1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ Coupe

The Alfa Romeo Tubolare Zagato (TZ) was introduced in 1962 at the Turin Salon and was envisioned as a racing successor to the Giulietta Sprint Zagato. It was a lightweight, aerodynamic automobile that was built atop a lightweight, rigid tube frame and wrapped with an aluminum body by Zagato with a fastback Kamm tail and covered headlamps. Its 105 Series running gear was upgraded with stiffer springs and a fully independent rear suspension. It received a limited-slip differential, inboard rear disc brakes, and a taller fifth gear. Its top speed of 133 mph was courtesy of its naturally aspirated engine fed by Weber carburetors and developing 112 horsepower in street specification and 170 horsepower in racing tune. The engine was mounted at a 20-degree angle which necessitated a specially-cast intake manifold and sump.

Motorsport successes included a class win by Lorenzo Bandini at its racing debut at Monza in November 1963. It had a string of class victories during 1964 at events including the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Targa Florio, the Nürburgring 1000 KM, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Tour de France.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Tubolare Zagato was built in limited quantities, with 117 examples constructed.

This example was in the care of the same owner for 58 years. It completed assembly in late March 1965 and wore a Rosso paint scheme over a Nero interior. Two months later, the Alfa Romeo was officially delivered to Nassau, Bahamas, and then immediately sent to the Great White North by Canadian Motor Industries (CMI), an importer of Japanese marques (and for a short time Alfa Romeo) that later became Toyota Canada.

During the 1965 season, it is believed that CMI entered the car in no fewer than eight races, including the Labatt 50 in July, where the car was driven by Al Pease. Six days later, the TZ retired early at Harewood Acres. In September, at the Player's Mont-Tremblant, Pease managed to finish 18th. Nearly a week later, the Giulia was entered at the GP Mosport Production race but did not arrive. It is believed that this was the end of the car's CMI competition career.

In 1966, the Giulia was acquired by a couple from an intermediary party who had acquired it directly from CMI. The couple retained the car for 58 years. In February 1967, the Giulia was exhibited at the AROC meeting held at Knauz Continental Autosports in Lake Forest, Illinois. After returning home to Woodstock, Ontario, the Alfa Romeo received work to its chassis, and the coachwork was repainted in candy-apple green. In 1969 the owners moved to nearby London, Ontario, after which the car was effectively stored for the remainder of their ownership.

In the late 1980s, this Alfa was given a a full nut-and-bolt restoration by Sebert Motors, which included a complete rebuild of the engine, and a bare-metal refinish in the proper color of rosso. The restoration progressed slowly through early 2024, when the TZ was submitted to RM Auto Restoration for completion of the remaining work.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2024