1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Zagato Roundtail Coupe

Alfa Romeo introduced its second new postwar design in 1954, the Giulietta. Power was from a DOHC four-cylinder unit that displaced 1290cc. The car came as a unibody 2+2 coupe by Bertone called 'Sprint', and was capable of achieving 102 mph in basic form. The most powerful Sprint Veloce was introduced in 1956 and would top out at 110 mph. Its basic design was the work of Orazio Satta, who was also responsible for the 1900.

Alfa Romeo introduced a sedan version, called a Berlina, in the Spring of 1955. Soon afterward a Spider convertible by Pininfarina was introduced. The Berlina was the most popular, particularly in Italy, with nearly 193,000 built over eleven years. Two limited production models were introduced in 1957, the Sprint Speciale, a long-tail coupe by Bertone, and the Sprint Zagato, a short-tail version by Milanese coachbuilder Zagato.

The Sprint Zagato was the lightest and the fastest of the Giuliettas. It was built in two versions, the Coda Tonda (round tail) and later a Kamm-tail designated Coda Tronca (short tail).

In 1994, this short-tail Sprint Zagato was given a restoration in Italy by specialist Mario Galbiati. During that time, the engine was replaced with a period-correct unit as the original had been damaged. There are Plexiglas side windows, lightweight Zagato coachwork, and original hubcaps riding on new tires and wheels.

In 2009, this vehicle was offered for sale by Bonhams Auction at the Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club in Carmel, CA. It was estimated to sell for $240,000 - $270,000. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2009