623rd Giulietta spider
produced, this well cared-for driver is currently presented in
Bianco over a reupholstered red and black vinyl cockpit. Acquired
by Dr. Boniface in 1978, the chassis' original Rosso Alfa exterior
was refinished in 2000-a clear effort to replicate the look of his
first Alfa Romeo, a 1955 Giulietta purchased new from Max Hoffman's
New York City showroom. Many correct details and finishes can be
found throughout; the interior features the proper shift knob,
steering wheel, gauges, switchgear, and Pinin Farina radio-delete
plate, while a set of fitted vinyl Alfa Romeo mats protect the red
wool carpet.
The Giulietta's combination of a rev-happy engine, fine handling, a
responsive chassis, and good brakes made the spider a driver's car
par excellence-arguably superior in driving dynamics when compared
with its primary competitors, Porsche's 356 cabriolet and
Speedster. These timelessly styled Italian beauties continue to
attract discerning enthusiasts today and are a preferred choice for
vintage rallies and events.To view this car and others currently
consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo20.