Description
The Giulietta Sprint was born in the late 1950s, the result of Bertone’s work and Alfa Romeo engineering. It sits in the line of post‑war small Italian sports cars, offering a remarkable compromise between style, lightness and performance. Initially, the Giulietta Sprint was equipped with a 1. 3‑litre twin‑cam engine and a compact chassis, which allowed it to stand out for its agility and sporty temperament. Very quickly, the Giulietta’s success led Alfa Romeo to develop a more powerful version to meet the expectations of performance enthusiasts, while preparing the transition to the Giulia series.
It is in this context that the 1600 version came about around 1963. The designation Giulietta Sprint 1600 or Giulia Sprint 1600 signals the move to a 1. 6‑litre engine, with an exact displacement of about 1, 570 cm³. The engine retained the alloy head and twin‑cam, with a single or double carburettor depending on the model, delivering roughly 100 to 112 horsepower, which allowed the car to reach a top speed of 170 to 180 km/ h. The gearbox was generally four‑speed, and some, rarer examples, could receive a five‑speed box on prepared versions.
Compared with the Giulietta 1300, the 1600 was distinguished by higher torque and power, offering better mid‑range acceleration and a more assertive on‑road behaviour. The interior finishes were modernised with a redesigned dashboard and new gauges, helping to make the driving experience more comfortable and modern. The chassis remained true to the Alfa Romeo tradition, light and rigid, which ensured precise and enjoyable road manners, especially for a car of this displacement.
Production of the Giulietta/ Giulia Sprint 1600 was relatively limited (7, 107 examples), spanning mainly the years 1963 and 1964. These cars quickly found a role in competition, rallies and touring car racing, with preparations ranging from carburettor improvements to cylinder head and camshaft work, allowing the 1. 6‑litre engine’s full potential to be exploited.
This very handsome example, of Italian origin and in superb condition, has had only three owners. Based in Belgium since 2017, the car has had a redone interior and, in 2025, a full service including new tyres. The front drum brakes were recently replaced with discs for greater efficiency, with the original parts kept. It runs perfectly, offers authentic driving pleasure and is ready to roll immediately.
