Beautiful Aquamarine Giulietta restored to an exceptional standard
Very early example with low chassis and engine number
Eligible for the Mille Miglia
Rare opportunity to buy a collector-quality Alfa Romeo saloon
The Appeal
It is perhaps typical of Alfa Romeo that the first model it launched on its new Type 750 chassis wasn’t the saloon that would sell in volume and earn the most money, it was the beautiful Giulietta Sprint coupe. Nevertheless, it meant that when the four door car came along, everyone knew that beneath the conservative three-box styling lay the heart of a sports car.
The new Giulietta was practical and yet brilliant to drive, with the sort of detail touches in the interior that made owning an Alfa Romeo just that little bit more rewarding. There was also the firm’s new twin cam ‘Bialbero’ engine, a motor so sweet revving and enjoyable that it powered Alfa Romeos for the next four decades.
This exquisite Giulietta is one of the first few hundred built and surely one of the very best available. That is thanks to a truly meticulous restoration by the previous owner that went as far as galvanising every single screw and replacing every window rubber. With selective, careful use since it remains in astonishing condition. It is eligible for the Mille Miglia so could be enjoyed there, or simple admired. Whichever the buyer chooses, this is a rare and thoroughly rewarding opportunity.
The History and Paperwork
Chassis data shows that this is car number 440 off the line with engine number 394
Acquired by the seller from a classic car collector based in Treviso
Subject to a meticulous and comprehensive structural, cosmetic and mechanical restoration by the previous owner
We are told that the restoration focussed on originality
Aspects of the interior are not original due to the non-availability of the factory materials
Where material was not available high quality Alcantara was used instead
There is a photographic record of the work with the car
Serviced and subject to a technical inspection in Spring 2023
The Interior
Beautiful interior blends originality with high quality replacement materials
There are no obvious signs of use, reflecting the care of the owners since restoration
Retrimmed using material that closely matches the factory trim as far as possible
Alcantara used for the headlining, door trims and other facing panels
Delightful dashboard with stylish oval dials and original switchgear that appears to also have been restored
Original factory two spoke steering wheel that has been restored
Green carpeting with protective tailored over mats
For a car designed for the practical daily business of moving people from A to B there are innumerable examples of Alfa Romeo flourish across the interior. It is simply arranged but beautifully styled with wonderful details like the oval dashboard and two-tone steering wheel.
The restoration of this car included the interior, which has clearly been fully refurbished and retrimmed to a very high standard. The two-tone dashboard has been retained and carries its protective leather top trim, and there are carefully tailored carpets with detail work on the transmission tunnel.
We are told that the original seat material is not available so the restoration found as close a match as possible. Elsewhere Alcantara has been used for the headlining, stylish door cards and other trim areas. The photographs clearly show the quality of the work and the attention to detail. Even the switchgear and lovely oval dials appear to have been restored.
The same story continues in the boot area which appears unused, the trim and metalwork showing no scuffs or marks.
The Exterior
Aquamarine blue paintwork seems to particularly suit the Giulietta and this car presents very well
High quality restoration evident in the quality of the paintwork and the consistency of the panel fit
Original fittings rechromed throughout and in superb condition
New Michelin tyres with refurbished steel wheels carrying unmarked chrome hubcaps
Original factory tool roll in the boot
Even the window and trim rubbers have been replaced
Stylish period-correct side window deflectors fitted
Headlights recently replaced
Italian saloons of this period and later have tended to favour a conservative, three-box styling that suggest practicality over aesthetics. However in true Alfa Romeo fashion the Giulietta plays with that idea, managing to appear both conventional yet stylish, with neat little styling details that differentiate it from its contemporaries.
It is a shape that seems to particularly suit the Aquamarine of this car. There is a record with the car that details the bare metal restoration work. The results are obvious in the photographs, the car appearing virtually showroom-fresh and with superb panel fit and excellent paint finish.
The work even included galvanising every screw and replacing every rubber seal. The light array of chromework was also refurbished and presents as new. The underside of the car inevitably follows the same theme being in excellent condition - the car looks virtually unused, only some very, very light dots of surface corrosion to note.
The car sits on new Michelin tyres with refurbished steel wheels.
We are told that the engine and gearbox have been fully rebuilt
Brakes overhauled and the seller states that the car stops well and in a straight line
Last serviced in Spring 2023 with few miles covered since
Technical inspection carried out at the same time
The seller tells us that the electrics have also been overhauled
Alfa Romeo introduced its new twin cam engine in 1954 and the Giulietta was one of its first applications. Light and in 1.3l displacement with a particularly sweet-revving nature, this much-loved engine went on to power Alfa Romeos right into the 1990s.
To complement the comprehensive bodywork and interior restoration, this car’s mechanicals were also rebuilt during the renovation work. We are told that this included the engine and gearbox and certainly the photographs of the engine bay indicate much refreshment.
The car was subject to a technical inspection in Spring 2023 when it was also serviced.
Summary
The original Giulietta established a template for post-war Alfa Romeos that the firm has wisely stuck with. Combining sports car underpinnings with practical saloon styling gave family drivers seeking motoring thrills the chance to have their cake and eat it.
This gorgeous Giulietta is one of the first built and rare to find in this condition. Restored to an exceptionally high standard it would be a joy to see on the Mille Miglia or simply enjoying the entertaining backroads of Italy on a less competitive road trip.
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.
