Vehicle Description
Background:
Little introduction is needed for Alfa's wonderful series of GTA
vehicles built from 1965 to 1975. These were a special derivative
of the Tipo 105 Series Coup�s that had been introduced in 1963. The
main difference was a massive weight reduction program with body
panels in alloy and a large number of alloy and magnesium
components used throughout the vehicle to bring weight to an
absolute minimum. The "A" in GTA stood for the Italian word
"Alleggerita" or "lightweight." Weight reduction was taken to the
extreme. For comparison a regular production Giulia Sprint GT had a
curb weight of 1,130kgs / 2,491lbs while the GTA came in at only
820kgs / 1,810lbs!
Initially there were two basic variations, both with highly tuned,
classic Alfa twin-cam, twin-plug, four-clyinder, in-line engines
and five speed gearboxes coupled to a live rear axle. The "Corsa"
or racing version was destined strictly for track and pure
competition use. A more refined and comfortable "Stradale" or road
version was also available. 500 examples were completed giving the
car FIA Homologation status as a true "GT" racer and these small
and nimble machines immediately proved themselves more than capable
against even the most powerful 5 and 7-liter engined racers of the
day.
1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA 1600 Corsa, chassis No. AR
752540
This particular Alfa Romeo GTA 1600 Corsa was one of a handful of
rare examples that were originally completed with right-hand-drive
steering. The Alfa Romeo Factory assembly records record that it
was otherwise a standard example finished with a red exterior and
black interior and given a completion date of July 22nd, 1965. The
records also record a selling date of March 2nd, 1966, some seven
months later to the USA Alfa Romeo Distributor, Alfa Romeo, Inc.,
in Newark, New Jersey. It is unknown why the car remained with Alfa
Romeo unsold for more than half a year. After arriving in the
States, the car was sold to the regional Alfa dealer, Giuffre Alfa
Romeo in New York City. After arrival at Giuffre, the vehicle was
quickly prepared for Trans Am racing and sold as such, fully
prepared to Richard Peritz of Little Neck, New York. From the
Spring of 1966 until sometime in 1970, this Alfa GTA raced in a
variety of Trans Am and SCCA events both here in the States and in
Canada. After her race days were over, this GTA was stored in the
New York / Pennsylvania area until finally being sold to William C.
Winne of Sewickley, Pennsylvania in the late 1970s. Winne later
moved to Long Beach, California and brought his prized GTA with
him. Subsequent owners included a variety of well-known Alfa Romeo
collectors and historic racers, including; Al Cortes, Joey
Mazzotta, Enrico Tonetti and Dr. Paul Schouwenburg.
AR 752540 Today:
In 2015, this GTA was purchased by an experienced collector and
historic racer here in the States. After import, his mechanics gave
the car a full and thorough vetting in preparation for an active
roll in historic races, rallies and tours around the world. A
change in plans came about with the purchase of additional vehicles
for his collection and it was decided to pass this special vehicle
onto a new fortunate caretaker. This GTA is fully prepared and
safety checked with no running time on a full and fresh rebuild of
all components. A recent rolling dynamometer test indicated 175bhp
at the rear wheels from a stock displacement, original and correct
1600cc engine running on street "Pump" gasoline.
Please feel free to contact me for additional assistance in arrange
for inspection and test-drives of this very special Alfa Rome
GTA.
Chronological History of AR*752540 as compiled by GTA historian Ken
Geiger of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with assistance form a variety
of other contributors and former owners:
-1965
July 22, 1965 The Alfa Romeo Documentation Centre records the
following information is contained in their records for chassis No.
AR*752540*: "According to our documentation files, the chassis
number AR*752540* originally corresponds to an Alfa Romeo Giulia
Sprint RHD, manufactured on the 22nd of July 1965 and sold on the
second of March 1966 to Alfa Romeo Inc., Newark, USA. The body
colour is red with a black interior.
-1966
March 2, 1966 Recorded by Alfa Romeo as having been sold on the
second of March 1966 to Alfa Romeo Inc., Newark, New Jersey,
USA.
Then sold by Alfa Romeo Inc., to Carmelo Giuffre Alfa Romeo, New
York, NY.
Bought as a Prepared Racing GTA by Richard (Dick) Peritz, Little
Neck, NY.
June 19, 1966 Entered in the SCCA Regional, Bridgehampton Race
where it finished 3rd Overall and 2nd in Class.
July 10 1966 Entered in the Bryar Trans Am Race where it was driven
by Peritz/Kerman to and 11th Overall and 6th in the U2 Class.
July 30/31 1966 Entered in the Virginia International Raceway 400
Trans Am race in Danville,Virginia using race number 63. Driven by
Richard Peritz, Little Neck, New York and Gerry Dorman, Cambria
Heights, New York. The race was 106 laps and they finished 12th
Overall and 9th in the U2 Class. 9U2
Then in the Bryar SCCA race the car received minor damage on the
very first lap when cut off by an Austin Healey Sprite. After the
race the car was repaired and repainted blue.
-1967
May 13, 1967 Entered in the SCCA Mohawk Hudson Regional Race at
Lime Rock Park, Connecticut wearing race number 88. There it was
driven by Gerald Dorman to a well earned 1st in Class. (A photo
from this race can be found on Racing Sports Cars.)
Then shipped to Canada for additional Trans Am racing.
May 21, 1967 Entered in the Les 4th du Circuite, Mont Tremblant at
St. Jovite, Quebec, Canada race again wearing race number 88.
Driven again by Gerald Dorman and Richard Peritz. They finished
19th Overall and 8th in Class.
Peritz then sold this GTA to his former Co-Driver Dorman who had it
shipped back to the States for additional Trans AM races that
Season.
May 30, 1967 Entered in the Trans Am Lime Rock Park 30 min
Consolation Race, Lime Rock, Connecticut again wearing race number
88. Driven by Gerald Dorman and Dr. Arthur Mollin. Entered under
the team banner, Arthur Mollin Racing. The car however did not
start or finish the race and was only used in practice.
May 30, 1967 Entered in the Trans Am Lime Rock Park, Connecticut
race again wearing its usual number 88. Assigned drivers were as
before, Gerald Dorman and Dr. Arthur Mollin. Also as before entered
under the Arthur Mollin Racing team banner but the car did not
actually race and was likely only driven in practice if at all.
Then No additional known races for the remainder of the 1967
Season.
-1968 & 1969
No race evidence or ownership changes found, however it is thought
that the car was likely sold back to the dealer, Carmelo Giuffre
Alfa Romeo in New York.
-1970
Entered in the Lime Rock Trans Am Race by Giuffre. A photo of the
car shows it wearing race number 96 but the car did not finish the
race for unknown reason.
Then Entered in the Bryar Trans Am Race by Giuffre using race
number 96 again but it appears the car was only entered in the race
and did not start.
-1971-1977
Believed to have been sold during this time frame to the dealer,
Giuliano Verna Alfa Romeo of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
-1978
Craig Morningstar and Ex...for more information please contact the
seller.
