Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ
s/n AR750094
Dark Red with Tan Interior

A marvel of period racing technology, highly competitive on the race track, and stunningly beautiful still decades after introduction, the Alfa Romeo TZ remains today an icon of sports car design. Resplendent in handmade Zagato alloy coachwork expertly draped over state-of-the-art mechanicals, lightweight construction, and cleverly integrated aerodynamic features, this confluence of motoring excellence brilliantly formed the legendary status of the Alfa Romeo TZ.

Rare and specialized, the TZ, while a part of the Giulia series, was really only so in name alone. Unlike the production Giulia, the TZ was conceived and developed as an all new independent design, beginning with an ultra-lightweight handmade tubular steel chassis, constructed of carefully triangulated tube sections. The sophisticated frame design resulted in a remarkably strong unit weighing in at a lithe 125 lbs. Indeed, even the name Tubulare Zagato, announced the importance of the tubular frame construction to the essence of the car. The chassis design employed clever use of structural members allowing for flexibility and durability when mated to the aluminum body. Each TZ was fitted with unique front and rear independent suspension, front disc brakes and rear inboard disc brakes, with much of the parts exclusively constructed for this series using light alloy Electron components to save weight. The only nod to the Giulia namesake was the robust Alfa Romeo twin cam engine. Construction of these unique cars was the passion of competition engineer Carlo Chiti of Autodelta, an Alfa Romeo factory race team tasked with developing cars specifically for racing purposes. The pinnacle of these cars was outfitted with twin-plug cylinder head engines developing 170hp.

The sumptuous aerodynamic Zagato body featured a dramatic Kamm tail or “Coda Tronca” which allowed fast air to quickly return, pressing against the flat rear panel, effectively pushing the car forward. The resultant aerodynamic benefit increased top speed while reducing fuel consumption. This feature coupled with the low roof, covered headlights, and long tapered body lines, significantly aided high speed performance. Weighing in at less than 1500 lbs, the light and nimble TZ was not only quick, it was also capable of top speeds of 140 mph with remarkable stability. Though expensive when constructed, these highly desirable cars were scooped up by capable privateers, racing these exceptional cars and winning 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 sought after by top collectors worldwide, under 100 examples were originally constructed, many of which remain secured today in museums or private collections.

The history of chassis number AR750094 has been documented by a variety of sources, former owners, and corroborated by Alfa Romeo TZ experts whom, over the years, have contributed early ownership research and findings that collectively define the lineage of this extraordinary car. The history begins with the build of chassis 094 at Autodelta, completed on May 11, 1965. The car was finished in white with black interior and dispatched to SOFAR, the Alfa Romeo France central dealership on May 14, 1965. Subsequently, the car was registered on July 15, 1965 with registration 111MK74. By May of 1971 the car is documented with a known registration record indicating Guy Arquier of Lasbordes, France, as owner, with registration 3307 RZ 31. Monsieur Arquier (confirmed by his written statement delivered by email to a former owner) purchased the car from a Chambery agent who had the car trucked to Toulouse where Monsieur Arquier remembers inspecting the car, finding no damage or evidence of compromise, and retaining original components. Satisfied with his findings, Arquier thus purchased the car, continuing to use it as a rally car in European events for many years. On September 15, 1989, Monsieur Arquier sold the car to Pieter Boel of Hilversum, Holland. At that time the car was fitted with a roll bar and was painted red and trimmed with a brown corduroy interior (see photos). Being complete but in need of a restoration, the car was restored on or around 1994 by Daytona Garage Leiden, in the Netherlands.

On or around 1996, Mr. Boel is believed to have sold the car to Rinus Belt, also of Holland, who performed additional restoration work on the car. Upon examining the car, Mr. Belt reported 094 as having been an “absolutely untouched original car” prior to his restoration. During the restoration, Mr. Belt engaged a range of experts to prepare the car for historic racing and European rallies. At this time, the car was painted white, with a racing inspired red stripe engulfing the front of the car at the grille and tapering to a single broad stripe across the top of the car. On March 11, 1998 the car was sold at the Brooks Geneva Auction. Shortly after in January 1999, Rudy Pas consigned the car for sale, selling it to US collectors Susan Dixon and Keith Goring. The car would remain in their ownership for the next decade, before ultimately arriving for consignment in 2009 at Fantasy Junction. The current owner, a highly respected car collector, esteemed Zagato aficionado, and Pebble Beach Best of Show winner purchased the car from Fantasy Junction in 2009. In recent years the car has been the subject of a comprehensive restoration to the high standard shown here today.

Having some of the finest cars in his collection and the means to prepare his cars to exquisite levels, the current owner elected to restore this TZ to exceptional cosmetic condition, with high regard for originality, but with a focus on creating a drivable car that can be more readily enjoyed with just the right blend of carefully executed, but reversible enhancements to the original TZ drivetrain.

Engaging some of the most respected and talented craftsmen in the world, the car was photo documented and sensitively disassembled during the restoration, being careful to identify and preserve so many of the important and rare TZ specific components. During the restoration, great care was made to address and preserve the original alloy body panels including restoration for the inside of the hood, which was done to a very high and correct standard. The body was properly prepped and painted to high specifications including gently forming wider rear wheel openings to accommodate wider rear tires, without significantly compromising the original looks of the car. Addressing the hood, the outside leather straps were removed smoothing the side profile presentation, and pit pins cleverly installed at the bottom fastening points. The front side marker lights were removed and the factory openings filled with removable panels painted body color. Lastly, the wipers were removed. Throughout the restoration process, every effort was made to retain the original floors and original light alloy body as well as the correct ribbed construction floor and the original heat shielding under the driver’s seat. The correct chassis number as originally stamped on the driver’s side transverse bulkhead chassis tube is visible, as is the corresponding Zagato 827 body number stamped on the passenger side, among other places about the car.

During the restoration of the interior, every aesthetic detail was carefully evaluated in order to retain the integrity of the original, while adding a few material refinements to update the cabin. Restoration efforts continued throughout the process addressing the suspension, exhaust (reconstructed to original specifications to a very high standard), and brakes, resulting in a beautifully composed car of very high visual standards. In April 2019, the car was serviced by a top California restoration expert who installed a new battery, replaced all fluids including ATE brake fluid, clutch fluid, Valvoline Racing VR-1 oil, filter, and coolant. The master cylinder was rebuilt/resleeved and the brakes inspected and tested, including replacing a return brake spring.

Today this stunning Alfa Romeo TZ delivers an exquisite visual impression of high quality and exceptional refinement. The deep red paint is dramatic and beautifully applied. The legendary Zagato coachwork is both daring and elegant particularly in deep red, stretching out toward the Kamm tail. The finish throughout the exterior is balanced by the correct aluminum window trim surrounding the clear aft Plexiglas side panels, door glass, and correct windscreen. As seen in later series cars, the door glass is not fixed, rather the glass can be raised and lowered, an important and rare convenience feature for warm weather driving. Although the exterior finish is exceptionally fine, a very minor bit of electrolysis is evident on the surface of the fuel filler door, but otherwise, the exterior is glossy, beautifully polished, wonderfully trimmed, and visually stunning. The Carello headlights and correct tail lights are in excellent condition. The headlight covers, teardrop hood, and distinctive Alfa Romeo grille opening are in perfect harmony with the overall body proportions. The uniquely finished and highly desirable 6” x 15” cast Campangolo wheels are in excellent condition, shod with correct Dunlop L series front tires, and wider Dunlop M series rear tires. The M series rear tires have been carefully shaved to facilitate fitting in the rear wheel openings. The wheels are finished in a period appropriate color that has also been applied to the recessed grille opening, creating a clever harmony between the wheel openings and the grille opening. Included with the car are front turn signals, rear license plate lights, rear Giulia TZ plate, and air box. All other exterior touches have been restored to high standards.

Inside, the interior is an impressive blend of originality and tasteful upgrades done to the highest standards, while delivering a hint more refinement than the originally sparse interior. The correct bucket seats are covered in high quality medium-bead beige corduroy with excellent fit, proper button detail, and refined perimeter piping. The seats are surprisingly comfortable with good side support and a comfortable back angle. The floor is covered with a handsome set of tailored floor mats and the transmission tunnel retains the correct contours. The remaining black interior displays correct textures and finishes. The original painted fiberglass dashboard is presented with correct Jaeger instruments, excellent black dial faces, ivory nomenclature, and traditional ivory needles. A 14” wood rimmed steering wheel completes the competition look and feel, further echoed by the spare tire, held in place with a correct cast aluminum tie down. The overall interior presentation is excellent with no significant signs of use evident on any of the material surfaces.

Tilting forward the beautifully formed alloy hood, a daring deviation sits boldly amidst the original tube frame construction. Without compromising the original construction, a cleverly composed Alfa Romeo twin cam, twin-spark, variable timing 2 Liter engine has been freshly rebuilt, installed, and detailed to very high standards, adorned with a combination of specially made vintage pieces matched with original TZ engine components. The decision to install this engine was predicated on enhancing the car for events and touring. An original pair of very rare and highly desirable and correct for TZ 45 DCOE twin Weber carburetors with buttresses (together a $13,000.00 combination) are mounted in place using a specially made intake manifold, breathing through newer air cleaners. Additionally, an MSD unit has been installed under the dash to aid ignition. The engine was built with specifically chosen pistons, higher performance cams, and proper fittings to ensure optimum power output. As a result, the engine is quite potent for street use, but can readily be removed should a future owner wish to power the car with a standard 1600cc engine.

Throughout the engine compartment a blend of carefully selected contemporary mechanical parts have been united with rare and original TZ components including the original radiator (minus the shroud and ducting but using a modern electric fan), a correct magnesium TZ oil pan, a correct and properly mounted TZ oil cooler, a correct heater core and valve (in place but the plumbing removed), and a correct cast magnesium differential housing. The 5-speed gearbox is a correct type from this period (number 03805) with correct housing, built with a diaphragm-type clutch. Construction in every respect is exemplary with all hardware, lines, wiring, and finishes correctly composed reflecting both authenticity and detail in keeping with the skillfully added enhancements. Upon the cars arrival to Fantasy Junction, Alfa Romeo TZ expert, Marnix Dillenius did a thorough inspection of the vehicle.

The undercarriage confirms a considerable amount of attention has been afforded in detailing and care during the restoration, displaying only moderate use since completion. The floors are original and contain the correct ribbed features with no evidence of structural compromise. Both the revised new components and original construction blend quite well even in the undercarriage, including an expertly replicated original style exhaust and muffler exiting from the newer exhaust manifold. The front and rear suspension are correct (though not retaining the original front suspension cross drilled suspension bolts) and the curved lower A-arms are in place. Both front and rear suspension feature four correct Koni Classic shock absorbers. The brakes were restored retaining the extremely rare front brake dust/water eliminator shields and the correct aluminum front brake caliper holds and piston modules. At the rear, the brake caliper holds have been converted to cast iron, a common update as alloy parts are not readily available. An upgraded ATE brake master cylinder has been installed, an improvement that many experts agree is essential for these cars, while retaining the correct TZ type emergency brake components.

Entering and starting the car is a feast for the senses. Just moments after easing into the form fitting seats, the jubilant engine barks to life letting out a roar of power that immediately fills the cockpit. Settling into a warmed idle, the exhaust note is both deep and satisfying, without being too loud for driver and passenger to exchange lively conversations, due in part to the added sound insulation. The roll-up windows further aid in sound insulation and, compared with the constant chatter of plexiglass and thin frames, the interior experience is much more composed, even at idle. Once operating temperatures are achieved, the gearbox smoothly engages and you are rapidly underway. The engine has been built with performance in mind, and this becomes quickly evident as power comes on strong, with strong acceleration and rapid throttle response. As confidence builds with the car, the power and handling become even more evident as the road opens up and one is enticed to extend their enthusiastic driving skills. The expansive glass offers a great view of the road, as you enjoy the sinister elegance and enchanting magic that Alfa Romeo and Zagato have captured with these superlative cars.

With a combined lineage of Alfa Romeo racing performance and breathtaking Zagato design, the TZ truly embodies the spirit of motorsports excellence. Having conquered world renown racing circuits and evolved into legendary cars, remarkable examples such as this are rarely available for private sale. With its known history and beautiful restoration, this exceptional Alfa Romeo TZ is ready to deliver a unique and unforgettable ownership experience sure to delight 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.

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