Fantasy Junction

Description

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1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce 750

Chassis Number – 1493E07132 (first sold in 1959)
Engine Number – AR00530*10030* (installed)
Original Engine No. - AR1315*31566*(original 1300cc engine included)
Exterior Color – LeMans Blue
Interior Color - Grey
Engine Type – 1300cc DOHC 4-cylinder
Gearbox – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 16,349 TMU
Current Owner – Purchased in 1996 with approximately 13,000 miles indicated

Highlights

Very well-sorted Sprint with excellent mechanicals and enjoyable cosmetics
Upgraded with a later engine, disc brakes, and 5-speed gearbox

General History

Alfa Romeo, one of the most advanced Italian automobile companies, began as a specialty constructor with little interest in volume manufacturing. Prior to the second world war, Alfa cars were largely handmade using detailed labor and complex fabrication, and while the results were sublime and worthy of the most discriminating clientele, it limited the scope of their output. All this dramatically changed after the war when the Giulia and Giulietta entered the marketplace. Positioned as affordable, stylish offerings, a youthful and enthusiastic public greeted these new Alfas with substantial interest. The new models were small, sporty, and charming, yet finely trimmed, giving an air of sophistication that young men and women craved, in the fast-growing post-war boom years. Both cars enjoyed success, with strong sales in Europe and America. The twin cam in-line four-cylinder engine, 4 speed gearbox, and excellent suspension offered spirited driving coupled with elegant styling. Sales volumes were such that Alfa-Romeo became one of the largest manufacturers not just in Italy but all over the world. The most desirable of these road cars were the Veloce models, factory equipped with numerous specialized and detailed performance features designated by the “E” in the chassis number for Elaborata.

Ownership and Service History

Although early history is not known at this time, this is a factory Sprint Veloce confirmed with US ownership dating back to the 1980s. On January 18, 1989 this Alfa Sprint Veloce was purchased by Northern California Alfa Romeo collector and enthusiast Neil Kirkham, with 91,500 miles indicated. Kirkham purchased the car from Sports Car Market Magazine owner Keith Martin who, in preparation for sale, engaged Nasko’s Imports, Portland, OR to overhaul the cylinder head, inspect the bottom end, replace the rod bearings, tune the engine, and overhaul the distributor. The duration of Martin’s ownership is unknown but likely the car had been in the US for some time prior to Martin’s purchase.

Copies of 1989 and 1990 records accompanying the car total over $11,000 through under Kirkham’s ownership including work with noted Alfa engine builder Tom Sahines who rebuilt the 1300cc engine in 1989 and in 1992 with 95,082 miles built the 1300cc engine currently installed in the car. Itemized invoices with Kirkham continue through the 1990s including parts, services, transmission and engine work, and purchases for various trim parts. The current and consigning owner purchased the car from Kirkham in 1997 with approximately 13,000 miles indicated. Over the years, the current owner has commissioned regular services from known Northern California experts such as Oliveria Engineering and Armand’s Upholstery including seat cushion rebuild and spring repair (2012), several oil changes, and a new master cylinder, rebuilt wheel cylinders, new axle bearing and seal (2006), and seat belts (2005).

General Condition and Overview

Today this Alfa presents in driver level condition with consistent finishes overall and pleasant cosmetics. The paint is in generally good condition with minor road chips in a few places, a speckled front fascia, and various minor areas of use evident but otherwise clean and tidy throughout the exterior, door jambs, under the hood and trunk lid. The doors, trunk, and hood display good fit, opening and closing properly and latching securely. Citing the front fenders at tighter angles reveals some waviness in the panel finish. Much of the chrome trim has been redone with some areas showing light hazing though generally quite presentable overall. The wheels are correctly finished with silver paint and polished hubcaps, both of which are in good condition. Currently fitted with a set of Yokohama tires displaying minimal wear, the stance has been slightly lowered, with the wheel and tire combination nesting properly beneath the wheel arches. The various trim, lighting, and lenses are in very good condition as are the script lettering mounted on the fenders and trunk.

The interior has been previously reupholstered in high quality materials resulting in a very nice two tone blue and grey combination. The seats are properly bolstered with the driver’s side being more recently rebuilt. The seat piping and perimeter beading are well done, and a set of matching blue seatbelts include Alfa Romeo buckle emblems. The door panels are finished in a matching color scheme, correctly trimmed, and accompanied by handsome chrome details and bright trim work. The grey low pile carpeting is in very good condition with excellent fit, showing only minor evidence of use in the driver’s footwell. The gauges are in very nice condition and appear to be original due to the consistent patina to the dial faces. The chrome trim on the interior is a nice mix of original and restored details, including the original stamped and etched door sills. The car is outfitted with a floor mounted 5-speed manual gearbox. A padded roll bar is installed with mounting at the floor and rear wheel arches along with an ignition kill switch positioned on the rollbar. Overall, the interior is very pleasant, reflecting a handsome combination of nicely maintained original finishes and generally correct refurbished features. The trunk contains a full-sized spare tire and Optima spiral cell battery.

Under the hood, the engine compartment presents very well with handsomely toned finishes reflective of original features. A rebuilt 1300cc twin-cam engine replaced the original 1300cc unit (included with the car). A set of large diameter air intake hoses feed the twin dual throat Weber carburetors. A reproduction chassis plate bears the correct Veloce chassis number which is also stamped on the firewall. The engine number on the chassis plate reflects the number of the 1300cc engine currently installed in the car. The undercarriage is generally sound with no evidence of significant compromise to the chassis, floor or rocker areas, and generally good condition to the various suspension mounting points, engine and gearbox castings, and engine support cradle.

Driving Impressions

Given the sensitively performed engine rebuild and 5-speed gearbox, driving manners are quite impressive over a standard 1300cc. The rebuilt 1300cc engine delivers great response, is well-tuned, and offers a warm exhaust note. The chassis is quite solid, and the 5-speed transmission shifts smoothly with well-spaced ratios and good synchromesh, warm, or cold. Overall, the handling, engine response, and vintage feel make for an exciting combination of vintage charm and performance. It’s no wonder Alfa Sprints continue to appear at top level motoring events around the world drawing increased attention as enthusiasts discover their many benefits.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an authentic, well-maintained, and nicely updated Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce that can be driven with enthusiasm and enjoyed as is. Offering the perfect blend of cosmetics and mechanical capability this genuine Sprint Veloce is ready to enjoy, delivering brisk and dynamic performance to anyone who appreciated the magical experience of driving vintage Italian cars.

Included with this car

This Alfa is accompanied by the original matching numbers 1300cc engine on a small dolly, a spare gearbox (understood by the owner to be original to the car), an original jack, various miscellaneous parts including a grille, sway bar, side glass, side glass mechanisms, used brake drums, used suspensions springs, and copies of service invoices including handwritten notations from owners dating back to 1989.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608