Fantasy Junction

Description

1970 Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior

Chassis Number – AR125062
Exterior Color –Blue
Interior Color - Red
Engine Type – 1300 cc inline DOHC 4-cylinder
Gearbox – 5-speed manual
Current Kilometers – 89,307 kms indicated

History of the Alfa Romeo Junior

With its perfectly proportioned 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 a new configuration. The memorable and now classic design, front-engine/rear drive coupe offered seating for four adults and spirited performance. Although the design shared many mechanical parts with the former Giulietta, the new unibody or monocoque platform was very innovative and lightweight. Live rear axle, disc brakes at all corners, dual overhead cam, and 5-speed gearbox, all resulted in a very effective driver-focused performance combination.

Notable in this series, the earliest body designs contained a unique feature at the leading edge of the hood, a slight “step” down where the forward edge of the front fenders joined the hood line. Although this feature was removed from the standard offering in 1967, the Junior series retained the ‘stepnose’, resulting in collectors and enthusiasts favoring this series for their distinctive front profile. The GT 1300 Junior, originally conceived as a unique model in 1965, was fitted with a 1290 cc twin cam engine. Essentially a short stroke, smaller cc engine with reduced port sizes and other modifications, the twin-cam, dual-carbureted engine was robust and eager mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The Junior configuration became a big hit with youthful buyers, allowing them to engage in Alfa Romeo ownership while avoiding higher European taxes charged against larger capacity engines, particularly those registered in Italy.

History of this 1300 Junior

This exceptionally rare unrestored stepnose 1300 Junior was discovered in Sicily, Italy four years ago. The odometer indicated just over 87,000 kms, confirmed by the consecutive miles recorded in the service librettos with dated service stamps indicating regular services under Italian ownership. Further documentation accompanying the car includes the Carta di Circolazione and the original handbook, Retaining the original color combination of Bluette over Burgundy Skai interior, the car was purchased by the owners and operators of Alfaholics, and shipped to the UK as part of the Alfaholics private collection.

Upon arrival, the car was painstakingly cleaned and detailed by Alfa specialists making sure to preserve the original finishes with the utmost care. Numerous hours were spent examining, photographing, and preserving all finishes including replacing all consumables such as suspension bushings, coolant hoses, and fuel hoses. The battery tray area was carefully treated for two small areas of surface rust and resprayed to match the original color. Mechanical work performed in May 2020 by Alfaholics included the installation of an Alfaholics Sports Ignition, a new stainless-steel exhaust system, Alfaholics Fast Road Suspension (Stage 1), disc brakes and calipers, GTA steering wheel, C&B 10.9 camshafts and cam followers, high performance air filters, Alfaholics aluminum carburetor mounts, four new Michelin tires, the installation of period correct three-point seatbelts, and all fluids flushed and replenished.

Alfa specialists were surprised to find all body panels retaining factory spot-welds in the drip rails, sills, and rear wheel arches further confirming the factory original body panels. Examining and measuring the paint revealed what appear to be original finishes throughout with the exception of the passenger door which appears to have been refinished at some point under previous ownership. Digital paint meter readings returned numbers in low single digits on all panels other than the passenger’s door, which in our experience is indicative of original paint. Higher numbers returned on the aforementioned passenger side door ranging in lower double-digit readings are consistent with refinished paint work, although no difference can be detected by the naked eye.

Importantly, all the lighting, chrome, and stainless-steel finishes are original including the impossibly rare first-series Carello headlight units, beautiful grille and excellent bumpers. The remarkable interior is original including the dashboard, gauges, headliner, and preserved factory rubber floor mats, protected by carpet floor mats.

In addition to regular fluid changes and inspections, notable recent service items include new spark plugs and repair for the brake master cylinder (2022), a new AGM battery (Aug 2023), new starter relay, and carburetor adjustment (Nov 2023).

Current Condition and Features

Today this Alfa Romeo presents in exceptionally fine condition throughout and must be counted as a premier preservation example of the finest order. The finishes are exemplary in every respect. The factory correct blue finish is smooth, glossy, and properly applied with coverage that accentuates the original crisp lines and body contours. The body panels are properly aligned, and the door, hood, and trunk gaps are consistent to factory standards. The door handles are in excellent condition and operate easily with smooth latch releases and crisp closure. The chrome and polished metal trim are excellent in all respects particularly the bumpers and grille. The lenses, script, and emblems are like jewelry with beautiful polish, correct gaskets, and excellent factory contours. The glass bears correct original brand etching, and the smooth windshield is in excellent condition including a perfect set of correct wiper arms. The factory correct silver steel wheels are trimmed with near perfect center caps while all four Michelin 165 HR14 radial tires are correctly sized to suit the original stance and specifications.

The interior is simply stunning. Capturing the traditional Italian deep red upholstery against the blue exterior, the seating surfaces and foam padding are exceptionally nice especially so given their originality. A set of grey shoulder and lap seat belts accompany the front seats. The beautiful door panels, branded door sills, and proper Alfa Romeo embossed rubber floor mat (often showing wear), are remarkably preserved originals. Even the diamond tufted vinyl shift console material is in excellent condition. The dashboard and wood panel inserts are in exceptional condition as are the original gauges which show excellent color and clarity. The dash is fronted by a rare wood rim Hellebore GTA steering wheel (original black wheel included) sitting proudly against the factory instruments. The rear seating area appears as new with no evidence of use to the gently contoured seats and interior side panels. The trunk features original finishes as well including the embossed floor mat, a full sized spare and matching steel wheel, and a factory paint code sticker adhered to the underside of the trunk lid. As any interior can be restored to reflect original finishes, it would be impossible to locate another original example of such astonishing preservation and near new finishes as found in this 1300 Junior.

Much like the entire car, the engine compartment is original and has been carefully preserved and maintained with the utmost care and thoughtful detailing. Here too, appropriate finishes, original components, and correct hoses, lines, and hardware further convey the dedicated preservation. Not overdone with new finishes, the original FISPA air box, original firewall finish, original Weber carburetors, and blued exhaust headers convey the spirit of an enjoyably driven Alfa Romeo lovingly preserved as an ambassador of authenticity more than 50 years later.

The underside is yet another example of how extraordinary care and thoughtful preservation can maintain original features even when driven for nearly 90k kms. The floors are solid, suspension and assorted components are clean and correct, and the suspension bushings, rubber grommets, rear axle straps, hoses and lines, and other consumable items have been recently replaced. In addition to the correct casting finishes for the various components, a new stainless-steel exhaust and muffler have been installed.

This Alfa Romeo starts easily and settles into a warm idle. Engaging the console mounted gearshift lever, the clutch takes up smoothly revealing a driving experience that is both tight and responsive. The engine revs freely and produces excellent power through all five speeds including the often-fussy reverse gear engagement. Brakes and handling are fantastic as the capable 1300 proves that power alone is not the only aspect contributing to a rewarding performance experience.

This remarkably preserved 1300 Junior must be counted as one of the most authentic examples in existence today. Unlike stiff, unused museum pieces stalled to the confines of display, this example captures the heart of true preservation coupled with enthusiastic care and enjoyable use. Ready for enjoyable outings, exhibiting at any of the top area Alfa concours events, or driving tours, this 1300 Junior is sure to capture the heart of any Alfa Romeo enthusiast who admires exceptional correct original cars that can be readily enjoyed.

Included with this Car

The car comes with the original black rim steering wheel, car cover, Italian license plates, a side view mirror, Alfa service librettos, original owner’s Italian registration documentation, and Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior maintenance manual.

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