1968 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA Jr. Coupe

This Alfa-Romeo GT Junior was sent to Santo's Italian Car Service in Northridge, California for race preparation. A 2-liter engine was found and fitted with high-compression Borgo pistons, Carrillo rods, a polished, balanced crankshaft, a ported and polished cylinder head with oversized intake valves, GTA tube headers, competition camshafts and large Weber carburetors. An aluminum radiator, electric fan and new oil cooler was added to help keep the engine cool. Safety improvements included Sparco racing seats, a custom-fabricated steel roll cage, a fire suppression system, a new fuel cell, a sump guard and a new electrical system.

Further enhancements include a five-speed gearbox with cross-drill gears, a racing clutch disc and pressure plate, an aluminum flywheel, a limited-slip differential, and a balanced driveshaft. After the work was completed, the car was put on a dyno and recorded 132 horsepower and 120 lb/ft of torque. ATE disc brakes were used to slow the vehicle and a competition-tuned suspension with KNOI shock absorbers helped keep the car stable at speed.

The car is finished in white, red and green, with the period-appropriate livery and correct details such as Plexi windows, Quadrofolios, correct GTA-style grille, fiberglass dash, door handles, and Panasport wheels shod with sticky tires.

This modern Panamericana racer has a high-end rally timer and auxiliary power outlets. At the 2009 Carrera Panamericana Retrospective, this GT competed and completed the grueling race and finished well in the Historic A+ Category.

In 2010, this car was offered for sale at the 2010 Pebble Beach auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $65,000 - $85,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $71,500, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010