What an opportunity to drive a beautiful and excellent driving classic. Because that is definitely how this Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint from 1959 can be described. This neatly restored and recently overhauled Alfa is a Bella without equal.
For Alfa Romeo, the 1950s were the prelude to the extremely successful 105 series (1963 - 1977). The square Giulia, sporty GT Junior and GT Veloce coupés, Duetto and Spider convertibles and later the Berlina family car. All of them sought after, sporty, affordable and very drivable classics. The legendary racing past of Alfa Romeo is still in every screw and bolt. However, the Giulietta Sprint is an even purer Alfa and even more attractive in terms of looks.
The Sprint is the first truly modern Alfa Romeo and is considered the forerunner of compact GTs for good reason: great handling, light weight (940 kg) and with a nice lively engine. Carrozzeria Bertone designed the elegant body of this celebrated model, which was built between 1954 and 1962 in a production run of just over 24.000 units.
This example was originally delivered in California, on February 28, 1959 to be precise. Between delivery and now, it has driven about 76.000 km, of which less than 4.000 after a complete restoration in November 1997. The body is after import repainted in a color that is not original for this model: Blu Notte. The Sprint then was on display in a well-preserved condition for over 20 years in the collection of Gallery of Dreams in Westzaan.
The third and current owner bought the car in early 2021 and commissioned the grandmasters of Alfa Romeo specialist Van Neerijnen to provide an extensive technical service for €10.000. The brakes are therefore like new again and the engine received a complete overhaul with conversion to the original 32 mm single Solex downdraft carburettor. A satisfied chief mechanic after a test drive of 100 km: “Great driving Sprint! For the enthusiast a roadworthy piece of automotive history or a perfect basis for building a competition winner.”
Our opinion
With a barking aluminum Nord engine in a beautiful body you can emberrass every street car. The technique is made to be put to good use, because it's strong with a capital S. Forget everything you know about classics from this era, kick the throttle, shift with 5 gears to 165 and don't be afraid to use the - for the time excellent - brakes. These cars are made to drive.
Modifications
The standard column shift gearbox has been replaced by a four-speed Veloce floor shift
The car has been repainted in the color Blu Notte, a colour that was not originally available on the car in 1959
A rally grille has been placed on the headlights
Remarks
The car is not in Pebble Peach condition, but it is in a overall good condition and ready to enjoy. Some signs of use and age are visible, among other things:
Two small dents in the left rear screen and right front screen
Rust spots (surface) on the rims
Crack in glass of right rear light
Paint damage on gauge housing
See photos for more. The interior has a beautiful patina but is not damaged anywhere. The body is rust free.
Service history
The car was recently (March 2021) extensively overhauled by Alfa Romeo specialist Van Neerijnen Utrecht. At that time there were 47.349 miles on the clock. It included a complete overhaul of the engine block, brakes and suspension (see invoice). Before that, the car has been in a museum for most of the time since the restoration in 1997. In the period 1997-2021, the car was driven only a few hundred miles.
Included with sale
Four keys (two for the doors, two for the ignition)
Spare wheel with jack
Original booklets
Photos of the restoration
Maintenance invoices (partial)
Summary
Seller - Mark Seller type - Private Location - The Netherlands VIN - 149307272 Year of production - 1959 Mileage - 47.500 miles NAP - No, imported from the USA Warranty - No Body type - Coupé Engine - 1,3 liter inline-four with 65 hp Lay-out - Rear wheel drive Transmission - Veloce 5 speed manual transmission Exteriorcolour - Blu Notte Interior colour - Blue with beige Vipla Upholstery - Leather Smoker's car - No Owners - 2 private owners + 1 museum Tires - Goodyear GT 80 165R15 86T, NOS, DOT code 438, like new
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