Elmar sent me this picture yesterday, describing it as ‘pimped’. It reminded me that I’ve been owing the ‘Modified SS’s’ post series an update for a while. This one is dedicated to the modern era super sports type mod’s that probably started with the Zat SS (381238 was the basis) that eventually sold through RM in 2008 for just under $50K. I can’t verify the auction description below -but it states that 4 Zat SS’s were made and two survive.
This car has been to the ‘Shelby Cobra 427′ school of design: very wide wheels, chunky bulbous corners and a big ol’ hood scoop. Would be funny if it was stock Alfa powered. I suspect it is an SS body on a tube frame. Continue reading “Modified Sprint Speciale's 3: another Zat car??”
Market 332: Rough Giulia SS in Italy
This car is available right now on Italian eBay. It appears to be very complete and very rusty. I think pictures of this car were on the AlfaBB a few months ago. One of the Italian readers care to call the seller and find out which car this is? As a restoration object it’s going to be a challenge. As a parts car it will be very helpful and yield a lot of extras that can be sold off. Check it out.
It’s a shame. This was probably a nice car that suffered a minor fault, was parked and let to rot. Someone will take this project on and spend a mint -at least it’s worth big $ when done.
Continue reading “Market 332: Rough Giulia SS in Italy”
Reader Race Report: Lime Rock 2011 Fall Finale
Track day report from Giulietta Sprint owner Marc in Mass, photo’s were taken by Jim Dyer, captions are mine: ” The 2011 Fall Finale vintage race the last racing event organized by the VSCCA and was held at Lime Rock Track October 14 and 15. The weather cooperated and the participants were graced by sunshine  and an almost dry track as rain was only sporadic. A strong number of Alfisti showed up and so the organizers were able to add an extra 15 lap session on the Friday for Alfas only! 8 Spiders (2 Veloces) ranging from 1956 to 1959, 2 Sprints (1 gorgeous red Veloce in period livery) and a delightful 1960 Sprint Zagato piloted by Sandra McNeil. Added  to the mix was a 1976 Berlina and a 1966 Lancia Fulvia both driven by Italian ex-pats.  Several of the lighter Spiders battled up front while other cars were happy to get a real Italian tune-up. The spectators were treated to some spirited drifting around Big Ben and through the S’s.  In the end each driver was a winner as all cars survived both days. Amazing to see a wonderful group of 50 some year old cars fly around this lovely race track framed by the surrounded fall colored hills.”
We all know what this must sound like -a 12 cylinder air plane or 4 Alfa race cars approaching!
Continue reading “Reader Race Report: Lime Rock 2011 Fall Finale”
Market 137: SVZCT 10126*00184 pretty please???
Update 10/29/11: Auction has been pulled. Almost certainly a scam.
Update 10/29/11: This car is on eBay right now out of Morrison CO. Picture are the same as those marketing the car at Fantasy Junction in 2009.Â
Update 4/9/11: This charmer is going to be auctioned by RM at Villa d’Este on May 21st. Still my favorite! I just noticed I don’t have a register for Zagato variants and I don’t have many pictures. Anyone want to share their collection?
Seems to have been treated well since the last visit to these pages.
Originally posted 8/1/09: Giulietta Sprint Veloce Zagato II ‘Coda Tronca’ 10126*00184. That’s one mouthful of a name. This desirable object is probably parked beside the subject of Market 136 in the Fantasy Junction showroom. For the $355,000 asking price of this jewel you could buy two of those Lightweight Sprints and throw in the Fulvia Zagato with the remainder and still pay most of the tax and reg.
Austere is a good word for these -at least the ‘markedly simple’ part of the definition. The beautiful form of a shape derived solely to fulfill a function. Light weight, low drag coefficient, low center of gravity and yet unmistakeably a Zagato creation. This particular model, of which so few were made, is possibly my favorite.
Continue reading “Market 137: SVZCT 10126*00184 pretty please???”
Identification numbers Part 1: Sprint Autotelaio number
Update 10/25/11: Time marches on. I read these old posts and find myself in the interesting position of not remembering what I have written so it’s fresh -like seeing yourself from an others perspective. Not many times in life when you can look at yourself this way. I’m glad I started this madness. Enjoy, and as Giulietta owners like to say -keep the rev’s up!
Update 11/10/09: Below was first posted on 6/26/08. I carry on with the projects and other pursuits. A new post is almost done. There are some Spiders (as usual) on eBay that deserve a quick mention but again, time has been precious.
Thanks for stopping by and today 5 boxes with T-shirts went out to Tom who paid first, Chris in UK, Dirk in Germany, Peter in Portland and Marco in Illinois. Send me a paypal or check and I’ll get yours in the mail too,
Update 2: Looking over all the cars I have numbers for it looks more likely that 101.02 cars have the new 001.02 engines while 101.05 cars have the 1315* series engines that are modified to accept the 101 engine series head.
Update 1: 101.02 versus 101.05 is a market difference. I read in a reputable source that 101.05 was the model number for US Market Sprints.
If you start looking carefully at the parts on your Giulietta Sprint, Sprint Veloce or Sprint Speciale you will notice there are a lot of numbers stamped, cast, engraved or written with grease pencil in Italian long-hand. These numbers tell you the year, model, and on early cars can match engine number to VIN number. The more subtle markings can shed a little light on how these cars were assembled and can be of great assistance when trying to identify what is correct for your car. I am going to focus on the vehicle identification numbers of Sprint and Sprint Veloce’s in this post and will look at the Engine numbers, Bertone numbers and Sprint Speciale specific numbers separately later.
Tipo or type and series are the fundamental identifiers. Tipo is essentially the model name and series is the model number, which changed over time and for different markets. The first picture is the build plate for one of my cars. It is a Tipo: Giulietta Sprint, Series 101.05. It doesn’t actually say Sprint on the build plate, it’s sort of implied by the car itself that it is a Sprint.
Several identifying numbers can be seen in this picture. On the build plate are the Series, Autotelaio (VIN) and Motore (Engine) numbers. Above the plate, stamped in the body is the number Bertone used to identify the car during fabrication and assembly. The Autotelaio is also stamped on the firewall just below the bundle of wires that can be seen in this picture.
Continue reading “Identification numbers Part 1: Sprint Autotelaio number”
Market 329: Giuliettas.com exclusive Spider 750 racer
Giulietta Spider 750D 1495*04899. I get the occasional email asking to feature a car and I’m always torn. I’m doing a favor while doing what some might regard as business and then expected to be objective. Some have been difficult, but this one, being a purpose built racer, is easy -especially easy since it was restored/racer built in the mid-1980’s. From what can be seen in the photos the fit and finish is excellent. Hopefully the racing groups it was built for haven’t changed their tune.
I’m thinking those are widened steel wheels. A good way to go as they tend to be lighter than alloys -especially what was available in the 80’s. Paint still looks excellent. Many a Spider racer has been number 57 methinks. Stance is tough looking without being too low. Suspension would have to be very stiff to avoid tire rubs.
Continue reading “Market 329: Giuliettas.com exclusive Spider 750 racer”
ARA All Italian Car day 2011
ARA All Italian Day car show. I’ve been busy. Moved 3 times this summer, kid on the way, trying to make a start-up start up etc. I made time this weekend and went to the Alfa Romeo Associations All Italian Day in Alameda. Turnout was probably the best I’ve ever seen and the weather was amazing. Here are some pictures I took. This show is the best of the year for me.
The Jeff Glenn (24 hours of Lemons fame among other things) SS.Â
Continue reading “ARA All Italian Car day 2011”
Market 325: Project/parts Sprint on eBay
Update 10/08/11: Sold for $3748. A great deal for someone who doesn’t mind parting them out.
Of note is this Giulietta Sprint on eBay, sold as a companion to a 67 GTV. Pictures/description etc are basically useless, but if you’re in the neighborhood you may get what turns out to be a decent Sprint for a bargain.
It’s a Sprint. It has European marker lights. It has glass. Missing hood. Moderately rusty. With Sprints bringing the money they are these days and lots of cars being restored, a chunk of change could be made taking this car apart if it proves too rusty.
Continue reading “Market 325: Project/parts Sprint on eBay”
Market 327: Very nice Spider 750D 03579
Update 10/11/11: $30,200 with reserve not met. I would have thought $35,000 or a little less would or should buy it.
Giulietta Spider 750D 1495*03579. This magnificent example is on eBay right now out of Colorado. 750 Alfa’s are at the top of the Alfa Market for Sprints (06611 or before) and Spiders and I expect this car will go for serious money to bear this out. It was restored back when repro parts were scarce and original nice parts were still available and reasonable.
No flashy pictures here -just good honest ‘show the item’ shots. Trunk and door fit looks excellent. Paint finish looks amazing. No excuses trim fit and finish is rare to see. Continue reading “Market 327: Very nice Spider 750D 03579”
Market 326: Clean 101 Spider 169451
Update 9/30/11: Reserve not met after 22 bids resulting in $25,100 offer.
Giulietta Spider 10103*169451, 00102*22443. This 1961 Spider comes to us on eBay from Goodman Reed Motorcars, the sellers of the vent window SS. Its a clean solid example with a nice coat of detailing -the right way to sell a car. Bidding is a reasonable $15,200 as I write but I expect they’d like to see somewhere in the 30’s. The market is moving fast and I’ll expect they’ll do alright on this car. Oh, and magnificent pictures as usual. You can see the full set of pictures via the VIN link above.
Looks like it could be a factory advertising picture from back int he day. Santa Barbara is a picturesque place. Is that Oprah’s mountain in the background?
Continue reading “Market 326: Clean 101 Spider 169451”