Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce
s/n AR1493E23899
Red over Red with Grey Trim

Alfa Romeo, the Italian giant of automobile manufacturing was not always a prolific producer of great sports cars. Prior to the Giulietta and Giulia, Alfas were largely handmade using detailed labor and complex fabrication. All this changed when these two new and fairly affordable cars entered the market, securing a desirable position with an enthusiastic public. The Giulietta and Giulia were small, sporty, and charming, yet finely trimmed, 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 robust twin cam in-line four cylinder engine, 4 speed gearbox, and excellent suspension offered spirited driving coupled with elegant styling. Those who desired a bit more opted for the Veloce trim, which included twin carburetors, bigger oil pan, spirited camshafts, and different intake and exhaust, all of which improved performance.

For many years, these cars were enthusiastically used, with many examples becoming modified for enhanced performance, or simply used up awaiting complete and costly restoration. Consequently, solid original and properly preserved examples are difficult to find. This particular car is largely original and has been in California since at least the mid 1960s. Owned for many years by a gentleman in Southern California before being sold to the owner of an Alfa Romeo repair shop in San Francisco, it has remained a mercifully honest car with superb driving traits. In 1994, Alfa expert Conrad Stevenson went over the car to verify its mechanical health. The suspension was properly set up, lowered slightly, and a larger front anti-roll bar fitted. Little other significant work was required, and the owner went on to compete in the California Mille several times. Since then the car has changed hands acquiring only 86,073 miles, which are believed to be original to the car.

Over the years, this Sprint Veloce has seen some cosmetic renewal but has remained a predominantly original and well-preserved car. The exterior paint was redone several years ago, but still remains glossy and tidy throughout. The panel gaps are quite good, with the door gaps in particular being very nicely done. The inner fenders and cowl area under the hood appears to retain the original red paint, which matches the exterior quite nicely. There are a few paint chips at the front of the car and along the rocker panel areas, but overall the paint makes a solid impression. The chrome is perhaps original and as such, is beginning to show signs of age in various parts. The front bumper shows considerable haze, while the grill and side mesh have pitting and other trim parts exhibit light hazing and some pitting. The lights and glass are in good shape overall with clear lenses with a very nice windshield free from major road chips. The aluminum trim throughout the car has a nice unpolished cast to it, with no major flaws. The exterior emblems and badges are nicely aged with excellent fit and honest finish, befitting such an original car. The wheels are in excellent condition with no curb rash or significant marks, properly finished with very nice hubcaps.

The interior stresses originality and is wonderfully preserved. The upholstery and carpets are original and extremely nice given the age of this car. The dashboard materials show no signs of fading with just slight evidence of separation in the top seam along the left side of the instrument binnacle. The instruments are beautifully preserved with un-faded dial faces and correct needles. The headliner and door panels show some discoloration and wrinkling, yet remain original and properly trimmed. The current owner thoughtfully preserved the seats with new padding to improve seat comfort. A newer pair of competition type seatbelts has been installed. Original rubber floor mats are included with the car (removed for preservation). The rear compartment is further nicely preserved, clean, and quite well tended to given more than half a century of use. The trunk is also predominantly original and correct, containing a correctly sized spare tire.

The engine compartment is extremely tidy and quite attractive, featuring several components, fasteners, and trim, which appear to be original and certainly authentic. The engine and various assorted components are either correctly finished or preserved. The correct cast Veloce airbox is present, as is the original windscreen washer bag. Overall, the engine compartment is very clean and makes a great impression largely due to the originality and honest presentation. The underside is solid and shows evidence of proper care with solid floors and excellent seams further supporting the originality of this car.

Driving manners are simply wonderful. There is a near magical feel and taut response as everything is cohesive and unified, likely due to having never been apart. The ride height, improved suspension, and general services over the years have solidified this car in a very satisfying way. The original 4 speed gearbox has been removed and retained, replaced with a 5 speed, which has excellent, smooth action in all gears. The engine and brakes work in harmony with the car overall, balanced in and out of corners, easily handling even modern roads with confidence. The car comes with the original 4 speed transmission, and a few misc spare parts.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a handsomely maintained and largely original car that is attractive enough to be enjoyed but not so perfect so as to limit your driving enthusiasm. Rarely does one find such a complete and unmolested Italian car of this vintage. Ready to enjoy, this Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce delivers powerful, light, and compact performance to anyone who enjoys the magic of driving wonderfully engineered and preserved cars.

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