Highlights
- Matching numbers example
- Rare RHD vehicle
- Alfa Romeo Certificate of Authenticity
- Extremely rare and desirable “Flying Buttress” seats
The Appeal
Like any Alfa Romeo, even in a ‘barn find’ state, it’s irresistible. A right hand drive example with matching numbers, along with some extremely rare Flying Buttress seats fitted, is quite a find as any Alfisti will happily tell you. Arguably the vehicle that most represents the Italian automotive world The 105 series alfa was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Bertone and is widely regarded as one of his best Designs. The 1779cc model was considered the sweet spot between the less powerful 1600cc and the larger 2000cc engine. It is more powerful than the 1600cc and is more free revving than the larger 2000cc. When combined with the great rear axle design which was revolutionary for the time you get impeccable handling with a fair turn of speed.
An evolution of the Giulia Sprint GT and the GT Sprint Veloce that were previously in production since ‘63, this new designation introduced a larger engine, body and chassis modifications and a higher rear differential ratio.
This particular example was supplied new to Johannesburg, South Africa, and stayed there through the majority of its life until it was later imported to the UK and registered as of December 2021, thanks to staying in such a dry climate the chassis has remained in very good shape over the years, but of course will require a lot of extremely worthwhile TLC to get this wonderfully sought after example road ready!
The History and Paperwork
- Built on the 6th of September 1969
- Supplied new to Johannesburg, South Africa
- Alfa Romeo Certificate of Authenticity
- Matching engine and gearbox supplied with the vehicle
- Imported to the UK late 2021, registration complete
- MOT exempt as it is a historic vehicle
- Comes with V5
The Interior
- Black "Skai" upholstery
- Extremely rare ‘Flying Buttress’ seats, commonly referred to as “hens teeth” among enthusiasts
- Rare right hand drive example
- Original gauges and dashboard
- 1750 Badge present on the dashboard
Dusty and derelict it may be, but wildly worthy of someone's time and effort nonetheless. An extremely notable feature would be the very rare and sought after seats in Flying Buttress form, which among Alfisti are referred to as hens teeth due to rarity, and were only fitted to a number of Series 1 vehicles.
Finished in black skai upholstery which all seems to present itself in reasonable form, with no signs of rips, tears or damage throughout, just in need of a deep clean - as is the rest of the interior cabin - there is even a lack of the usual creases and cracks we’re so used to seeing in classic vehicles, which still appears rather plump and unused.
The dashboard and trim is present behind the three-spoke steering wheel, all of which is in generally good condition. The steering wheel itself shows some signs of corrosion as expected and the outer rim shows some signs of pitting and damage but nothing excessive.
The dashboard appears to be in good condition, having been retrimmed in leather, but the stitching all appears to be sound and nothing is peeling away from the dash itself - certainly well preserved. Dial faces themselves are well preserved with clear lenses and reasonable surrounding brightwork just showing some light pitting.
The dashboard appears to be in good condition, having been retrimmed in leather, but the stitching all appears to be sound and nothing is peeling away from the dash itself - certainly well preserved. Dial faces themselves are well preserved with clear lenses and reasonable surrounding brightwork just showing some light pitting.
Wooden fascia is still in place running across the length of the dashboard and appears to be in good shape, as does the brightwork which encompasses it, and the ‘1750’ badge designation still sits proudly on the passenger side to alert those they’re in something quite special.
The carpets and flooring are all in place, too, which appear to be in rather good shape given the car's age - appearing to be quite a common theme in this otherwise very uncommon little Alfa. Headlining is not present in the vehicle however gives a clear view of the roof panelling, which even though has some surface rust is overall very solid.
Moving to the boot, the story remains much the same, everything here is pretty solid. There does appear to be some pinholes showing in the spare wheel well that will need some attention, but aside from that, just in dire need of a deep cleaning!
Overall. The interior of this Alfa is extremely promising, and very worthy of someone's time and patience for getting it back up to scratch. Rare seats and vast originality throughout on a very solid and low indicated mileage, it's certainly something very special.
The Exterior
- Rosso Metalico Alfa Red paintwork
- All original body panels
- All original windows
- Original Quadrifoglio Crest on C pillar
- Brightwork all appears in good condition
- Massively corrosion free bodyshell
- Doors all solid and complete (door cards present with parts)
- Front and rear bulkhead solid and in great shape
- Inner arches in good condition
- Parts of the floor and sills will need attention
Dressed in its Rosso Metalico Alfa Red, as well as a healthy amount of spider webs, this is one charming little Giulia, and seemingly a very strong and complete starting point for a restoration to take place on - a worthwhile one at that!
At the front of the vehicle, the four headlamps are complete and in place and the glass actually appears to be in good shape with no cracks or damage, and retain great levels of clarity. Here we also have the original Alfa grill - a shape we all know and love - with well kept brightwork. The missing badge is with the parts as photographed below.
Move around to the side of the vehicle and we see a very aesthetically pleasing body line, and all of the original body panels which mould it. All panels here appear straight with no signs of any accident damage throughout - there are some little dings here and there - and the panel gaps appear to be of factory fitment, too. Paintwork is of course a little worse for wear, as to be completely expected given the cars overall state.
To the rear of the vehicle the story continues in the same fashion, original tail lights are fitted and appear to be in good condition, and the rear bumper brightwork is also surprisingly well maintained. The paintwork does require attention much like the rest of the car.
Overall though, this is an absolutely fantastic base for someone seeking for a restoration project. Good, solid metal work throughout the majority of the bodywork with some areas requiring attention, and arguably one of the prettiest and most important Alfas of its time. With some love, care and attention, this will be one stunning little piece of history!
The Mechanics
- 1779cc 4-cylinder, aluminium DOHC
- Sweet revving 122bhp
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Rear wheel-drive configuration
- Four wheel disk brakes (servo assisted)
- Lightweight back axle with independent suspension arms.
- Matching numbers engine
Did you like Lego or Mechano as a kid? Well, this is kind of like the grown-up version of those. Stripped bare of the powertrain up front and lumped onto a couple of pallets, it’s a relief to hear that the engine and box from this charming Giulia are actually the original set. Throw in the plethora of other bits and pieces, as well as the wiring loom, you’ve pretty much got a complete car here, all you’re missing is the “Some assembly required” tagline.
In functional form, these GT Veloce’s are among the most rewarding of cars to drive, that in itself is reason enough to get this car ready for ripping up the roads… the 1779cc engine is throaty and rev-happy, the chassis is beautifully balanced, the steering is sharp and responsive, and surprisingly effortlessly quick with a 0-60 time of just over 9 seconds. However, we won’t get too ahead of ourselves here.
From what can be seen, there appears to be a full car here. Engine and gearbox, of course, as well as a pile of pieces to make it all work together such as; clutch and flywheel, radiator fan, brake servo, starter motor, intake manifold, gaskets, serpentine belt, coolant hoses, carburetters, distributor and much, much more! There’s a lot to list, but there’s a lot of work involved.
All of the suspension components are already mounted to the vehicle and all appear to be in good working order, and the rear subframe is in place and holding the rear differential where it should be. Everything under the car seems very solid, there are of course a few areas which will need some welding attention but for the most part, it’s surprisingly good under here. Chassis rails appear strong and true, wheel arches are all solid, majority of the floor is in good shape, and strut towers show no signs of weakening.
We echo the point that this is a wonderful starting point for a restoration project, you’ve got most of what you need, and probably more.
Summary
Any Giulia GT Veloce is worthy of a caring custodian, and this little example here is absolutely no exception. A rewarding right hand drive example which will absolutely be worthwhile of the time investment, we urge anyone in the market for a restoration project to seriously consider this.
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