Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

Chassis Number – 149321131
Engine Number - AR00536*01239*
Exterior Color - Red
Interior Color - Black Leather
Engine Type – 1700cc DOHC with twin Weber Carburetors
Gearbox – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 69,730 TMU
Miles put on by current owner and previous owner (since 2018) – 1,625 miles

Highlights

Very well-sorted Sprint with excellent mechanicals and enjoyable cosmetics
Upgraded with 1700cc engine, disc brakes, and 5-speed gearbox

General History

Alfa Romeo, one of the most artistic and mechanically advanced 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, but the results were sublime and worthy of the most discriminating clientele. But this dramatically shifted 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. These two 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.

Current Condition and Ownership History

Having been previously offered through Fantasy Junction and purchased twice by the same and current owner, this Alfa was restored and tastefully enhanced by former owners who commissioned work by notable Northern California Alfa-Romeo experts. Upgraded with a 1700cc engine with dual 40mm Weber carburetors, hotter camshafts, and a 5-speed transmission, the previous owners also lowered the car, converted it to front disc brakes, and added adjustable Koni shock absorbers. Having benefited from enthusiastic California ownership over the past several years, the car was sold to the previous owner who reupholstered the interior, installed a new set of tires, and returned the ride height to factory specifications. During his ownership, this noted Alfa-Romeo restoration expert and enthusiast drove the car with some regularity as it revealed itself to be one of his most reliable cars in a fleet of notable Alfas. Additional service and maintenance performed over the past three years has included the installation of a new heater valve, a new rear engine mount, and a drive shaft balancing service.

Cosmetic Overview

Today this Alfa presents in very nice condition with consistent finishes overall and pleasant cosmetics. The paint is in very good to excellent condition with minor road chips in a few places, but otherwise clean and well done throughout the exterior, door jambs, and under the hood and trunk lid. The doors fit very well while the trunk and hood display good fit, opening and closing properly. Much of the chrome trim has been redone nicely with only minor areas of light hazing on the bumpers, minor pitting on the door handles, and an original finish trunk emblem which shows some signs of age. The wheels are done correctly in silver finish which show some signs of use, capped by hubcaps that are in good condition. Recently fitted with a set of Vredestein tires displaying minimal wear, the stance is excellent, and the wheel and tire combination nest nicely underneath the beautiful Bertone wheel arches. The side glass garnish molding has very good fit, with good rubber seals appearing more recently replaced with very good fitting. Door and trunk seals are tight and appear newer along with other various rubber trim and gaskets.

The interior has been correctly reupholstered in high quality leather resulting in a very nice overall finish. The black leather seats are particularly fine with excellent pleat and piping lines, along with correctly shaped foam support. The door panels are very well done, tight and correctly trimmed, while the headliner shows some signs of age. The new square weave charcoal carpeting is excellent in material and fit, showing little to no wear. The gauges are in nice condition and appear to be original, with slight fading on 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. Overall, the interior has a very fresh presentation, reflecting a handsome combination of correctly performed stitching finishes and newly sourced materials.

Under the hood, the engine compartment presents a compelling combination of modifications and original features. The twin-cam cover has been polished to a mirror finish, with several other features also treated to a bit more polish and finishing touches. The brake reservoir, voltage regulator cover, radiator valve cap, throttle linkage, carburetor hardware, and backing plate for the hood latch are just a few of the various items that add a bit more visual punch to the engine compartment. Some mechanical enhancements include a treated tubular exhaust header, a remote spin on oil filter housing with stainless steel lines, and dual Weber carburetors with polished contemporary air filter housings. Overall, the engine and engine compartment deliver a commanding statement about the power and performance of this capable 1700cc twin-cam engine.

Driving Impressions

With the thoughtful and sensitively performed updates, driving manners are quite impressive. The 1700cc engine delivers great response, is well-tuned, and offers a warm exhaust note with a hint more growl due to the tubular headers. The chassis is tight and solid, and the Koni shocks make a big difference to anyone who’s driven a stock Giulietta, including stopping via the upgraded disc brakes. The 5-speed transmission shifts smoothly with well-spaced ratios and excellent synchromesh, warm, or cold. Overall, the handling, engine response, and solid chassis make for an exciting combination of vintage charm with a dash of modern improvement. It’s no wonder these Alfas continue to make frequent appearances at top level motoring events around the world.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-maintained and properly updated Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint that can be driven with enthusiasm and taken to local shows with pride. Rarely does one find such a well-balanced car with the perfect blend of cosmetics and mechanical capability. Ready to enjoy, this Alfa Romeo delivers powerful, light, and compact performance to anyone who enjoys the magic of driving wonderfully prepared cars.

There are no additional items included with this car.

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