1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC Cabriolet

Registration no. KJJ 213D Chassis no. AR760084

Footnotes

Launched in 1963, the Giulia Sprint GT featured classically stylish four-seater coachwork designed by Bertone's Giorgetto Giugiaro, though this was now manufactured not by Bertone but at Alfa's new factory at Arese. Beneath the skin the new coupé utilised the recently introduced 105-Series Giulia TI saloon's five-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension, coil-sprung live rear axle and - early cars excepted - all round disc brakes. The Sprint GT came with 106bhp on tap (up from the TI's 92bhp courtesy of two twin-choke Weber carburettors) an output sufficient for a top speed of around 112mph. Improvements to the inlet ports characterised the more-powerful (109bhp) engine of the Sprint GTV (or GT Veloce) introduced for 1967.

One of the rarer variants was the limited edition GTC cabriolet, the only four-seater convertible in the Giulietta/Giulia family, only 999 examples of which were produced between 1964 and 1966. Subtly restyled by Touring of Milan, the GTC featured a slightly more sloping tail, larger boot, wind-up rear quarter-lights, and a hood that folded unobtrusively into a recess behind the rear seats. Exhilarating driver's cars, the Sprint GT range was an immense success for Alfa Romeo, enjoying a 14-year production run lasting until 1977.

This rare Giulia GTC is the 84th of 99 right-hand drive models made; the whereabouts of only 12 others are known. According to Alfa Romeo Automobilisimo Storico, chassis number 'AR760084' was manufactured on 9th March 1966 and sold on the 25th of that month to Alfa Romeo UK, London. The original colour scheme was Hawthorn White with black interior, the same as it is today.

A highly original example, 'AR70084' comes complete with a copy of its original buff logbook confirming matching numbers. Having resided in the UK for most of its life, the Alfa was purchased by a Swiss collector who kept it in Paris with French registration. This previous owner did not stint on maintenance, spending approximately €20,000 on works including a repaint and a new hood. Now back in the UK, the Giulia has been reunited with its original UK registration number from 1966. We are advised that it is in excellent and very original condition, benefiting from a rebuilt gearbox, overhauled brakes, and a full service and tune. During the vendor's ownership, the incorrectly finished dashboard was restored to original condition, with additional holes removed and original fittings replaced; these works being carried out by specialists DTR Sports Cars. Reportedly lovely to drive, very rare, and a must for any Alfa collector, this stylish convertible comes with sundry restoration invoices and a V5C Registration Certificate.