1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Series 101 Roadster

Every model Alfa Romeo occupies a special place within the heart of true Alfa Romeo lover. However, perhaps there is no model more dear to the heart than the Giulia. And among those that love circuit-going Alfas, perhaps no Giulias could be more legendary than the SVZ, SZ and the TZ.

The Type 101 Giulietta Spider took its place in the consciousnesses of Alfa lovers when it appeared in 1959 with its elongated wheelbase. This increase in length only increased the beautiful lines of the car and made it more practical at the same time.

The increase in length also allowed Alfa to let the Giulietta's hair down a bit as it enabled a 1,560 cc twin-cam, four-cylinder engine to be placed inside of it. The new engine, with its larger bore, would be mated to a five-speed gearbox and would become known as the Giulia. Instantly, Alfa would have a more comfortable performer. And, with just a little effort, the car could become a powerful little nimble machine for racing. As a result, the Giulia would become absolutely adored by racing specialists. Soon, the car would become legendary.

One of the Alfa Romeo 1600 Giulia Spiders, AR379248, would be offered at the RM Auctions event held in Monaco in 2012. This particular Giulia Spider is prepped for anything but a nice, quiet life in the country.

At a cost of €45,000, AR379248's previous owner went to great lengths to prepare the Giulia Spider for a life of historic racing and rallying. A rare hard top Giulia Spider, the car is finished in the bright Italian red with an interior that is all business. Sporting a modern steering wheel, racing pedals and a striking red instrument panel, this particular Giulia Spider is ready to turn heads with its performance, as well as, its looks. And, with dual 40DCOE Weber carburetors helping to boost power from the engine to some 140bhp, it certainly has the kind of performance to turn heads.

Work completed by Toulouse specialist Dougnac, the car features an extra-large fuel tank, an extra cooling fan and even a locking bridge. The suspension on the car would also undergo modifications, which would include lower, stiffer springs and Spax dampers. Equipped with a roll cage, polycarbonate side windows, bucket seats with Corbo harnesses, the necessary fire extinguisher and cut-off switch and a Retrotrip trip-master, this car is ready to go historic racing and rallying.

To be offered without reserve, it is interesting to note the work done to the car to get it ready for historic racing and rallying appear to serve as the vast majority of the car's overall value. Estimated to earn between €40,000 and €50,000, its new owner will certainly get a finely prepped and tuned Pininfarina-bodied Giulia Spider. But they will also have the pride of being an Alfa Romeo owner and will come to enjoy all such an experience offers.

Sources:
'Lot No. 395: 1965 Alfa Romeo 1600 Giulia Spider', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=MC12&CarID=r402&fc=0). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=MC12&CarID=r402&fc=0. Retrieved 3 January 2013.

'Alfa Romeo Giulietta', (http://www.carsfromitaly.net/alfaromeo/index.html). Alfa Romeo. http://www.carsfromitaly.net/alfaromeo/index.html. Retrieved 3 January 2013.

Wikipedia contributors, 'Alfa Romeo Giulia', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 22 November 2012, 18:54 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alfa_Romeo_Giulia&oldid=524393523 accessed 3 January 2013

By Jeremy McMullen