1965 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA SPRINT GTA RACE CAR

This 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA is a genuine example of the rare classic racer, which has recently benefitted from a complete restoration and is offered for sale in competition-ready condition. It is powered by a period-correct 1.6-litre, four-cylinder twin-cam ‘Nord’ engine, which was built by Alfa Romeo specialist Formula GT Munich, and powers the rear wheels via a five-speed transmission. The odometer indicates 6,000 km since the rebuild.

As documented in Dingwort Verlag’s 2012 book ‘Alleggerita’, this racing Giulia Sprint GTA is far from a display piece, having proven itself in competition in period.

First registered in Livorno in August 1965, it then made its way to Florence in 1966, and was used in motorsport for the first time in 1968, when it entered the Bologna-Passo della Raticosa hill climb, securing seventh place overall and first place in its class with driver Romano Martini behind the wheel. Over the next few years, it was then campaigned in a number of events, taking first place in its class at the Coppa Nissena in September 1971 and another class victory at the Targa Florio in May 1972, with Cristoforo Di Giuseppa driving on both occasions.

It was acquired by the seller in 1999, and was fully rebuilt between 2016 and 2018. The bodywork was tended to by Christian Bovensiepen of Alfina Corse, while the mechanical components were overhauled by Peter Praller at Formula GT; with both taking care to use original Alfa Romeo parts wherever possible.

As a result of its restoration, this GTA’s aluminium bodywork is in very good order, with largely straight panels and even shut lines. While there is a small wave in the roof and the edge of the driver’s door is not flush with the side of the car, these are minor issues, and this classic Alfa is structurally very sound. Although the car is already a featherweight, holes have been drilled in its bonnet and boot lid frames to further reduce its weight; and its side and rear windows are polycarbonate items.

Resprayed in 2018; the white paintwork presents well, with a few minor marks including chips and cracking above the tailpipe, but no significant damage to speak of. It rides on a period-correct set of 14-inch alloy race wheels, which feature some small scuffs and scratches but are in good shape.

Moving inside, the cabin has been fully stripped and prepared for competition use, prioritising lightweight performance, safety and ergonomics over comfort. The driver’s seat is a leather-clad Sparco QRT-V item, which has some small marks and indentations to its upholstery and is FIA-approved until 2023. This is fitted with a bright red FIA-approved Sabelt harness, while the driver is put in full control of the vehicle via a black suede-trimmed steering wheel, lightened gear shifter and handbrake lever, and a set of aluminium OMP pedal covers. Safety equipment includes a full, welded-in roll cage and a handheld Lifeline fire extinguisher. The car’s carpets have also been removed in the interests of safety and additional weight saving, while a hardwearing rubber mat has been fitted in the driver’s footwell.

The GRP dashboard has been fitted with a full complement of instruments, including a classic-style Jaeger rev counter and oil pressure, water temperature and oil temperature gauges. Bidders should note that the Racelogic VBOX digital lap timer/speedometer seen in the photo gallery is not included. The vendor reports that all of the car’s switches and electrical items work without fault, and there are no warning lights displayed.

Having been fully overhauled by Alfa Romeo racing specialist Peter Praller at Formula GT, Munich, this Giulia Sprint GTA is in fine mechanical order. Under the bonnet, the car is fitted with a race-tuned 1.6-litre Alfa Romeo ‘Nord’ engine, which is fed by Weber 45 DCOE carburettor and is linked to a refurbished five-speed racing gearbox and a limited-slip rear differential. Its handling has been enhanced by a full set of Bilstein dampers, and the brakes have also been uprated.

This highly capable classic racer will be accompanied by a selection of spare parts including three alloy wheels with racing tyres, a spare gearbox and various engine components. The seller will also supply photographic documentation of the car’s full rebuild. Furthermore, the car comes with a German registration document and road approval.

As one of only 500 Giulia Sprint GTAs built by Alfa Romeo, this 1960s homologation racer is a particularly rare example of the classic coupe, and boasts successful period racing history and class-winning provenance. The vendor notes that it was one of the fastest examples in period, and now presents in perfect order, ready to race. Restored to a high standard and enhanced by a number of contemporary performance parts, this competition-proven Alfa would make a fantastic candidate for any number of prestigious events, and will be a credit to any collection of Italian classics.

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