Description
Offered for sale is a beautiful 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale with its original numbers matching engine, lustrous Rosso Red paint, exceptional mechanicals and a rust-free undercarriage and body. This stunning example of the progressively designed and entirely unique SS is as exhilarating to drive as it is to look at. Completely distinctive, Bertone’s aerodynamic design borrowed heavily from their BAT concepts of the early and mid 1950s. Its timelessly sleek lines and relatively small production run (1,366 Giulietta SS’s were sold by Alfa Romeo) have made the Sprint Speciale a collector favorite, with values appreciating dramatically of late.
The preeminent gathering of vintage and classic car aficionados in the world, Concours week at Pebble Beach is made all the more special when you can drive between events in a head-turning car. Coupled with the fact that the drive from Santa Barbara along Highway 1 offers some of the most spectacular vistas in the world meant that we couldn’t resist taking the SS up to Carmel for some spirited driving. It turned out to be an excellent decision, as the car was a joy to drive up through Big Sur, routinely passing other broken-down and overheating classics that were trying to make the same trek north. Once in Carmel, the car never ceased to get attention and was even requested for participation in the North American Mille Miglia event in October. And, in a veritable sea of Ferraris, Gullwings and Jaguar XKs, perhaps the best part of having the SS for the weekend was that it was entirely unique; we didn’t see a single other Sprint Speciale on the road. We did, however, see one cross the auction block at Gooding and Company on Saturday night. An identical year model that was completely unrestored, that car hammered at a whopping $190,000.00 (before premiums), blowing away Gooding’s own record for an SS of $154,000 at Amelia Island earlier this year. If these current results don’t indicate that classic Alfa Romeos (and especially Sprint Speciales) are on a rapid appreciation curve, then I don’t know what does. Our exceptionally presentable, mechanically fantastic example will be offered at a much more accessible price, providing an excellent opportunity for the classic car enthusiast and investor.
Beautifully prepared in factory Rosso Red paint over a black leather interior with red piping, the finish exhibits astonishing depth and luster. All gaps fit as they should and the car is straight and free of rust. The paint shows only the most insignificant of blemishes, each too minor to appear in any of the pictures and none of which detract from the car’s integrity and overall condition. The bright work on the car is gorgeous, complimenting the Rosso finish beautifully. The interior is equally as spectacular. The black leather seats are in excellent shape, the dash and door panels are wonderful and the carpets and headliner are excellent as well – the interior was clearly refurbished by an upholsterer who knew what he was doing, following the correct patterns with premium materials. The trunk is excellent condition, free of rust, housing a flawless spare tire and covered by a correct rubber mat. I am happy to go into more detail and specifics on the car’s condition with any interested buyer over the phone or in person, but rest assured that the car presents beautifully.
Having personally just put 200+ miles on the car along Highway 1 without any issues to report, I can confidently relay that the car’s mechanicals are superb. Always firing right up when cold and maintaining a consistent idle, the 1300 engine provides ample power and has excellent compression throughout each cylinder. The car pulls strongly and smoothly through each gear without grinding or hesitation and it handles beautifully, providing a visceral yet comfortable driving experience, whether winding though the canyons or on the open highway. As the pictures show, the car’s undercarriage is free of rust or any sloppy patchwork. Any Alfa enthusiast knows that they have a terrible reputation for corrosion, but this car is dry and correct. You’ll not be let down by this wonderful example, one that certainly deserves a mention in the annals of Italian sports car history.
