I got my first Alfa Romeo when I was 17 — and have had probably close to 50 since then.
When I had my stroke, I had just completed my dream collection of affordable classic Alfas. In chronological order, they included:
- 1958 Giulietta Sprint Speciale. 1400-cc kit, modern cams
- 1958 Giulietta Sprint Veloce “Confortavole.” Correct 750 motor with 1400-cc kit and modern cams (last engine built by Dennis Pillar), tunnel case gearbox
- 1965 Giulia Spider Veloce. Stock, owned 40 years
- 1967 Alfa Giulia Super. 2-liter with 4.1 rear end
- 1967 GTV, ex-Dave Rugh. 1750-cc motor, 4.1 rear end
- 1967 Duetto. Stock
- 1972 Junior Zagato. 1750 motor, 4.1 rear end
All of the Alfas had suspensions sourced from Dave Rugh, including thicker sway bars and slightly shorter springs. They were all fitted with Bilstein shocks. Tires were appropriately sized, in the 185/70 range. Wheels were either stock Borrani or period Panasports, in 14- or 15-inch size.
I have been asked which was my favorite. That’s like asking a parent with six children which one they loved the most.
While there is nothing like free-revving feel of a 750-series engine, at the same time I marveled at the low-end grunt of the built 2-liter in the Super. I took all my cars on extended road trips, often with children in the cars that had back seats.
In three successive years, I fulfilled the Alfista trifecta of driving the Super, the Duetto and the GTV down Highway One and California’s Lost Coast, enjoying the cars during Monterey Car Week, then shipping them back to Portland by enclosed carrier. It really doesn’t get any better.
I have since sold all of them except for the Giulia Spider Veloce.
As I continue with my rehab, it looks as though I may be able to drive a stick again.
If that comes to pass, I have found the exact car I want to buy.
It’s a 1957 750-series Sprint Normale, upgraded by professionals to modern spec with a 1750 engine and a 5-speed gearbox. Even better, the bigger engine has been installed with the correct cold air box and intake, so when you first open the hood, it appears stock. As the car was born a Normale, there is no harm done in the upgrade.
The car is for sale on Bring a Trailer right now, and the auction ends on Friday, June 12.
Without doubt, the Giulietta Sprint is one of the most beautiful cars ever designed. One that is properly set up is a joy to drive.
If you read the description of the car, the people that have owned it and worked on it read like a Who’s Who of Alfa experts.
I learned that finding the parts and the expertise to build a proper 750-series engine is very difficult and expensive today. After all, these engines are now 70 years old. With a tach that starts at 2,000 and goes to 8,000, they were often driven in anger, but bringing great joy to their piloti.
Dropping in a visually similar 1750 engine will save you thousands of dollars and not diminish the look a of the car. If I were to restore another 750-Series Sprint, I would go this route.
I hope you enjoy reading about this car as much as I did.
I’ll see you on BaT during the last 15 minutes of bidding, the Money Time.
Read my previous blog posts here.
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