Fantasy Junction

Description

1973 Alfa Romeo Giulia GT Junior Zagato 1600
s/n AR3060112
Zagato Blue with Cinghiale Interior

Following the tradition established by previous Alfa Romeo-Zagato collaborations, the Junior Zagato featured unique coachwork on the high performance variant mechanical components from standard production cars. Featuring a dual Weber version of the 1600 powerplant and weighing in at just 2100 pounds despite using aluminum only for the engine lid and doors, the car performed well. Its low center of gravity and rakish lines made the car handle and look much more sporting than the rather square-rigged car on which it was based, and with only 402 1600cc examples built, they are quite rare as well.

Alfa Romeo was not known for its quality control at the period, and consequently, many Junior Zagatos have not survived well. This car, however, is a wonderful exception to that reality, and is surely among the nicest examples extant. Completed on the 29th of March, 1973 in the color combination it still wears, this example was sold new to its first owner in Parma, Italy. It was imported to the United States in 1984 and remained with the same owner (who was the Alfa Romeo Owners Club West technical advisor) until 1999, and then passed on to another owner who kept the car until 2011. It has been with the current owner, a collector with a high caliber collection of Ferraris and other blue chip cars, since then.

From 1999 to 2004, the car received an extremely thorough and fastidious restoration. The owner spent a great deal to time sourcing rare and unique parts, with tremendous attention to detail to even getting the vintage Blaupunkt radio functioning correctly, and correctly calibrating the speedometer. There is a thick file of records showing the amount of effort that went into tracking down rare parts for the car. The car was subtly upgraded as well during the restoration, with the fitment of magnesium Campagnolo wheels, Shankle suspension with Koni shocks. The transmission was rebuilt and the engine and Webers were completely rebuilt. A lightened flywheel was installed and the differential was rebuilt with a limited slip. The brakes were completely rebuilt, and all suspension was rebuilt and rebushed. Uprated sway bars were also fitted. High compression Venolia pistons were fitted, along with European 2 liter camshafts, and all rotating parts were lightened and balanced. The cylinder head and headers were carefully polished and matched to one another. This work was completed 9000 miles ago and the car has seen regular maintenance since, including fluid changes, new tires, new motor mounts, and various other minor work to keep the car in top condition.

Cosmetically, the car is extremely nice. The car was repainted in the late 1980s and carefully stored indoors since and still shows very well. The paintwork was done to very good standards and remains excellent, with a few light scratches, one star in the hood from when it was closed on a tool of some kind. There are two very small holes in the right front fender, which are 4.5mm and 2mm. The corrosion that was previously there was ground away and painted so the metal is protected and free of rust, and the spots are only visible if bending over. The wheels, trim, badges, side mirror, and lights are excellent. Plexiglas headlamp covers are very good other than a crack in one of them, although a set of new ones is included with the car. The rubber is generally excellent, save for the corner pieces around the rear windscreen, which are showing some age.

The interior is extremely nice as well. The seat and door panel upholstery was beautifully redone and shows like new. The carpets were also replaced and the original Zagato carpets are also included with the car. The headliner is excellent as is the dashboard. The instruments, swiches and controls are excellent. The wood steering wheel is also excellent. The car is fitted with a period Blaupunkt radio. The spacious luggage compartment was retrimmed during the restoration and is excellent as well.

The engine compartment is in beautiful condition, being extremely clean, well-detailed, and correct in appearance. The engine compartment is essentially show-ready and indeed, its previous owner showed the car and placed third. All mechanical systems appear cosmetically as well as functionally restored, down to the smallest items such as the covers of electrical relays. The headers are impressively purposeful and the car retains its factory airbox.

The car runs and drives absolutely superbly. The engine is well-tuned, powerful, and responsive. It revs easily and immediately and feels very eager. The transmission is excellent, and the driveline is reassuringly solid in a way that is not always the case in Alfa Romeos. The brakes are effective and the chassis composed and well-controlled, encouraging the driver to use the car enthusiastically. Overall, the car is tremendous fun and feels as good as, if not better than new.

The car comes with an extensive spares package of NOS and good original parts, from consumable mechanical items to exterior trim, lights, antenna components, ventilation components, weatherstripping, filters, interior trim, a spare steel wheel, a set of four like new Carello headlamps with trim rings, and many other items.

This is a truly exceptional opportunity to acquire what must be among the finest Junior Zagatos in the world. Finished in its lovely original color combination and lovingly restored with subtle improvements and upgrades, this car is an absolute joy to behold and drive. With minimal work, the car could be a competitive show car, although it’s such an enjoyable car to drive that it might be difficult to stop driving it long enough to show. It is extremely complete with extensive spares, magazines, literature, and a thick file of service records.

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