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Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint 1957

General description : 1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce “Alleggerita” Lightweight

Chassis Number – 1493 E03798
Engine Number – AR131530552
Exterior Color - Red
Interior Color – Two Tone Red and Grey
Engine Type – 1750cc DOHC inline 4-cylinder
Gearbox – 5-speed split-case manual

General History

Among the most dynamic and mechanically advanced automobile companies, Alfa Romeo began as a specialty constructor with little interest in volume manufacturing. After the second world war, Alfa advanced from their time-consuming hand crafting processes and complex fabrication in order to meet increasing demand for their cars. With the war having ended and new technology advancing quickly, the Giulia and Giulietta entered the marketplace. Positioned as affordable stylish cars, a youthful and enthusiastic public welcomed the new Alfas. The new models were small, sporty, fashionable, and finely trimmed, delivering an air of sophistication that young men and women craved in the fast-growing post-war boom years. Both cars enjoyed success, with strong sales in Europe and America. The twin cam in-line four-cylinder engine, synchromesh gearbox, and excellent suspension offered spirited driving coupled with elegant styling. Sales volumes advanced Alfa-Romeo into becoming one of the largest manufacturers not just in Italy but all over the world.

As part of their efforts in motorsports, a specially configured lightweight version of the Giulietta Coupe Veloce was constructed at Bertone and offered on a very limited basis. The lightweight construction utilized alloy doors, hood, decklid, and bumpers, and the windup windows were removed in favor of plexiglass sliding units. Additionally lighter front bucket seats were installed, the doors were hollowed out and fitted with fixed armrests, and the rear seating and sound insulation removed for additional weight savings. Using the Veloce twin-Weber carbureted engine, both the oil pan and intake manifold were replaced with lighter magnesium alloy castings. Although factory records are not definitive regarding production numbers, it is estimated that 100-200 factory lightweight “Alleggerita” examples were built.

Ownership History

According to information shared under prior ownership, this Sprint Veloce Alleggerita was delivered on March 23, 1957, to Ranuzio Scirilani, a resident of Rome, Italy. Although early years of ownership are not known at this time, the car is believed to have remained in Europe through the majority of its early years until 2001 when it was purchased in Germany by an American collector and imported to Northern California. Owned by a dedicated Alfa Romeo collector, the car was cared for and mechanically including servicing by Bay Area Alfa Romeo specialists Laurence Anderson and Conrad Stevenson, engine built by Epifani Restorations, and Randy Peterson for the overall restoration.

Importantly, noted Italian sports car historian John de Boer has reviewed this car and determined it to be an original factory constructed lightweight. Although the engine number for this series is not stamped to the chassis plate, it is the correct type for this series of rare cars as recorded in Luigi Fusi’s Alfa Romeo Tutte le vetturedal 1910. Body and opening panel features are further supported by original factory spot welds as seen in the engine compartment, alloy components including opening panels, and correct features consistent with original lightweight construction. The current owner purchased this car in 2014 and has enjoyed modest use of this rare and exciting Alfa as part of a Northern California collection of significant sports cars.

Cosmetic Overview

Today this Alfa Romeo presents with excellent finishes throughout. The paint is glossy with smooth coverage over both alloy and steel body panels. The panel fit is particularly nice especially considering the challenge of fitting alloy body panels to the main steel structure. Importantly, both the grille and brows are correctly flush mounted to the body without gasket material to hid fitting imperfections. This is particularly challenging as it involves detailed fitting of both body and mating trim parts. The driver’s side door displays slightly darker color in certain lighting, though the overall visual presentation remains consistently nice. The various chrome and polished features are very refined with excellent reflections including a beautifully finished grille, correct aluminum front and rear bumpers, and formed trim over each of the side air intakes. A pair of correct Carello headlights are surrounded by polished bezels still bearing the rare Carello branding. The steel wheels have been painted with the correct silver finish trimmed with polished, domed wheel covers and Alfa Romeo logos. Correctly sized 155 R15 Pirelli Cinturato tires are mounted, and the suspension is set just right to reflect the proper stance. The side glass garnish molding allows for sliding plexiglass windows specific to the lightweight configuration as mounted to the alloy-skinned doors. Fit and finish for all the lighting, trim, emblems, and other specific details are all presented to a very high standard. Especially nice details include the Sprint Veloce script lettering and Bertone crest, delicately perched taillights, and aeronautically inspired trunk handle.

The interior is finished with two tone red and grey material which is particularly handsome in both finish and color choice. The leather seating surfaces are beautifully trimmed as are the uniquely finished door panels, headliner, and matching red carpeting all the way back to the rear parcel area which is unique to factory constructed lightweight Sprints. The dashboard contains three beautifully finished gauges recessed into a black topped binnacle with accenting lower red finish. A flat wood rim Nardi steering wheel completes this simple but elegantly sporty dashboard – one of the best of this era. The dash houses an array of original knobs while the floor shift 4-speed gear selector, polished door thresholds, and Alfa Romeo branded foot pedals command any sports car enthusiast’s attention. Of note, a set of vintage style competition lap belts are installed for both seats and a fire extinguisher is mounted behind the passenger seat. The cockpit of this Sprint Veloce is a delightful combination of purpose and beauty, greatly enhanced by the memorable driving experience uniquely found in these lightweight models.

The engine compartment and correct Veloce engine are beautifully prepared. The engine bay has been restored using factory correct finishes, hardware, and fasteners, delivering authentic appearance including correct twin dual throat 40DCOE Weber carburetors, factory type hoses and air induction plenum. The cam cover is finished with textured black, while the remaining auxiliary components are reflective of original specifications. Both the magnesium oil pan and intake manifold are present as part of the lightweight configuration. The trunk is properly prepared with a spare wheel held in place by the correct mounting hardware, a factory jack mounted in place, and a rear mounted battery. The undercarriage presents very well with clean, properly finished components, correctly finished floor pans and rocker panels, correct drivetrain castings, and a fresh set of leather axle straps. There is no visual evidence of structural compromise to the floor or suspension mounts.

Driving Impressions

Having driven the car and delighted in the impressive operation, we are pleased to say that the character and quality of this example is impressive. This is a wonderful, dialed in car with a very engaging feel, superb driving manners, and great sounds. The driving experience, coupled with rewarding cosmetics brings a smile to anyone offered a chance at the wheel. The 1300cc engine has plenty of available power throughout the rev range with effortless shifting from the 5-speed gearbox which is greatly appreciated cruising in modern traffic and well-suited to driving events. The suspension is well resolved, the brakes pull down straight, and the steering is spot on. The comfortable seats, wonderful exhaust note, and lightweight “feel” at the Nardi wheel delivers a truly memorable experience.

This rare and desirable Giulietta Sprint Veloce “Alleggerita” is ready for show or participation in any of the numerous pre-1957 motoring tours and events. With a high level of mechanical and cosmetic confidence, the rarity of factory lightweight construction, and Bertone design this Sprint Veloce lightweight is sure to capture the hearts of enthusiasts who enjoy spirited driving.

Items Accompanying This Car

This Alfa Romeo is accompanied by a car cover and bag, a factory jack, tire changing tools, tools and tool roll, a spare set of front turn indicator lights, plexiglass side window panels (loose, not mounted in the car), and a February 1957 Sports Cars magazine containing an article on the lightweight Sprint Veloce.

1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in California by Fantasy Junction for $235000.

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