1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint Coupé

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.

This Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint Coupé left the factory on 20th September 1963 and was delivered new to its first owner in the province of Novara in northern Italy on 20th February 1964, passing to the second owner, again in Novara, in 1976. Since 2013 the Alfa has formed part of the vendor's exclusive private collection.

Finished in the stunning colour combination of 'Argento Indian' with blue leather interior, the car comes with its owner's manual, original service book, Certificate of origin, estratto cronologico, and Italian registration documents. With beautiful colours and only three owners in 58 years, this wonderful car represents an exciting opportunity to own one of the last great Gran Turismos from Alfa Romeo.