1955 | Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

One of the examples built in the first year of the Sprint's birth, produced at the end of 1955 and sold in Florence on January 12, 1956, finished in black with beige cloth interiors in contrast with the red leatherette.

It is one of the first examples with the gearbox lever at the steering wheel, the “airplane” license plate light holder, the Solex C35 - APAI-G carburetor and the black painted instrument panel, unlike the very first examples, to avoid reflections while driving. The car still has the first equipment engine as evidenced by the Alfa Romeo and RIAR certificates.

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After four changes of ownership between Florence and Arezzo, the car has been resting in the same garage for over 30 years, together with other Alfa Romeos, having received a complete conservative restoration in the past years when the exterior color passed from black to red Alfa. The car has always been kept in motion, participating in rallies and events and does not need any important work, other than ordinary maintenance.

Car eligible for 1000 Miglia, complete with chronological extract “Estratto cronologico”, ASI, FIVA, RIAR approval and Alfa Romeo certificate. Visible by appointment in Cesena. Fuerher details on www.gulfblue.it

Historical notes:

The Giulietta Sprint proved to be an unprecedented success. If the 1900 had shown the

Way forward for the company in the immediate post-war period, it could hardly have had a better heir; so much so that at its launch the new car almost obscured the considerable and still up-to-date qualities of the larger model. The Giulietta marked Alfa's entrance into a new market sector, that of the medium-sized cars, and also had the great merit of revitalising the Alfa Romeo sporting tradition. This twin overhead camshaft engine of similar design to the 1900 was all in light alloy, as was the gearbox and differential casing. The power unit, which was unveiled at the 1954 Turin Motor Show, was a technological revolution in the history of mass produced cars. It went out of production in 1965 and was modified on numerous occasions during its 11 years.

The numbering of the type 1315 engine that was used throughout the first series Giulietta range began with 1493* 00001 and ended in 1959 with 1493* 09002.

The 65hp were enough for the total weight of the Sprint – less than 900kgs -: it was one of the most pleasant to drive coupés of the period, the ideal car to attend hillclimbs or the 1000 Miglia, with just some upgrades on the intake and exhaust.

Source: “Alfa Romeo, le vetture di produzione”, Stefano d’Amico, Maurizio Tabucchi, Giunti-Nada.

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Photos credit: Rémi Dargegen