Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 103
1970 Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato 1300 Coupe Coachwork by Carrozzeria Zagato Chassis no. AR1800256
Sold for US$39,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 103
1970 Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato 1300 Coupe
1970 Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato 1300 Coupe
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Zagato
Chassis no. AR1800256
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Zagato
Chassis no. AR1800256
1290cc DOHC Inline Four-Cylinder Engine
Twin Weber 40 DCOE Side Draft Carburetors
103bhp
5-Speed Manual Gearbox
IFS, Live Rear Axle with Trailing Links and T-Bar, Coil Springs
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Charming and stylish Zagato coachwork
*Featherweight body with energetic twin-cam power
*Crisply presented in red over black upholstery
*One of just 1,100 1300 Juniors built
*Recently serviced brakes and steering
*Includes spare 1600 'big block' engine
*A fabulous driver's car brimming with character
THE ALFA ROMEO JUNIOR ZAGATO
One of the oldest and most respected automotive design houses, Zagato was founded in Milan in 1919 by Ugo Zagato, who used techniques learned in the wartime aeronautics industry to create a series of lightweight competition car bodies. Alfa Romeo immediately realized the potential of Zagato's designs and thus commenced a fruitful collaboration that lasts to this day. Some of the 20th Century's most beautiful cars have been Zagato-bodied Alfa Romeos.
The creator of some of Carrozzeria Zagato's most memorable designs of the post-WW2 period - arguably its most productive - was Ercole Spada. Spada introduced the sawn-off 'Kamm' tail to the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ, and was also responsible for the Giulietta and 2600 SZs and the Junior Z, the latter being one of the last models developed under the stewardship of company founder, Ugo Zagato.
Based on the mechanicals of the 105-Series Giulia and a shortened Duetto platform, the Junior Z was introduced for 1970 in '1300' form before being upgraded with the 1,570cc engine in 1972. Lighter than the production models from which it was derived, despite – unusually for a Zagato design – having steel body panels rather than aluminum. The Junior Z was compact, nimble, aerodynamically efficient and remarkably fast. The 1,290cc twin-cam four produced 103 horsepower at 6,000rpm, enough to propel the sleek little Z to a top speed of around 175km/h (109mph). The 1300 continued in production until October 1972, by which time 1,108 had been produced - enough to enable homologation in FIA Appendix J Group 3 – despite Alfa Romeo never intending to race it. A further 402 examples of the larger '1600' version were built up to 1975.
THE CAR OFFERED
Looking crisp and businesslike in Alfa Red over black upholstery, this 1300 Junior Zagato benefits from long-term ownership, having been in the care of just one enthusiastic custodian since the mid-1990s. A well-maintained and honest example, it wears a few individual touches that help this already distinctive Alfa stand apart. The body is straight and well detailed, displaying attractive paintwork and nice period touches including a Carello headlamps behind the distinctive Perspex cover, and rolling on stylish Fergat wheels shod with Yokohama tires. Inside, the 70s-cool sport seats are trimmed in black leatherette with fabric inserts and there's a red leather-rimmed Personal three-spoke wheel to dress things up.
Over their many years of his ownership, the consignor has enjoyed the car to the fullest, using it in various driving events and marque gatherings in the Pacific Northwest. Still powered by a proper 1300 engine, the seller reports that a spare 1600 engine (requiring recommissioning) will be included should the new owner wish for a bit more grunt.
An honest, driver-focused example, this Junior Z represents an excellent opportunity to add a fantastic little Zagato-bodied Alfa to your garage.
Additional information
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