Barn find Restoration project - Dry climate car - comparatively solid underneath.
1964 - Genuine Step-Nose "Scalino" front car, with sought after early high rear wheel arch body
THE APPEAL
Styled by legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro when he was only 19 years old as the definition of a young man’s sports coupé, the Alfa Romeo Giulia GT became one of the most desirable cars of the late Sixties and early Seventies and is adored by collectors today.
Early versions of the ‘Tipo 105’, with their sharply scalloped bonnet, are known as the "Scalino" models, Italian for "stepped". This one is extremely rare in that it’s a very early car and also a genuine RHD model, having spent the majority of its life in the drier climes of the Republic of South Africa.
Those with VIN numbers starting with "AR751" (which this car has), were only used on the 1964 Sprint GT model, from Feb 1964 to January 1965, and there is a letter from the Alfa Romeo Owners Club verifying this car is indeed a Genuine 105.04 series Giulia Sprint GT RHD, which was the most desirable, sporty, and rare 105 coupe of the period, and the only model fitted with the larger, sought after 1,600cc Twin Cam engine, developing 122 bhp, (rather than the less powerful 1300cc unit). This one has been further upgraded to a later-spec, torquier 1779cc twin cam, but the vendor has the correct engine available if required for an additional £3,250.
There were a total of 21,542 Sprint GT's produced globally of which only 2,274 were RHD, making this genuine example a very rare car indeed. By contrast there were 91,195 GT Juniors made.
This one was bought by the vendor with a view to it becoming a full restoration project and ‘forever car’, but health issues have stood in his way meaning it must reluctantly be sold. 20221019_174625.jpg3.64 MB
This is a project car that has been off the road for some time and the interior will need some attention. The roof lining is in reasonable condition and the seats are serviceable, but show wear with some small holes in the front seat coverings.
The dashboard is in reasonably good condition, but is from a later 1960s Giulia 105, so depending on what the new owner wishes to do with the car, may want replacing. It's worth noting the large majority of parts, (ie. mechanical, body, and interior trim) for these 105 series cars are readily available from a number of specialist classic Alfa Romeo parts suppliers . There’s also a smart period wood-rimmed accessory steering wheel.20221019_171642.jpg3.39 MB
THE EXTERIOR
Original panels in mostly good condition
Good front and rear bulkheads
Good brightwork - bumpers currently removed (see photos)
Some welding required – but not excessive
The Alfa was repainted many years ago in what appears to be Montreal Green, but from the interior of the boot, where some of the original paint can be seen, it appears it was originally Alfa Rosso – or bright red.
Its body condition makes it a great starting point for a restoration, as the structure, chassis cross-members, bulkheads, floors and majority of metalwork are all sound and reusable.
The outer sills will need replacing, although the sill hangers are solid, as they were recently used to jack the car up. It will need a new battery box, as acid leakage has taken its toll, and there are a few localised areas in the body where corrosion has taken hold, notably on the roof, the leading edge of the rear arches, and the rear window scuttle.
The doors are solid and have good frames, and the floors all appear in solid condition. The inside of the boot also shows minimal corrosion, as does the spare wheel well.
Additionally, the rear floor, chassis runners and suspension arms all appear in decent condition, and the front chassis runners appear structurally solid and serviceable, with minor creasing from being jacked.
The car is also a desirable early high rear wheel-arch model, a sought after pre-1967 car.
It is fitted with period 'MOMO Vega' alloy wheels, which appear in decent solid condition and could be refurbished. These Momo wheels were a popular period upgrade, and are arguably sportier than the standard steel wheels fitted to this model. 20221019_163605.jpg4.97 MB
THE MECHANICS
1779cc aluminium twin cam four
Twin Weber 40 carbs
Five-speed manual
Four-wheel disc brakes
The Alfa is fitted with Twin Cam engine number AR0160880257 and is fitted with twin Weber 40 side draught Carburettors. Recent research by the vendor shows that the engine is actually a later 1,779cc unit of the type fitted to later 1750 GTVs, but if the buyer is seeking originality then the vendor has a ‘502’-block 1,600cc engine available if required for an additional £3,250, (see photos of stripped engine, showing all parts available for additional purchase), and this will be kept aside until after the auction concludes to give the winner the option to buy.
That said, if performance is the aim, then the torquier 1779cc unit is eligible for most historic race series, or a great upgrade for a resto-mod conversion
The engine starts and runs sweetly. It sounds great but hasn't been run since April 2022, and the carbs need refurbishment, as there are some blocked jets – it runs from a can but the carbs will need to be set up properly before it can be driven.
In addition, the GT has a lightweight rear axle and servo assisted four-wheel disc brakes. 20221019_171744.jpg4.78 MB
SUMMARY
There are a number of options for the car, i.e. restore it back to standard Sprint GT spec, create a GTA race car (it has the period correct high rear arches of the 1964 GTAs) or use it as the basis for an exciting resto-mod Alfaholics-style, as these are now also becoming very popular, especially since the appearance of a £325k Alfaholics car on a recent series of Top Gear.
The vendor is aware that work is required to fully restore this car and has priced it at a sensible reserve. It would make an excellent project not least because restored early Sprint GTs fetch a very tidy sum.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
