Vehicle Description
Chassis No. AR1012000512
Working without the aid of computers or wind tunnels, Franco
Scaglione relied on his intuitive understanding of airflow and
aesthetic sensibility to create some of the most striking and
efficient automobile shapes of the mid-20th century. His prolific
career, spanning more than two decades, saw him leave an indelible
mark on the Italian carrozzeria tradition. Notably, Scaglione's
influence shaped two iterations of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta: the
original Sprint and the avant-garde Sprint Speciale. His creative
zenith coincided with a fruitful partnership with Nuccio Bertone,
during which he produced some of his most celebrated and
forward-thinking designs.
The Sprint Speciale, unveiled at the 1957 Turin Motor Show,
embodied concepts first explored in Bertone's BAT (Berlina
Aerodynamico Technica) series and Carrozzeria Touring's Disco
Volante sports racing cars of the early 1950s. Built on the agile
Giulietta chassis, it featured a high-performance 116 horsepower,
1,290 cc Veloce engine with dual Weber carburetors mated to a
five-speed transmission. With a svelte curb weight of 1,900 pounds,
the Sprint Speciale's aerodynamic profile, low frontal area, and
remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.29 enabled it to achieve a top
speed of 124 mph - an unprecedented feat for a small-displacement
car of its era.
This spectacular Alfa Romeo Sprint Speciale benefits from an
upgraded 1,570 cc DOHC Giulia Veloce engine delivering 128
horsepower through twin Weber 40 DCO 3 carburetors and mated to a
five-speed manual transmission. The car retains its period-correct
alloy finned drum brakes and is fitted with attractive five-stud
alloy wheels, contributing to both its period-correct appearance
and respectable performance capabilities. The car's current
condition speaks to a history of careful stewardship. Its white
finish exhibits a patina that bespeaks careful use, with the
interior seat upholstery and recently refreshed, well-trimmed
carpets telling a similar story.
This Sprint Speciale is a usable example of Scaglione's masterpiece
that can be enjoyed immediately or brought up to concours quality.
With its upgraded Giulia Veloce engine providing spirited
performance and its eligibility for numerous driving events and
club gatherings, this Sprint Speciale would be a superb addition to
any collection of rare, coachbuilt Italian sports cars.
