Fantasy Junction

Description

1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce Conversion
s/n AR1493-21344, engine no. AR00551*02120*
Red with Grey Interior

Alfa Romeo, the Italian giant of automobile manufacturing was not always a prolific producer of nimble sports cars. Prior to the Giulia and Giulietta, Alfa cars were largely handmade, high priced statements, crafted with detail, employing complex fabrication. All this changed when the delightful Giulia and Giulietta entered the marketplace. These sporty offerings were finely trimmed and quite capable, giving an air of sophistication that young men and women appreciated during the 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.

This particular Giulietta was purchased by the current owner from a central valley Alfa enthusiast; Ben Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds owned the car from 1995-2017 making all of the following mechanical and cosmetic updates within the past three years (roughly 5000 miles ago). The current owner, an automotive artist, was drawn to the car for the elegant lines, clean design, and updated Veloce-based performance specifications offered in this car.

While under the care of Ben Reynolds, the 1750 cc engine was comprehensively rebuilt using Borgo pistons and liners, Hastings rings, and a valve job with new guides and Viton seals. For durability and performance, a Norman racing head gasket with O ring reinforcing kit was installed while the crankshaft was reground using .010 over bearings on the rods (new wrist pin bushings) and mains (Clevite). New timing chains and Euro spec 1750 camshafts were installed along with a new oil pump and new water pump. A Euro 1600 intake manifold with twin rebuilt Weber DCOE 40 carburetors were assembled and jetted specifically to the engine. For reliable performance, the car was converted to electronic ignition and a modern alternator was tastefully installed, hidden beneath the beautifully trimmed engine. New motor mounts and gearbox mounts were also installed. Finishing off the engine rebuild, a set of headers and custom exhaust were fabricated and properly fit to the engine and affixed to the floorpan.

Transferring the fresh power to the road involved thoughtful improvements to the total driveline including a modern style clutch converted to diaphragm type, resurfaced flywheel, and the installation of a 115 (5 speed) spider gearbox with all new sliders and synchros, with the second gear crown-gear replaced. The 4.56 differential received new axle seals and bearings, aided by a rebuilt and balanced driveshaft. Stopping power and handling was also properly addressed with Dave Rue Sport Springs and Koni shocks installed. All brake wheel and master cylinders were rebuilt or replaced, brake shoes relined and arched to the drums. While the mechanical work was being done, the car was sent out to receive a high quality repaint, with exterior trim removed down to the rolling shell. A handsome shade of Lancia red was applied and all trim installed, with the exception of the bumpers, which have been retained and are included with the sale.

Of particular note both historically and as a delightful piece of Alfa enthusiasts history, the oil cap on the engine is originally from an Alfa SZ2, belonging to LuLu Wang and previously owned by Ed Whitworth of Monterey, CA. Ed removed the cap prior to the SZ2 restoration to retain as a memento of his ownership. He then gave the cap to Steve Bonney, who then gave it to Ben Reynolds to install on this car. The cap and vintage Italian canister add a lighthearted vintage touch to a very purposefully built engine.

Cosmetically, the car is in very nice condition overall with consistent presentation in the finish, trim, and glass. The paint is glossy and has nice coverage throughout, excellent gloss and tidy panel fit. The chrome trim has been redone nicely with excellent grille and trim pieces. The steel wheels have been painted and their wheel cover mounting clips removed, giving the car a competition look. The radial tires display minimal wear and the car has been nicely adjusted with a slight rake to the stance. With the front and rear bumpers removed, the purity of line and purposeful look of this car is quite unique. The side glass garnish molding and various trim are all in nice condition. The glass is in very nice condition, including a brand new windshield (installed this week). Of note is the rear glass, which is a very nice piece of molded Plexiglas. The original rear glass is included with the car. The rubber seals appear freshly replaced and nicely fitting in all areas of the car. Very nicely positioned fog lamps are tucked behind the grilles of the car, once again contributing to the competition look executed in this car.

The interior has been nicely redone with very comfortable updated seats that offer excellent support while driving. The door panels, headliner, and carpeting are very nicely done in grey cloth, accenting the original instruments displaying a warm jeweled patina to each of the three dials. The dash houses a nice Blaupunkt AM/FM radio. The cockpit of the car is a delightful engagement of purpose and beauty, which is only further enriched by the driving experience once behind the wheel.

The engine compartment is very clean and nicely presented, showing modern updates blended with appropriate finishes and factory specifications. The engine bay has a very tidy orderliness to it using factory finishes and fasteners, while still employing vintage touches like the original washer fluid bag, and the unique oil cap. The trunk is properly done with spare tire and jack mounted in place. The undercarriage is quite clean and well presented showing solid floor pans and rockers. Underside detailing has been limited to mechanical components and thus the floor pan is honestly presented with evidence of road use and one lateral box section crease located under the passenger side.

The cosmetic and mechanical harmony join together perfectly once the car is started and you are underway. This is a wonderful, dialed in event car with a cohesive feel that is hard to find in a vintage car. The engine is not peaking even under demand, indicating lots of power remains on tap. Great oil pressure, no smoke, and a gearbox and clutch that are glass smooth further support the cohesive nature of this car. Driving is responsive and effortless with each shift, entering corner after corner with tight suspension aided by a substantial anti-roll bar, brakes that pull straight, and solid pedals, reacting appropriately to nimble footwork or leisurely touring at your request. The seats offer more support than the original Sprint designs and this is very much welcome with the added performance from the 1750cc engine. The wonderful exhaust note emanating from the custom fabricated exhaust system further enhances the overall driving experience of this well prepared Guilietta. The car is offered with two front bumpers, and complete set of rear bumpers (three pieces) all four hubcaps and a set of wheel clips, restored side spears (five pieces), an original glass rear window, original front California yellow and black license plate, and misc paperwork documenting the car and component restoration.

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