Lot 144: Alfa Romeo 1600 GTC

A direct evolution of the 1954 Giulietta Sprint, the Bertone designed Giulia Sprint GT soon established a fine reputation on road and track following its introduction in 1962. Against its predecessor, it was a much more refined and relaxed car to drive, reflecting the changing nature of Europe's roads as higher cruising speeds became more easily attainable. Initially, the Giulia was little more than a Giulietta powered by a 92bhp, 1,570cc version of the Giulietta 1,290cc twin-cam, all-alloy four cylinder engine. At the 1963 Frankfurt Show however, Alfa launched the Giulia Sprint GT, with pretty all-new Bertone coachwork which, for the first time, allowed practical rear seat accommodation. Power was also increased to 105bhp, good for 112mph and comfortable 100mph cruising via a five-speed gearbox. Under the steel skin, the chassis remained much as for the Giulietta: coil spring independent front suspension and a live rear axle but now with standard front disc brakes with rear discs added the following year. For 1965, a new limited production convertible model, the 1600 GTC, joined the line-up. Based on the Sprint GT but subtly restyled by Touring of Milan, this attractive variation featured a slightly more sloping tail, a larger boot, wind-up rear quarter-light windows and a hood which folded unobtrusively into a recess behind the rear seats; otherwise it shared the same mechanical specification as the Giulia Sprint GT. The GTC was produced in very limited numbers making them extremely rare today with a total production run of only 1000 in total. Manufactured in 1965 this blue marine example is in stunning condition having undergone a complete restoration at a cost in excess of ­70,000. The interior is finished in red vinyl which contrasts beautifully with the dark blue bodywork. Since the work has been completed the car has only covered 400 kilometres and, as you would expect, it is in excellent condition. With exquisite lines this stylish convertible is a must for any Alfa collector. Der Alfa Romeo GTC wurde in nur 1000 Exemplaren hergestellt und ist eines der ganz wenigen viersitzigen Cabrios dieser Zeit. Bei der Restaurierung dieses sehr speziellen GTC wurden weder Kosten noch Mxhen gescheut, die Restaurierunsgkosten betrugen mehr als ­ 70.000. Selbst von unten sieht dieser Wagen besser aus als neu und auch die sehr attraktive Farbgebung von dunkelblauer Karrosserie mit dunkelroter Innenausstattung l`?t keine Wxnsche offen. Ein Fahrzeug fxr den wirklichen Alfa Romeo Liebhaber.