Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale
s/n AR 380092, engine no. AR00121*00856 (included), AR00121*01688* (installed)
Verde Oceano with Saddle Leather Interior

The remarkable Alfa Romeo Sprint Speciale (SS) has frequently been referenced as among the most beautiful sports car designs of the twentieth century. Penned by the prolific and gifted designer Franco Scaglione at the pinnacle of his career at Bertone, the Sprint Speciale emerged after extensive aerodynamic studies during landmark development of the remarkable B.A.T. 5 and 7 show cars. As Scaglione approached the design of B.A.T. 9 with more viable production considerations, the Sprint Speciale evolved to become the halo car for the Alfa Romeo brand. Although these exceptional cars were built in series production, each one was hand crafted using coach building methods and bespoke materials suitable for top clientele; essentially being among the last of this type constructed in this highly regarded manner. In 1963 the SS was updated with a larger 1600cc engine, twin Weber carburetors, 5-speed synchromesh transmission, and front disc brakes. Only 1,400 of the Giulia series were built by the final year of production in 1966, making them highly desirable today and continuously sought-after by collectors worldwide. Their beautiful lines, excellent handling, and performance traits make them truly exceptional cars for a wide range of events, tours, and concours.

According to Marco Fazio of Centro Documentazione Alfa Romeo, this Sprint Speciale was completed July 24, 1963 and sold to the first owner in August 1963. Factory records indicate the car was finished in Bluette and that the first owner resided in Latina, Italy. Although detailed early history of the car is not known at this time, it was imported into the US in 2014 as a running, driving car with history of participation in various Italian rallies. At the time of import, the interior and bumpers had been removed and the glass replaced with Plexiglas. The engine and suspension had been modified for competition use but otherwise, the car was complete and sound enough for the current owner to use it for a year in this condition. During this time, the current owner evaluated the car to determine the next best steps, eventually deciding to embark on a comprehensive professional restoration to a very high standard.

The restoration began by removing all the parts from the exterior of the car, rotisserie mounting the body shell, and stripping the body to bare metal with all metal finished as needed, tending carefully to repair and finish any of the areas that had been subject to corrosion. During the restoration process, all components were photo documented in detail. Prior to final prep, the body and all inner body panels were finished with a rust inhibiting primer and skillfully block sanded numerous times to be sure the finished results would properly celebrate the curvaceous body design in the most flattering manner. The doors, hood, and trunk were tested for fit and all panel gaps refined before final paint was applied. The final color chosen was a special order 1956 Alfa 1900CSS color called Verde Oceano or “Green Ocean”. This metallic color is not only exquisite in tone and finish, the beauty of Scaglione’s design is perfectly highlighted without the intensity of bright red or other heavily hued colors often seen on these cars. It is all the more fitting that B.A.T. 7 features a similar color, specifically dictated by Scaglione to reflect the aquatic themes so brilliantly evoked during this period in design. In the final reassembly process, all chrome was refinished, detailed features were fit and carefully re-installed. The interior was trimmed in Ferrari Saddle leather, accented with oatmeal carpeting and a new headliner. The instruments, lighting, switches, new electrical wiring harness, and interior trim were restored by experts in the field including new exhaust, properly finished wheels, and other details.

For the mechanical items, the engine and transmission were sent to Nierderst Restorations for assessment. After the original engine was studied, the restoration team elected to preserve the original engine separate of the restoration and install a correct type block in the car. The engine installed in the car was upgraded to 1700cc using high performance J&E 10.5 to 1 pistons. The crankshaft and rods were magnafluxed, turned, polished, and balanced as part of the engine rebuild. New sport valve springs, new valves, and guides were also installed, and the head was surfaced. New upper and lower timing chains were installed, and the intake manifold ported to match the head. New cam followers and high-performance cams (11mmlift on intake and 10.5mm on exhaust) were installed. These cams were chosen specifically because of their ability to deliver a street-friendly power curve with usable low-end torque while maintaining a rewarding top-end rush. According to the restorer, the engine is reported to deliver an output of approximately 140hp. The original numbers-matching engine long block in unrestored condition is included with the sale.

The transmission, also by Niederst, was rebuilt replacing all bearings on the main and layshaft, and all gears internally re-bushed and lathe turned for proper fitment. The synchros were updated using the more modern Goetze German synchro rings and all seals were replaced. These enhancements contribute significantly to the more robust and smooth shifting gearbox. The flywheel was balanced to the crank and a new clutch and pressure plate was installed. In final preparation for reliable use, a 1 2 3 programmable electronic ignition distributor was installed. Finally, the entire fuel system including a new fuel tank, all lines, filters, Weber carburetors, and pumps were restored and refinished. The brakes and brake lines were replaced or restored as needed and a new dual master cylinder system from a later series Alfa was installed to enhance performance and safety. Since the restoration was completed, approximately 2,500 miles have been driven covering various roads and a few short rallies in the Santa Barbara area, where the car has performed reliably and confidently.

Today this exceptional Sprint Speciale exhibits a truly stunning and fresh restoration, delivered in spectacular colors enhancing the sensuous and iconic Bertone body design. The lustrous Verde Oceano metallic paint is beautifully applied showing exquisite reflection lines and excellent panel fit. The correctly finished silver rims are shod with new Pirelli Cinturato tires and finished with beautifully polished wheel covers. The bumpers, grille, and assorted chrome trim have all been freshly plated showing vivid reflections and excellent finish. All glass, emblems, and exterior trim including the Talbot side view mirrors are further exceptional examples of the beauty of the original design enhanced by the premier restoration performed on this car.

The interior is delightfully finished with beautiful Ferrari Saddle leather, accented by oatmeal square weave carpeting and a spectacular dashboard. The steering wheel and instruments are handsomely finished with just the right color and clarity to the instrument faces. The delicate chrome knobs, switches, and trim convey Italian elegance that further punctuates the sporting interior. The quality of the interior continues into the rear panel finishes, headliner, sun visors, and door pocket details. Overall the condition of the interior and leather surfaces is very fresh with only minor evidence of use appearing in the driver’s side carpet footwell. The trunk is finished with proper materials including a correct battery, matching spare tire, and tool roll with tools.
Under the correctly louvered hood, the beautifully restored engine has been updated to 1700cc specifications with fresh components, correct factory finishes, proper hardware, correct wiring, and factory hoses. The correctly finished cast aluminum intake plenum is properly ducted, with correct satin black hose and correct F.I.S.P.A. gloss black air cleaner housing, which leads directly into correctly specified twin Weber carburetors. The twin cam head has been polished to a mirror finish. The entire engine and engine compartment are expertly finished throughout showing minimal signs of use since completion. The underside of the car is nearly as spectacular as the top surfaces with careful attention having been given to all suspension components, beautifully finished floor pans, correctly finished suspension and brake components, and excellent casting finishes on the gearbox and engine casings.
Pressing the push button door handle, the deeply sculpted door swings out and invites you into the car. Etched door sills featuring the Bertone inscription evoke the history of this amazing coach built car. Ducking into the rounded roofline, once inside, even six-foot tall drivers and passengers are comfortable in the leather seats. The car starts easily and idles smoothly as temps warm up ready for driving. The synchromesh gearbox is easily engaged, and the clutch takes up nicely. The driving experience is very rewarding, with excellent visibility, wonderful sounds, and the presence of an exceptionally restored car. Performance wise, this SS exhibits great acceleration, smooth shifting, and confident braking. Of particular note is the nimble nature of this car, with balanced steering and great acceleration particularly due to the cams and 1700 cc engine aided by the 1 2 3 electronic ignition. Driving manners are satisfying in every respect, validated by exiting the car when parked, walking backwards, eyeing every sumptuous curve, captivated by the engaging design. This remarkable Alfa Romeo Sprit Speciale is accompanied by a 1984 copy of the Federazione Internazionale Dell’Automobile (FIA) certificate, the original matching numbers engine block, and a set of tools and tool roll.

Stunning design and performance are united in sublime harmony in this exquisitely restored Alfa Romeo Sprint Speciale. Historically significant as one of Alfa Romeos last handmade coach built sportscars, this beautifully designed car is ready for show, enjoyable driving, or simply to admire a sculptural icon of beauty;
one of the most innovative and beautifully designed sports cars ever created.

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