Lot 005: 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTC

Although clearly based on the Bertone-styled Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT coupe, the Giulia Sprint GTC convertible was engineered and built by Carrozzeria Touring (who presumably came up with the more competitive tender). Launched at the March 1965 Geneva Salon, the newcomer featured a reinforced floorpan, thicker door pillars / sills and additional footwell bracing in an attempt to minimize scuttle shake. Equipped with the same independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, beam rear axle and four-wheel disc brakes as its tintop sibling, the droptop was similarly engaging to drive. Powered by a 1570cc DOHC four-cylinder engine allied to five-speed manual transmission, the GTC was reputedly capable of spirited acceleration and a 112mph top speed. A real head-turner thanks to its compact folding hood and wind-down rear windows, the Alfa combined roadster looks with 2+2 practicality. Only marketed for the 1965 and 1966 seasons, just 1,000 GTCs are thought to have been made (though, today survivors are few and far between). Something of a forgotten jewel, the model fell victim to Carrozzeria Touring's financial difficulties and in-house competition from the Pininfarina-penned Duetto Spider. Finished in red with black upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "very good overall" condition. Believed but not warranted to have (a) had just two previous keepers and (b) been restored during the mid 1990s, the convertible entered the current ownership via auction during 2001. Reportedly forming part of a private collection in Southern Ireland since then, it is understood to have been "kept in a dehumidified garage" but to have seen "little use". Riding on correct-type steel wheels, this rare Giulia Sprint GTC would seem well suited to Continental touring.