Highlights
- Ex-South Africa - Johannesburg (Moved to UK 2018 and registered in 2019)
- Nice low mileage example
- Partly restored, re-trimmed interior (2016)
- Original engine
The Appeal
It is often said that ‘you haven’t driven until you drive an Alfa Romeo’. That statement can of course be taken either way, but there is no getting away from the Italian marque’s unique automotive romance that develops between the car and its driver.
Penned by Italian automotive design wizard Giuseppe Scarnati, the ‘Giulia’ was a line of sporty four-door compact saloons (Type 105) produced from 1962 to 1978. Alfa Romeo was one of the early mainstream manufacturers to wedge a powerful engine in a light-weight car for mass production. The Type 105 Giulia was equipped with a light alloy, twin overhead camshaft, four-cylinder engine which offered a driving experience like no other in its day.
History and Paperwork
- Partly restored in South Africa from 2014
- Imported to UK 2019
- Interior re-trimmed 2021
- Dry-stored/driven and garaged when not in use
- V5 certificate in keeper’s name
According to the limited data on the production plate (in conjunction with a communication from the Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club UK [see gallery]), a build date of around December, 1970 may reasonably be assumed for this South African Alfa Romeo Giulia 1750 GT Veloce.
Built from CKD (‘completely knocked down’) kits exported to South Africa, production of the Alfa Romeo 1750 continued until 1977 at the Rosslyn assembly plant near Pretoria. A total of 1,138 1750s were assembled and retailed in South Africa, including 240 first-series 1750s.
The car was acquired in 2014 by the vendor while Working in South Africa. Described as being in ‘a pretty poor state’, the Alfa underwent a steady and methodical restoration out there and accompanied the vendor’s return to the UK in 2018, at which time it received its first UK registration on the 1st of November, 2019. Little is known of its years south of the Equator or how many keepers it may have endured.
Accompanying the car will be the V5C in the vendor’s name, a letter from the Alfa Romeo Club UK pertaining to its build and a number of invoices from classic Alfa and others for £549.18 and £1,164.57, as detailed in the gallery.
Also to accompany the car will be a comprehensively detailed ‘Alfa Romeo Giulia – Spider Owners’ Workshop Manual’, from the renowned Brooklands Series of automotive self-help publications.
The Interior
- Typically period Alfa Romeo
- Re-trimmed to a high standard in 2016
- Still needs minor finishes, but none overly challenging
- New interior trimmed door handles
The interior presents in good condition, the highlight of which is the high standard of the re-trimming given to the front and rear furniture, door cards and dashboard topper. The headlining and carpetry also present in good condition for the car’s age.
There are a few small, seemingly inexpensive issues to the interior trim that the new keeper may wish to address, namely the dashboard veneer and the addition of a period-specific audio unit or a blank to fill the space. The leather on the passenger headrest has parted ways and requires re-adhesion (see gallery).
The tidy boot currently houses a full dust cover for the car which will accompany the sale. Unfortunately, there is no spare wheel or related tools available.
The Exterior
- Recently machine polished and ceramic coated
- Rosso Red gleams brightly
- Chrome work is mostly in good order
- New cloverleaf c pillar badges and 1750 script
- New outer chrome door handles
Handsomely presented in striking Italian Rosso Red, the paintwork recently received a machine polish and protective ceramic coating which has transformed the exterior.
There are one or two issues to the outside that may need attention at some point – namely to the chrome work on the front and rear bumpers and small blemishes in the paintwork and the driver’s door mounts will need resetting. There is age-related pitting to the leading edge chrome of both door mirrors which, some may say adds to the car’s character and should remain.
The original steelies are shod with a set of new Nexen N Blue HD+ tyres all round and finished off with a smart set of bespoke AR hubcaps.
A cursory glance down each flank of the car shows no evidence of collision damage and even the front valance and number plate – for all their vulnerability, remain blemish free.
The Mechanics
- Engine requires a light tune-up due to non-use
- Runs and drives well
- Underside appears in very good condition for its 52 years
- Original engine
During the photo shoot, the Alfa Romeo was frequently repositioned to obtain the best of changeable coastal light. The 1.8-litre four-pot started first and every time, but would benefit from a tune-up due largely to non-use in recent months. Indeed, we are advised that the car has been driven less than 100 miles since its arrival in the UK.
The five-speed manual gearbox connected smoothly and the clutch engaged with no drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway. The keeper reports ‘sticky brakes and the rear off-side wheel needs balancing and a requirement to double-declutch when going down from 3rd to 2nd gear’. The car has a new clutch but the gearbox oil will likely need changing.
Elsewhere, the car is said to be in good mechanical condition with the engine, steering, drivetrain and running gear to be in good working order. Lowering springs have been fitted to the car, but the originals have been retained.
The vendor stated that the engine and gearbox mounts have been replaced, as have all suspension bushes and the wiper motor. The brake servos and master cylinder have been rebuilt, along with the callipers and new disks and pads fitted. In addition, the speedometer cable will need replacing.
The underside and lower sills present in very good order with considerably less natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.
Summary
Essentially, two options are open to its next keeper…give this Alfa Romeo a light internal and external TLC of the minor identified issues to further elevate its standard, or simply leave it in its ‘lovingly used’ condition, keep the mechanicals running as smoothly as they currently do and continue to enjoy the road less travelled – and not just on Sundays.
In addition, membership to the Alfa Romeo Owners Club (aroc-uk.com) is open to everyone with historic, current and future interest in this historic Italian marque and their respective members are as knowledgeable, helpful and enthusiastic as they come.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
