Lot 025: 1966 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA SPRINT GTA

Introduced at the 1965 Amsterdam Motor Show, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA was a Group 2 homologation special (the 'A' in its name being short for 'Alleggerita' meaning 'Lightened'). Arriving on the scene later than key rivals such as the Ford Lotus-Cortina and BMW 1800Ti the newcomer decided to play 'leap frog' rather than 'catch up'. By starting with a Giulia Sprint GT in its skeletal form and then building it up with aluminium alloy body panels pop riveted into place, lightweight seats, plastic rear side windows, Campagnolo wheels and minimal sound insulation etc, Alfa Romeo achieved an incredible 450lbs weight saving (though, experiments with an alloy floorpan proved a step too far). Equipped with independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a twin radius arm-located back axle, re-circulating ball steering and importantly four-wheel disc brakes, the GTA was powered by a 1570cc DOHC four-cylinder engine allied to five-speed manual transmission. In many ways as important as its alloy skin, the model's 'Twin Plug' cylinder head not only brought a notable improvement in combustion efficiency but also allowed the use of bigger valves. Properly set-up, a race-specification GTA motor could put out up to 170bhp @ 7,800rpm. To satisfy the FIA's production requirements, the would-be racer was made by both the Alfa Romeo factory and its Autodelta competition arm. While, the former were entrusted with the road-going 'Stradale' cars, the circuit-bound 'Corsa' machines were strictly the proviso of the latter. Indeed, it is not an exaggeration to say that every 'Corsa' began life as a 'Stradale' before being torn apart and reconfigured according to an almost impossibly long list of options (the most famous of which was probably the 'sliding block' rear suspension). Although, ticking too many boxes on the Autodelta options list elevated the price tag into Ferrari and Lamborghini territory, it resulted in one hell of a racer. Forced to play second fiddle to Sir John Whitmore's Alan Mann prepared Lotus-Cortina during 1965, the GTA proved to be in a class of its own thereafter with the Autodelta backed Andrea de Adamich winning the 1966 and 1967 European Touring Car Championships. Predictably rarer than its counterpart, right-hand drive GTA production is thought to have totalled circa 200 cars (though, the majority of those were 'Stradales'). The chassis number 'AR752556' is associated with a UK-supplied right-hand drive Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA 'Stradale'. Unfortunately, there are two cars with a claim to being 'AR752556', a fact which only became clear after this one was sold by another auction house for a hammer price of £50,000 in January 2007. The other 'AR752556' is based in North America. We have not compared the two cars side by side, nor would we pretend to be in a position to authenticate either one. The Alfa Romeo that we are offering for sale here today is (a) accompanied by the original log book issued to 'AR752556' and (b) carries the UK registration number, 'FOD 955D'. A former competitor in Top Hat Racing's pre-'66 Historic Touring Car series (where it was allowed to run with flared rear wings and widened split-rim alloys), the coupe achieved quite some success at the hands of previous keeper, Simon Garrad. Since entering the current ownership, 'FOD 955D' has been inspected by Tom Shephard of GT Services (a copy of whose report remains on file) and dyno tested by Tim Adams Racing Engines where its 'Twin Plug' engine was found to be delivering some 165bhp and 117lbft of torque. The subject of a recent gearbox and back axle overhaul, the Alfa Romeo is further understood to have benefited from a fresh clutch and brand new alloys. Reputedly tipping the scales at just 760kgs despite the presence of a fully welded-in roll cage, it was shaken down by Barrie 'Whizzo' Williams at the Mallory Park circuit. Under strict instructions to stop testing once he began circulating in 56 seconds or less, Whizzo was out for just eight laps! Finished in red with a high-backed Sparco race seat, 'FOD 955D' is described by the vendor as being in "good overall" condition. A highly competitive proposition, it is offered for sale with the aforementioned documentation and new FIA HTP papers dated April 12th 2007. PLEASE NOTE: The vendor informs us that the gearbox fitted to this lot has been modified in the style of the later racing GTAs so that fourth and fifth gears are in the same vertical plane. PLEASE NOTE: This lot is NOT accompanied by an old log book, but does have a current registration document.