Fantasy Junction

Description

1962 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint

Chassis Number – AR*353030*
Engine Number - AR00526*03237*
Exterior Color - White
Interior Color – Grey and Blue
Engine Type – 1600cc DOHC inline 4-cylinder
Gearbox – 5-speed manual
Current Kilometers – 68,686 kms TMU
Current Owner – Purchased in 2013

General History

Alfa Romeo, among the most dynamic and mechanically advanced automobile companies, began as a specialty constructor with little interest in volume manufacturing. After the second world war, Alfa advanced from their cumbersome hand crafting processes and complex fabrication that yielded beautiful but limited production cars. With the war done and new technology advancing quickly, the Giulia and Giulietta entered the marketplace. Positioned as affordable, stylish cars, a youthful and enthusiastic public welcomed the new Alfas. The new models were small, sporty, fashionable, and finely trimmed, delivering 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, synchromesh gearbox, and excellent suspension offered spirited driving coupled with elegant styling. Sales volumes advanced Alfa-Romeo into becoming one of the largest manufacturers not just in Italy but all over the world.

Current Condition and Ownership History

This 1600 Sprint Coupe is documented by Centro Documentazione Alfa Romeo to have been manufactured August 4, 1962, and sold on September 21, 1962, to the first owner in Rome, Italy. Of particular note, this car is a very early series Giulia, still fitted with drum brakes all around, distinguished by “three-shoe” front drums to improve braking over the two-shoe design. The car was delivered finished in Gardenia White. At some point in the history of ownership, it was imported to North America. The current owner purchased this car in 2013 from known Alfa enthusiast Jack Hunt. Formerly owned by noted performance car enthusiast and founder of the California Mille, Martin Swig, this example has been modestly enjoyed retaining finishes consistent with largely original unrestored cars. In 2012, shortly before purchase by the current owner, the car was serviced by Aston Martin of New England, then showing 68,644 miles where it was given an oil and filter change, a new headlight switch, new clutch pedal linkage bushing, and new fuel pump gaskets. Work performed earlier that year was itemized to include carburetor adjustment, new motor mount, new rear transmission seal, new fuel sender, new differential seal, new intake manifold gasket, rear brake adjustment, timing and valve clearance check, new coolant and heater hoses, new spark plugs, various hardware replacement, and final adjustments. In 2022, a new Bosch starter and brake master cylinder were purchased and installed.

Cosmetic Overview

Today this Alfa presents in capable driver-level condition with consistent finishes overall and endearing presentation. The paint is in generally good condition, showing various minor road chips, discoloration on the passenger side front fender, and a few otherwise minor but forgivable signs of age, delivering a rather pleasant and cohesive 1600 suitable for driving enjoyment. The doors and hood display typical fit for unrestored examples opening and closing properly, while the trunk lid has a bit of variation in fit from left to right, though still latching in place when shut. The glass is in generally good condition with no significant scratches or chips, with panels that bear the Vitrex and Securit brand marks. Much of the chrome trim is very good overall, as well as very nice taillight lenses and front turn indicators. Minor pitting is evident on the door handles. Original stamped Carello headlight trim rings are in place and in good condition, featuring matching Carello headlights, excellent twin grille surround, and a very nice Alfa Romeo center grille. The wheels are correctly finished with silver paint which show signs of age, capped by polished hubcaps that are in good condition. Currently fitted with a set of Vredestein tires displaying minimal wear, the stance is excellent, and the wheel and tire combination nest nicely underneath the Bertone wheel arches.

The interior displays all the trademarks of a well-loved and enjoyed car that feels comfortable and very serviceable given the nicely patinaed surfaces. The blue and white seats are comfortably relaxed, finished with correct pleat and piping lines and matching door panels, likely reupholstered some time ago. The original headliner displays condition consistent with age. The carpeting is in very good condition and appears to have been more recently replaced. The dashboard is complete and appears to be original, including a charming dash-top mounted Voxon radio. The gauges are in nice condition and appear to be original due to the slight fading on the dial faces. The chrome trim on the interior is a nice mix of original and older restored features, including the original stamped and etched door sills. Overall, the interior is very pleasant, reflecting a handsome combination of nicely maintained original finishes and correctly sourced replacement materials of very good quality. Finishes inside the trunk appear to be original to the car including the inner black paint, fuel filler, and various details.

Under the hood, the engine compartment is consistent with the themes of originality and patina. The twin-cam cover remains authentic to the raw casting finish with satin polish. The engine is draped by a correct black air cleaner assembly feeding the single Solex carburetor. Engine components and surrounding engine compartment features are all clean and representative of a proper care and enjoyable use. Hoses, wires, and other soft items appear to have been more recently replaced and the engine operation confirms that much of the mechanical systems and fluids have been more recently tended to. Overall, the engine and engine compartment further reflect the honesty and integrity of a largely original 1600 with correct features and components. The underside of the car presents as original revealing essentially an original chassis with care given to the brake lines, fuel lines, and a more recently replaced factory type exhausts. The alloy castings and suspension appear to be in good condition and there are no visual signs of structural compromise to the chassis or suspension mounting points. Inner rocker panels and jack points all appear original and in good condition. A small area at the rear passenger side splash pan aft of the wheel well appears to have been previously repaired.

Driving Impressions

The car starts easily, idles smoothly, and delivers a well-balanced driving experience. The 1600cc engine delivers good response, is well-tuned, and offers comfortable cruising at moderate speeds. The chassis feels sound, steering is responsive, and the drum brakes bring the car to smooth stops with even pedal pressure. The 5-speed transmission shifts smoothly with well-spaced ratios and good synchromesh, warm, or cold. Overall, the handling, engine response, and chassis deliver an engaging ride with the added nostalgia and gentle aging in this package. Driving even for short periods of time, it’s easy to see why this series Alfa continues to appear at top level motoring events around the world, delighting onlookers with their understated elegance, ease of use, and Italian charm.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-maintained and honest Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint that can be driven with enthusiasm and warmly appreciated without the demands of a costly restoration. Rarely does one find such a well-balanced car with an honest blend of cosmetics and mechanical capability. Ready to enjoy, this Alfa Romeo delivers engaging, nimble, and compact performance to anyone who enjoys the magic of driving sporting Italian cars.

This Alfa Romeo is accompanied by a jack, a set of four coco mats, two Alfa Romeo 1600 instruction books, a pair of gloves, two spare fan belts and a handful of misc. spare parts.

Let's take a closer look: https://youtu.be/xRNC-EUupdM

Let's take it for a drive: https://youtu.be/jyqsSRnsCwU

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