116 bhp, 1,290 cc DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with twin Weber side-draft carburettors, five-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle with coil springs, and front disc and rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,248 mm.

Matching-numbers example
Only three owners from new
Low original mileage

The stunning Sprint Speciale Coupé directly descended from Carrozzeria Bertone’s brilliant Bertone Aerodynamica Technica (BAT) design studies of the mid-1950s. With its extremely low drag coefficient of 0.29, it was aimed at competition, and a limited number were produced to meet FIA homologation rules. The Speciale utilised lightweight construction that had been built on the chassis of the popular Giulietta Spider, and it came with a domed roofline and gracefully peaked fenders. The Giulietta’s sturdy 1,300-cubic centimeter, all-alloy, four-cylinder engine was fitted with a pair of Weber side-draught carburetors, and it could produce a healthy 116 horsepower. This was enough power to push the slippery two-seater coupé to almost 125 mph, which was considerably more than its conventionally bodied Giulietta Sprint Coupé and Spider siblings could achieve. The unique plastic air deflector mounted ahead of the windscreen, which was more commonly seen on competition Ferraris of the era, added to the car’s racy flavour. It is estimated that no more than 1,366 Sprint Speciales were produced between 1957 and 1962, in both Giulietta and larger-engined Giulia form.

Offered here is a nice, low-mileage example of this low-production sports coupé. This Alfa Romeo was delivered new to Tenerife, in Spain’s Canary Islands. The consignor is the third owner from new; he purchased it from a well-known local doctor. In 1994, the Alfa was repainted in its original colour and a set of new body seals was installed. The owner also notes that the car was mechanically overhauled at that time. A new stainless steel exhaust system was installed in 2001, and the owner replaced the stock front drum brakes with Alfa disc brakes in 2013, which greatly increased the car’s drivability. The original drums and related parts are included with the car, if the new owner wishes to return the brakes to stock form.

This car’s glass and chrome trim are described as being in good condition, and the interior, which is black with a white headliner, is said to be in very good shape, showing some wear to the driver’s seat and the kind of light patina that one would expect for a car of this age. All of the electrics and lighting are in good working order as well. The odometer displays a bit over 13,000 kilometres, which the owner confirms as original and correct; he has spent his entire life on the Canary Islands. This car “starts on the button” and is said to run well.

This smart little Alfa Romeo is also supplied with an Alfa Giulia owner’s manual, Spanish Inspection Technical Vehicular (ITV) documents, which date back to 1983, and a notebook with the owner’s comments, which date back to 1991. Most recently, it passed the ITV on 21 October 2014. Here is an opportunity to own one of Alfa Romeo’s most attractive small sports cars, one that is more than suitable for comfortable touring and weekend enjoyment.