1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA Coupe

Alfa Romeo's tradition of technical excellence proven in competition as a world-class marque was in question of survival following World War II. Decisions were made in secret that led to the small, lightweight, high-performance Giulietta Sprint being introduced at the 1954 Turin Motor Show.

Its racy features as a stylish coupe were a sensation and led to Alfa's return to economic strength and to racing. In 1962, the Giulia replaced the highly successful and profitable Giulietta, and Alfa's return to racing was ensured when Autodelta was formed to prepare and campaign cars for a factory team and for customers. New racing regulations favored touring cars, and the Giulia GTA, based on the Giulia Sprint, was born in 1965 for the sole purpose of winning races in its class. 'A' referred to 'allegerita' - lightened - that replaced the steel body with aluminum panels. Suspension and engine upgrades produced a thoroughbred Alfa Romeo that became phenomenally successful, winning three successive European Touring Car championships 1966-68.

This GTA Corsa was prepared by Autodelta specifically for US competition in SCCA's Trans-American Sedan Championship (Trans-Am), a professional series, and placed 3rd in class at the first race of the series, Sebring 1965. In 30 entries, this car gained 6 first-in-class victories and was present at the last Trans-Am race, Riverside 1972. Raced afterward through 1976, this car was a well-worn veteran of the track when purchased by its current owner in 1984 and subsequently received a restoration that returned the car to its 1972 Trans-Am preparation.