Vehicle Description
Chassis No. AR613115
The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, which debuted in 1965, marked a
transformative evolution of the Giulia Sprint GT model. The
addition of the "A" in GTA denoted "Alleggerita," emphasizing its
lightweight construction. This focus on weight reduction was
achieved through several innovative changes to the car's design and
materials.
Featuring aluminum outer body panels, thinner gauge steel inner
panels bonded and pop-riveted together, and clear plastic side
windows, the GTA was significantly lighter than its predecessor.
Additional weight-saving measures included magnesium alloy wheels,
aluminum rear upper control arms, and special lightweight interior
trim.
Beneath its lightweight exterior, the GTA housed a highly tuned
1,570 cc engine. This powerplant featured a revolutionary twin-plug
cylinder head, utilizing a Marelli distributor from the Ferrari
Dino. Upgraded twin 45 mm Weber carburetors replaced the standard
40 mm versions, while components such as the camshaft cover, sump,
timing cover, and bell housing were crafted from magnesium for
further weight reduction.
These modifications culminated in the GTA producing 115 horsepower
at 6,000 rpm, while weighing well under 2,000 pounds. This
combination of reduced weight and increased power-to-weight ratio
made the Giulia GTA a formidable competitor both on the road and in
motorsport arenas.
Steeped in a unique racing history, this 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia
Sprint GTA was delivered to Berlin in August 1965, where it found a
home under the care of Berlin's first Alfa Romeo dealer, Herbert
Schultze. A well-known racer, Schultze championed the white Alfa
Romeo, one of the first GTAs to make a mark in Europe. Its debut in
October 1965 during the German Circuit Championship International
Airfield Race at Wunstorf was nothing short of spectacular, with
the car securing an outright victory. The following year, in 1966,
Schultze continued to dominate German Touring Car racing, claiming
another eight wins and tying for first place in the German Touring
Car Championship.
After purchasing another GTA in early 1967, Schultze sold this car
to Ulrich Schleifer, and it was chiefly driven by Wolfgang Thiele
in 1967 and 1968. Herbert Schultze Automobil then reacquired the
car in April 1969 and it saw continued use by them through the fall
of 1971.
A fellow Berlin native living in San Francisco, Peter Herke,
acquired the car in 1972 and brought it to California. Similar to
Schultze, Herke owned an independent repair shop, European Motors,
and was a passionate racer who is reported to have used the car for
historic racing events throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Of
particular note was a Vintage Motorcar Racing (VMR) race on 2
October 1987 at Sears Point, where Herke competed in the enduro
with its former owner, Wolfgang Thiele. They were victorious!
The next owner of this extraordinary Alfa Romeo found the car in
the late 2000s after an extensive search and being drawn to its
rich racing history. The car then underwent a meticulous
restoration by area experts, including Santo's Italian Car Service
of Northridge, California, who handled the mechanical restoration.
The result was a car that harkened back to its glory days under
Herbert Schultze's care.
As presented today, this beautifully restored 1965 Alfa Romeo
Giulia Sprint GTA is a well-presented example with original
documented racing history including two logbooks including its
original ONS Wagenpass. Under current ownership, the car benefits
from over $330,000 worth of restorative work performed from
September 2016 through December 2018 by Custom Cars Unlimited of La
Grange, Illinois. It is complete with numerous correct and unique
parts to the GTA models, such as the twin-plug cylinder head,
sliding block rear suspension, and cold air intake, making this car
a truly special find. Representing a rarely seen factory-built
racing version of Giulia, especially in the United States, this car
is ideal for use during myriad vintage racing events.
