Footnotes

Introduced in 1962, Alfa Romeo's 106-Series 2600 range was a direct replacement for the preceding 102-Series 2000 cars. The latter's chassis design and body styles were retained, with minor revisions and improvements, but in place of the old, long-stroke, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine was a new, 2,584cc, twin-cam six clearly descended from the immensely successful Giulietta. A maximum output of 145bhp was claimed for this unit when installed in the Sprint Coupé and Spider, good enough for a top speed of around 200km/h, and Cars Illustrated magazine reckoned this magnificent power unit "one of the smoothest, quietest running sixes, irrespective of the speed at which it is running, in our experience". Carrozzerias Touring and Bertone were responsible for the 2600 Spider and Sprint Coupé respectively; both of which looked like their 2000 predecessors.

Raced by both the works and privateers, the 2600 Sprint achieved class wins in the 24 Heures du Spa, Tour de France, Nürburgring 12 Hours, Monza 4 Hours and other rounds of the European Touring Car Championship. During the same period it was also extensively hill-climbed and rallied, proving to be a powerful and reliable all-rounder. A total of approximately 2,255 Spiders and 6,999 Sprint Coupés were produced between 1962 and 1966, and today these rare and hitherto under-appreciated models are becoming increasingly sought after by discerning collectors.

Finished in Grigio Alba with blue leather interior, this Sprint Coupé was purchased in Brescia, Italy 10 years ago, by its current owner who stored the car in a closed air-conditioned garage. The paintwork was redone years ago, it is still presenting well but is now showing some minor blemishes, while the interior is described as good overall with some repairs done. The vendor advises us that the car was regularly maintained and driven once a week, the engine bay would still benefit of a detailing. Sold strictly as viewed, the car is currently registered in Lebanon and comes complete with spare wheel and cover, jack, wheel wrench and ASI 'Gold Plate'. The provision of triple Dell'Orto DHLA 40H carburettors complete with sports air filter is the only notified deviation from factory specification.