It may have been built in 1963, but everything about this Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale harkens back to 1957. That year would witness both the final running of the fabled Mille Miglia and the unveiling of Alfa Romeo’s Sprint Speciale prototype at the Turin Auto Show. To its considerable credit, the new Alfa Romeo seemed designed for success on the open road race. Drag coefficient of the small coupe was an astonishingly low 0.28 and when combined with the Giulietta’s 1300cc four-cylinder engine and five-speed transmission allowed the Alfa Romeo to cruise above 100mph. As if to reinforce its intent, an acrylic bug deflector lay at the base of the windshield just like many of the Mille Miglia entrants from manufacturers like Ferrari and Maserati. But this was not to be. The race would be cancelled over safety concerns and the Sprint Speciale would take another six years to see production. As one might imagine, with the Sprint Speciale’s incredible looks, significant name and low production numbers, prices for the model are skyrocketing and most unrestored cars are being comprehensively restored to showroom condition. This car, thankfully, isn’t one of them. According to the seller, this Sprint Speciale was modified for racing with the deletion of the bumpers and back seat, the addition of the later 1600cc Giulia engine, and what would appear to be a lowered suspension. Considerable sins, these, to anyone with a concours mindset. But for those of us who love to compete on road and track the changes are of as little concern as the chipped paint and heavily patinated interior. We absolutely adore these cars for their incredible styling and—if we’re being forthright—think the Sprint Speciale’s shape looks better without the bumpers and on lowered suspension. If it were ours we’d play up the late 50s road rally vibe with a set of silver Borrani Wire Wheels and drive, drive, drive. Find the Alfa Romeo for sale here on eBay in Haverhill, Massachusetts with the reserve not yet met at 42,000.
Is that Steve Coldewe’s car?
Never mind.