• Registered new in the UK in 1975

• Sympathetic restoration carried out over the last 15 years

• Fully resprayed 2015

• Recent engine refresh and new clutch

In recent years, the rise of a variety of restomod versions of Alfa’s achingly pretty GT have helped to maintain the public profile of the long-popular Italian classic. 

That said, it’s still rare to see one in the wild and when you do, one of the most striking features is its diminutive size and delicate features relative to more modern machinery. 

Without much mass to push along, the original smaller-engined GT Junior models remain a lively drive and, in some people’s opinion, the most fun on the road because you get to enjoy the sonorous engines at higher revs for more of the time.

The 1600 GT Junior was introduced to the UK in 1972 with a 1.6 litre double overhead camshaft inline four producing 107bhp at 6,000rpm and driving the rear wheels through a five speed manual gearbox. This was sufficient for a claimed top speed of 115mph and with all round disk brakes it was a capable coupe back in the day. 

Today they remain a firm favourite with strong club support and a good selection of specialist garages capable of taking care of maintenance.

This example was purchased in the UK in August 1975 and arrived in Alfa Red with an anthracite velvet interior. At some point the interior has received an upgrade to leather GTV seat covers and over the last 15 years the car has received a great deal more attention in the form of new floor pans, spare wheel carrier, boot lid, petrol tank, door panels, brake discs, fuel pump, coil, ignition leads, headlining, seat belts, carpets, door handles and lock mechanisms. 

The current owner acquired the car in 2015 and commissioned a glass out respray. 2019 saw the purchase of two new front tyres and fewer than 100 miles ago, the engine received a complete overhaul and a new clutch and clutch bearing were installed. 

Although now in fine fettle and living under a cover in a heated garage, unfortunately the imminent loss of this garage space means that the seller has decided that the Alfa needs a new home. 

Accompanying the car is a comprehensive file of documentation containing invoices for all of the aforementioned items and the recent bill for the engine and clutch work which totals over £4,000.

There is also a letter from Alfa Romeo confirming that the factory documentation shows the matching chassis and engine numbers and that the colour is original.

A striking exterior design like the GT deserves an equally cool-looking interior and, with its ribbed black leather seats, deep dished steering wheel and wood trimmed dash, this certainly doesn’t disappoint. It’s all in good condition too, with barely a mark on the seats and the carpets still looking very fresh. 

The only point to note is that the panel on the dash where a radio could be fitted is slightly damaged but otherwise it’s very presentable and benefits from the fitment of a fire extinguisher behind the passenger seat in case of emergencies. The boot is clean and tidy and has a matching spare stashed away in its cubby hole.

The respray is aging well and cosmetically the car presents very well, as can be seen in the pictures. The paintwork retains a deep lustre and the chrome is also in generally good condition. 

The underside of the front apron shows some sight damage which would benefit from some attention but the wheels are unmarked and wear tyres with good tread, the fronts having been replaced in 2019. The underside has been weather sealed but the owner assures us that the metal work is all solid.

Let’s cut to the chase here. While you can see from the photos that under the bonnet the engine bay looks very original, what you really want to know is how it goes. 

Well, the seller reports that following the engine work that was completed by Paul Nash Racing in High Wycombe, the car has been rejuvenated and boasts much more power and driveability. 

That said, it’s not yet really fully run in and, when it has a few more miles under its wheels, will benefit from a tune up. Once completed, it should go as well as it sounds which is very good indeed.

Now more than ever there any many ways to tweak a classic Alfa GT to your own tastes. But when you have an original matching numbers edition such as this it may be a shame to go down that route. It’s obviously a decision for the new owner but the good news is that even in its standard form, especially when in as good condition as this car, there’s plenty to keep you entertained already.

We can’t predict the future, but with values of this attractive coupe moving ever upward over the last few years, you may look back on this opportunity with regret if you don’t jump on it now. And with most of the hard work taken care of, this one should be an example to cherish.