Description
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2. 0 (model 116. A1A): a small saloon with a big temperament Among the various versions of the Giulietta model 116, the 2. 0 litre occupies a special place. Introduced in the early 1980s, it represented the top of the naturally-aspirated range before the arrival of the very rare Turbo version. This model, known internally as the 116. A1A, follows the classic Alfa Romeo recipe: a lively engine, sophisticated architecture and assertive styling. The heart of the Giulietta 2. 0 is, of course, its 1, 962 cm³ twin overhead cam 4-cylinder engine from Alfa Romeo's great Twin Cam family. It develops 130 bhp in its non-catalysed European version, and is extremely smooth at low revs, while offering a good rev climb to over 6, 000 rpm. Fed by a twin-barrel carburettor or fuel injection (depending on the market and vintage), this engine has a throaty, metallic sound, typical of Alfa cars of this era, which contributes fully to the driving pleasure. Coupled with a precise 5-speed manual gearbox, and thanks to its low weight (around 1, 100 kg), the Giulietta 2. 0 still offers very respectable performance today: a top speed of around 195 km/ h, a 0 to 100 km/ h time of less than 10 seconds and, above all, great agility on winding roads. Beneath its discreet 4-door saloon body lies an architecture that is rare in its category. The Giulietta took its technical base from the Alfetta, with a transaxle gearbox for ideal weight distribution, a De Dion axle with inboard rear brakes, typical of the Alfa sports cars of the period, precise steering and a light front axle for agile, engaging driving. These technical choices, which were costly to produce, reflected Alfa Romeo's desire to offer a different car, in contrast to the more rational tractions of its competitors. Without being brutal, the Giulietta 2. 0 retains an assertive character and a mechanical, direct driving feel, a far cry from the aseptic saloons of the 80s. Externally, the Giulietta 2. 0 makes no attempt to stand out. Its angular, almost functional lines are nevertheless well proportioned. It is recognisable by a few specific details: alloy wheels, a discreet spoiler, '2. 0' lettering on the rear, and sometimes a slightly more equipped interior (rev counter, velour seats, sports steering wheel depending on trim level). The interior, typical of Alfa cars of the period, is centred on the driver. The dashboard is oriented towards the driver, the controls are easy to reach, and the low seat height enhances the dynamic feel. The finish remains typical of the 80s - correct but sometimes perfectible - but the atmosphere is clearly geared towards driving. Produced until 1985, the Giulietta 2. 0 type 116. A1A today suffers from relative anonymity. Caught between the aura of the Giulia and the classic status acquired by the Alfetta, it remains one of the last Alfa rear-wheel drive cars with transaxle architecture to be produced in series, accessible and still relatively easy to maintain. It represents the Alfa Romeo spirit at its purest: a car that prioritises sensations and behaviour, with a noble engine and architecture designed for driving enthusiasts. This car, sold new in France on 30/ 9/ 1983, is in very good condition, which is rare for this model. It is accompanied by a file of invoices dating back to 2006, when it was imported into Belgium by its last owner. Drives very well, clean MOT, impeccable interior.
