Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ-1
s/n AR750096, engine no. AR05511*00099*(included)
Dark Blue with Black Interior

Stunning alloy coachwork, state of the art race engineering, and remarkable track performance all contributed to the legendary status of the Alfa Romeo TZ1. Rare and specialized, the TZ1 was based on an ultra lightweight hand-made tubular steel chassis of such sophisticated design that it weighed a mere 125 lbs. The genius of the design was in its triangulated geometry and clever use of structural members allowing for flexibility and durability. Outfitted with independent suspension, disc brakes (inboard at the rear), twin cam engine, and a sensuous aerodynamic Zagato body design with a dramatic Kamm tail, the finished car weighed less than 1500 lbs. The light and nimble TZ1 was not only quick, it was also capable of speeds up to 140 mph with remarkable stability. In the hands of skilled privateers these exceptional cars achieved win after win at prestigious world venues including sweeping their class at Le Mans, racing at Sebring, the Nurburgring, Targa Florio, and the Coupe des Alpes. Extraordinarily rare and desirable, just 120 examples were originally constructed, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

This particular TZ-1 has enjoyed a leisurely life as a street car until being restored a few years ago, and has therefore remained mercifully undamaged, even retaining its matching numbers engine. According to Alfa Romeo Storico, this very special competition example was completed on March 18, 1965 and supplied to Alfa Romeo France. Originally finished in red with black interior, the car remained in France until October 1990. At that point, Tonnie van der Velden purchased and exported the TZ1 to the Netherlands, where it remained until March of 1993, when it was sold to a collector in Japan. The car would stay in Japan until approximately 2000 when it returned to California to become part of a significant Alfa Romeo collection. In 2014, Fantasy Junction offered this TZ1 for sale.

At that time, TZ historian and expert Marnix Dillenius inspected the car, confirming that it retained all the important Zagato numbers, critical TZ parts, including the matching number engine and correct TZ head number (now included as a spare engine), correct carburetors, original front body construction, original seat frames, correct chassis stamping on the drivers firewall, original aluminum fan pulley, French delivery ID tag, correct magnesium oil pan, differential cover, and bell housing, original Dunlop-Girling brake master cylinder (Zagato number on cover), and correctly coded wheels (40308). After his inspection, the car was sold to the current owner who immediately arranged for Dillenius to serve as a restoration consultant on the car. The first steps were to carefully document all parts and components as the current owner embarked on a remarkable restoration, documenting and photographing every aspect of the process, further validating all numbers, and recording all aspects of authenticity to ensure the utmost accuracy in the car’s world-class restoration. Upon completion, this exceptional example was issued FIA papers in June 2018, as documented by the copiously detailed, stamped, certified, and photographically supported 28 page FIA Historic Technical Passport (FIA Identity # 44580), valid until December 2027.

When the restoration was completed, Dillenius once again to reviewed the car, in February 2019. His summary comments regarding this TZ-1 Stradale are summarized below:

Among the best restored/setup TZs in existence
808 (Zagato body number) stamped on firewall on both sides of the car
Chassis ID plate is positioned correctly
Updated adjustable front upper control arms
Front suspension is superbly done
Lowered pivot points on chassis for lower wishbones
Aluminum brake piston modules, brakes look good/proper
Aluminum rear brake calipers
Ate brake cylinder
Correct hose clamps
Never crashed
Proper carburetors (does not have yellow fuel lines to carburetors)
Fabricated heat shield, which is cleverly done to high standards and is effective
Straight lower front A-arms, not the curved ones, not drilled (these are stronger)
Floors look proper, exhaust relief dent and others are all correct
Proper exhaust mounting bracket
Rear suspension: Heim joints update at bottom of rear uprights
Adjustable spring perch update
Fuel cell installed in correct welded alloy reproduction fuel tank housing
Missing TZ bell housing/clutch access cover
Porsche clutch with lightened flywheel specced by Vegher
Missing clutch slave return spring
Emergency brake not installed for ease of service
Magnesium side and lower diff covers
Original Campagnolo wheels 40019, the good ones with the large boss, tire fill valve in one of the holes

Today, this stunning Alfa Romeo TZ1 presents beautifully in every respect. The deep blue paint is an exceptional color choice, enhancing the low and sinewy profile, highlighting both the curvaceous fender line and crisp tapered Kamm Tail. The exquisite Zagato coachwork is both dramatic and functional with unique features accenting the exciting silhouette. The finish throughout the exterior is beautiful, with fresh chrome details and polished aluminum window trim surrounding the clear Plexiglas and flush windscreen. The covered headlights, teardrop hood bulge, and distinctive Kamm Tail rear end blend effortlessly with the overall body proportions. Even the distinctive Alfa Romeo grille is uniquely surrounded by polished hand formed aluminum trim. The correctly finished silver Campangolo wheels further accentuate the low profile body design. All finishing touches including emblems, mirrors, latches, and door handles have been wonderfully restored. The beauty and power of this sinister, yet elegant car is simply arresting from every angle.

Stepping toward the driver’s door, one immediately realizes how low the profile of this car truly is. The door slips open easily and the opening is surprisingly expansive. Once inside, the bucket seats are comfortable and offer great side support. A unified black interior with a range of subtle but correct textures has been carefully trimmed with attention to accuracy. Competition seatbelts and a fire suppression system are among the safety equipment fitted to the car. The accurate dashboard is both cleanly and handsomely presented with a series of strategically placed Jaeger instruments finished with satin black dial faces with ivory markings and needles. Controls are easily within reach, including the gearshift lever properly booted to the tunnel. The clean interior door panels are finished with delicate chrome grab handles and gathered map pockets. The overall interior presentation is excellent with no significant use showing on any of the material surfaces. Behind the seats, the rear area has been finished with matching black material accented by the satin black integrated protective roll bar construction.

Under the hood, the fabulous Alfa Romeo twin-cam twin-plug engine has been finished and detailed to correct factory standards, appearing fresh and beautifully detailed. The twin Weber side-draft carburetors allow for the elegant low hood line. The aluminum airbox feeding the carburetors is a wonderfully constructed work of mechanical art carefully capturing fast air from the front collector, which is forced through the quad-opening plenum for each of the two Weber carburetors. Despite having been constructed as a purpose-built racecar, craftsmanship and masterful restoration are both exquisitely combined particularly when enjoying the details under the hood. Hardware, lines, wiring, and finishes are all correctly executed, reflecting both authenticity and precision. The undercarriage returns further confirmation of a comprehensive restoration, with correct finishes, proper attention to detail, excellent craftsmanship, and thoughtful cleaning and lubrication during the time the car has been run since the restoration. The car has two race weekends since completion: The Sonoma Historics and Monterey Pre-Historics, both in 2017. The car proved to be extremely competitive, turning faster times than all other TZ1s and GTAs. In 2018, the car completed a further two test days.

The car starts easily, following a simple procedure and warm up period typical for cars of this state of tune. The engine delivers a sharp and rapid throttle response, particularly once on cam. It was carefully built for reliability and peak performance, with numerous updates to internal components. Because the original engine has been thoughtfully removed and saved for historic purposes, the next owner can use the car with confidence and joy, knowing they are not at risk of harming the matching number engine or twin-cam head.

Driving the car is an absolute thrill. It has a fresh, well-resolved, racey feel that reflects the focused nature of its build. The interior is inviting, the expansive glass gives a great view of the road. Raspy, taught, and a bit sinister, every aspect of the TZ1 comes together with invigorating delight and the reminder that you are driving one of the most important ambassadors of Alfa Romeo racing history. The combination of a short rear end ratio, tall first gear, and very close ratios is ideal for track use, as is the aggressive engine, which delivers high power output in the upper portion of the rev range. Accompanying the car is a copious set of restoration photographs, documentation, FIA papers, and the following spare parts. All parts listed are used unless otherwise specified.

Alfa Romeo TZ1 s/n 096 Spares List

1 complete engine #0099 with valve cover, distributor, flywheel, less carburetors and oil pan
4 Carillo connecting rods
4 domed Arias pistons
Crankshaft
Assembled gearbox including case with gears/shafts
Complete interior set including rear compartment, door panels, and seats
Original wood-rimmed steering wheel
Clutch and pressure plate
Ground strap
2 axle limiting straps
Cable drive (possibly speedometer)
10/41 pinion
Suspension control arms (possibly front uppers)
Coil spring (suspension)
Hard brake lines
2 driveshaft donuts
2 boxes miscellaneous brackets, bearings, fasteners
2-1 collector (exhaust)
Hydraulic slave cylinder
Cable (likely for handbrake)
2 Brake caliper carriers
2 new Hella 7” headlights
Wiring harness
Heater box including core
Amp gauge
Rally map light
Many hose clamps
Ignition coil
Fuel pump
Small portion of wiring harness
2 electric horns
Pressure sender
Rubber hood latches
Oil cooler
Battery bracket
New fuel pressure regulator with housing
New misc seals for brake calipers
Master cylinder with hardware
2 McPherson strut assemblies
2 shock absorbers
Driver’s side window panel with frame and gasket
Used braided stainless steel oil lines
Pyrotect harness
Gas tank
Heater hose (from front scoop to firewall)
Lower trans tunnel cover (uncertain of origin)
4 (possibly Tecnomagnesio) wheels with new Avon CR6ZZ tires
4 original Campagnolo wheels with Nexen street tires

With a lineage of racing performance and stunning design that spans a century of incomparable cars, Alfa Romeo truly embodies the spirit of motorsports excellence. The passion of Zagato, the proud history of Alfa Romeo, and the lore of world renown racing circuits that have challenged these cars, boldly combine in this remarkably authentic and beautifully restored TZ-1. Whether enjoying privately, showing globally, upon invitation to Pebble Beach, or at the Le Mans Classic, this exceptional Alfa Romeo TZ-1 is ready to deliver a unique and dynamic ownership experience to the next fortunate motorsports enthusiast.

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.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608