Keith Martin has been involved with the collector car hobby for more than 40 years, and is the founder and publisher of this magazine. Keith has also written for the New York Times, Automobile, AutoWeek, Road & Track and other publications, has been an emcee for numerous concours, and had his own show, “What’s My Car Worth,” shown on Velocity. He has received many honors, including the Lee Iacocca Award, the Edward Herrmann Award, was inducted into the Concorso Italiano Hall of Fame, and more. He has served on the board of directors of The LeMay Museum and Oregon Ballet Theater, and was formerly the chair of the board of the Meguiar’s Award. Learn more about Keith here.
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: 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 […]
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.
10 responses to “Keith’s Blog: My Alfa Fantastico”
Steve Crowley
I’m in the middle of redoing a 57. Mine will be upgraded as well. This one is a nice car. It has the nicer European headlights that are smaller than the US version. It has a lot of the details I’m looking for and putting in mine. Giuliettas are a dream to drive. As long as the upgrades don’t change that, I have no problem with upgrades. You don’t need unlimited power to enjoy the ride
Lawrence Smith
Hi Keith. It is a beautiful car. I hope that you buy it, or another similar one. Having the car waiting for you to drive it will do wonders for the progress of your rehab. Good luck. Larry
Robert L Banks
Go for it and good luck! It sounds like a perfect car for you, and as you note, beautiful to boot. But one thing made me laugh in your commentary: “I have been asked which was my favorite. That’s like asking a parent with six children which one they loved the most.” I offer you a similar thought from my humor files: “It turns out when asked who your favorite child is, you are supposed to pick one of your own. I know that now.” I am sure there is an automotive analogy in there somewhere. –Bob
James Walker
Keith, the car you mentioned has only one problem. That is if I am correct, the car is in France. Shipping and tariffs are still a problem.
Frank Barrett
No problem. Shipping in a container is easy, and it could be delivered to a West Coast port then transported to your door. I shipped a Lancia from the Netherlands to Colorado for under $6,000, including import tax.
Frank Barrett
When I first saw one of the small-headlight versions, I absolutely fell in love with it. This car is everything you’d want: fun to drive, reliable, easy to maintain, distinctive, and amazingly attractive. It’s number one on my list, too. Go for it, Keith!
Brad Baum
At the 1972 AROC convention in Aspen, a Californian arrived in a 101 Sprint that had a 1750 engine conversion, but was otherwise stock appearing. I can still see it lapping really, really, quickly around the old road circuit west of town, and yet still, a very usable cross country touring car. That Sprint inspired my own 750b restoration (with 1750 & 5 speed) in the late 90’s. My car has delivered two thousand mile sport touring adventures many times. I told a friend in the Giulietta Register recently it’s my favorite of all the cars I’ve owned.
Cumberford
Note the name: Ferouccio Palamedesi. Not sure of spelling of first name, but the last is correct. As far as I can tell, he’s the one who actually designed it. Great guy, desk next to mine in the Chevrolet studio at Tech Center, 1955. Will tell you some great stories if we can have a telephone conversation sometime.
Bob Williams
Keith – do you know this car personally or is this your reaction to the bat ad? Bob Williams
Jim Rosenthal
fortunately, this one is not a singular car, which means you can look for another one. I hope so.
10 responses to “Keith’s Blog: My Alfa Fantastico”
I’m in the middle of redoing a 57. Mine will be upgraded as well. This one is a nice car. It has the nicer European headlights that are smaller than the US version. It has a lot of the details I’m looking for and putting in mine. Giuliettas are a dream to drive. As long as the upgrades don’t change that, I have no problem with upgrades. You don’t need unlimited power to enjoy the ride
Hi Keith. It is a beautiful car. I hope that you buy it, or another similar one. Having the car waiting for you to drive it will do wonders for the progress of your rehab. Good luck. Larry
Go for it and good luck! It sounds like a perfect car for you, and as you note, beautiful to boot. But one thing made me laugh in your commentary: “I have been asked which was my favorite. That’s like asking a parent with six children which one they loved the most.” I offer you a similar thought from my humor files: “It turns out when asked who your favorite child is, you are supposed to pick one of your own. I know that now.” I am sure there is an automotive analogy in there somewhere. –Bob
Keith, the car you mentioned has only one problem. That is if I am correct, the car is in France. Shipping and tariffs are still a problem.
No problem. Shipping in a container is easy, and it could be delivered to a West Coast port then transported to your door. I shipped a Lancia from the Netherlands to Colorado for under $6,000, including import tax.
When I first saw one of the small-headlight versions, I absolutely fell in love with it. This car is everything you’d want: fun to drive, reliable, easy to maintain, distinctive, and amazingly attractive. It’s number one on my list, too. Go for it, Keith!
At the 1972 AROC convention in Aspen, a Californian arrived in a 101 Sprint that had a 1750 engine conversion, but was otherwise stock appearing. I can still see it lapping really, really, quickly around the old road circuit west of town, and yet still, a very usable cross country touring car.
That Sprint inspired my own 750b restoration (with 1750 & 5 speed) in the late 90’s. My car has delivered two thousand mile sport touring adventures many times. I told a friend in the Giulietta Register recently it’s my favorite of all the cars I’ve owned.
Note the name: Ferouccio Palamedesi. Not sure of spelling of first name, but the last is correct. As far as I can tell, he’s the one who actually designed it. Great guy, desk next to mine in the Chevrolet studio at Tech Center, 1955. Will tell you some great stories if we can have a telephone conversation sometime.
Keith – do you know this car personally or is this your reaction to the bat ad? Bob Williams
fortunately, this one is not a singular car, which means you can look for another one. I hope so.