Bring a Trailer Auction Preview: Highly original desirable "Step Nose" emerging from careful long-term California ownership
Walkround video: https://youtu.be/Mxj8oUvckis
Driving video: https://youtu.be/MHNSZU2kn0g
1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia GT Veloce “Step Nose”
Chassis Number – AR254986
Engine Number – AR00536*07352*
Exterior Color - Red
Interior Color – Red Velour and Vinyl
Engine Type – 1600cc DOHC four-cylinder with twin Weber Carburetors
Gearbox – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 84,748 TMU
Current Owner – Purchased 1988
General History
With its stunning Bertone-designed body, tidy greenhouse, and low but roomy profile, the 105 series Alfa Romeo coupe successfully competed against rivals from 1963 -1975 before finally conceding to an all-new design. The charming, hunkered down front-engine, rear drive sport coupe offered seating for four adults and spirited performance. Although the design shared many mechanical features with the Giulietta, the new unibody/monocoque platform was very innovative and lightweight. Live rear axle, disc brakes in all corners, dual overhead cam, and 5-speed gearbox, all resulted in a very effective combination, enveloped in one of the best-looking sport GTs of the decade.
Distinctively recognized today, the early body design featured a unique hood detail along the leading edge - a slight “step” down where the forward edge of the front fenders met the hood line. Although this feature was removed from the standard offering (retained in the 1300 Junior), the 1967 models continued this feature. In 1965 the Sprint GT “Veloce” model was offered with a range of improvements which included the 1600cc engine, twin carburetors, bigger oil pan, spirited camshafts, and different intake and exhaust, all of which greatly improved performance. Exterior changes included stainless steel bumpers, Veloce script on the trunk, Alfa clover leaf emblems on the C-posts, three-bar elongated grill trim, and a 7 bar Alfa-crest grill trim (6 bar on non-Veloce models).
Owner History
This rare factory “Veloce” step-nose example was built July 15, 1966. Having been retained by the same dedicated California owner and longtime Alfa enthusiast since 1988, during his 33-year ownership, the car was regularly serviced and maintained while the owner used the car for shows and various events.
In 2013 the car was treated to body, paint, and interior refurbishment with all glass and trim removed, paint stripped, and body refinished using DuPont AR 501 paint. The side rub strips were deleted, and holes welded, rust in the right front quarter panel was properly repaired, taillights re-chromed, and a new Pilkington windshield, rubber gasket, and molding were installed. The upholstery was refreshed, and the front seats repadded, while the carpet was replaced with Keystone Marine synthetic material in matching red. A new headliner was sourced from Elvezio Esposito, the door panels reupholstered, a new Wheelskins leather steering wrap installed, and the windshield wiper mechanism cleaned and lubricated.
Copies of service invoices accompanying the car date back to 2010 identifying various parts and mechanical components such as a Benditalia brake booster along with invoice details showing brake and suspension work in 2012 including a new poly gumball, new front wheel bearings, center trunnion poly bushings, front and rear trailing arm bushings, compression check (155-165 range), and wheel alignment.
Modifications or Enhancements to the Car
In addition to the work performed in 2013, the car has been updated with a Bosch Alfa Romeo alternator, Marelliplex distributor and coil, Facet electric fuel pump (mechanical pump deleted), adjustable front upper control arms installed, grease fittings installed on lower A-arms, and solid caster bushings. The brakes were updated with stainless steel brake lines, a 4.56 limited slip differential with 2-liter axles and polyurethane bushings were installed, Koni shock absorbers installed, right-hand lung nuts fitted all around, Stinger rear section exhaust installed (original type unit is retained and offered with the car), and Deist three-point seat belts fitted for the driver.
Other enhancements to the car include rolled fender lips, washer bag delete (original type unit saved and offered with the car), and a two-speed heater/blower switch. Please note that the turn signal self-canceling spring was deleted from the mechanism.
Cosmetic Overview
This is a nicely prepared `stepnose` with a combination of original and restored features. The attractive Bertone design is finished in a correct shade of red with excellent exterior preparation, high gloss, and good coverage. The chrome throughout the car is in excellent condition with very nice polish on the stainless-steel bumpers. Glass and trim are in excellent condition including both front and rear gaskets. The wheels are nicely refinished in correct satin silver with very nice center caps and correctly sized Michelin tires. The body panel fit overall is straight with consistent panel gaps at all openings reflective of a sound original body. The door handles are in excellent condition with smooth operation when opened and crisp latching when shut. The distinctive seven-bar Alfa grill is in excellent condition, flanked by the three-bar intake sections overlaying the correctly painted flat black grill mesh – both of which are unique traits to Veloce model cars of this period. Various trim, emblems, and details throughout the exterior are beautifully finished and complete the car to a very pleasing level.
The interior is a nice balance of original and properly redone components, including recently reupholstered seats, door panels, and carpeting with a few owner preferences deviating slightly from the original specifications. The headliner has been replaced using correctly sourced material from a known supplier. The dash pad and wood panel insert appears original and while not without some aging, the dash fascia patina is a welcome presentation of the original car. The instruments appear to be original to the car and remain in excellent condition. The trunk area is clean and tidy and appears fundamentally sound and largely original with a matching spare wheel and older BF Goodrich tire, a correct jack, with an Alfa Romeo branded rubber mat covering the floor. There is no evidence of structural corrosion in the trunk area.
The engine compartment is both mechanically and cosmetically quite tidy, with nice detailing and appropriate finishes, original style components, and correct hoses. Though not detailed for show, the components and details are properly presented, reflective of generally original specifications and finishes. The underside appears to have no evidence of structural compromise, no signs of structural corrosion, and sound suspension mounting points. Suspension and assorted cast alloy engine and transmission components all appear to be in good condition.
Included with this car
The car is accompanied by a car cover and storage bag, a spare set of five wheel-covers, an original type rear segment exhaust pipe section, an original type washer fluid bag, misc. electrical parts, a spare oil filter element, and the original center ashtray and lighter unit.
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.
Fantasy Junction • 510-653-7555 • 1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608