Lot 153: Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale

Cette magnifique Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale fut pr�c�demment immatricul�e en Italie au nom d'Adriano Baratti de Mantoue. En 1998, elle passa aux mains de Giovanni Federzoni de Mod�ne. Elle poss�de ses papiers FIA (�mis en 1988) qui datent son moteur de 1961, et son homologation ASI (de 1997) et son passeport FIVA (de 1998) qui lui accordent une note � A3 � (restaur�e/originale). Elle fut achet�e chez un n�gociant de Brescia en Italie en 2005 par son propri�taire actuel qui l'importa en Suisse (d�douan�e en Suisse). Repeinte en 2007 par la Carrosserie Binggeli (� Nyon) la voiture se pr�sente en excellent �tat g�n�ral, accompagn�e de son dossier historique (en cuir) de teinte assortie contenant ses Permis de Circulation et Contr�le technique suisses. Cet �l�gant pur sang italien qui poss�de au plus degr� ce caract�re typiquement Alfa Romeo si appr�ci� et un comportement routier absolument moderne, est �ligible dans un grand nombre de manifestations historiques et, ce, pour un prix tr�s accessible. With the introduction of the Giulietta in 1954, Alfa Romeo established the 'small car, big performance' formula which would characterise the Milanese marque's finest offerings from then on. Alfa's classic twin-cam four was downsized to 1,290ccc for the Giulietta, gaining an alloy cylinder block in the process. The original Bertone-styled Sprint Coup� was soon joined by Berlina (saloon) and Spider (open) versions, and then in 1957 came the model intended to represent the ultimate Giulietta - the Sprint Speciale  which was the first of the new 101-Series cars. Built on a slightly shorter wheelbase than the standard Sprint, and again the work of Bertone, the mouth-wateringly curvaceous 'SS' came with 100bhp on tap, a five-speed gearbox and a top speed of 125mph. Compact, aerodynamically efficient and very powerful for its size, the SS proved highly successful in 1,300cc class racing the world over. A mere 1,366 had been produced by the time the model was superseded in 1963 by the 1,600cc Giulia version, which was the only car in the new range to retain an existing Giulietta body style. Outwardly distinguishable from the outgoing Giulietta Sprint Speciale by identifying tail script, different sidelights and a revised dashboard, 1,399 of the Bertone-bodied Giulia Sprint Speciales were built between 1963 and 1965. Today both of these rare models are highly prized by Alfa Romeo connoisseurs. Previously registered 'MN 077383' in Italy, this beautiful Giulietta Sprint Speciale was owned in 1988 by one Adriano Baratti, of Mantova and by 1998 had passed to Giovanni Federzoni of Modena. The car is accompanied by FIA papers (issued 1988) which note that its engine dates from 1961, and an ASI homologation certificate (issued 1997) and FIVA identity card (issued 1998) both giving it the highest 'A3' rating (restored/original). It was acquired from a dealer in Brescia, Italy, in 2005 by the current owner, who imported it into Switzerland (Swiss taxes have been paid). Repainted in 2007 by Carrosserie Binggeli (Nyon), the car is presented in generally excellent condition and offered with a colour-matched embossed leather history file, Swiss Permis de Circulation and Contr�le Technique. Local taxes will be liable if it remains in Europe; Bonhams is happy to assist with formalities including application for the reduced import rate for historic cars (5.5% in France, 5% in the UK). This handsome Italian thoroughbred offers legendary Alfa Romeo character, modern levels of practicality and access to a wide variety of historic events, all at a very keen price