Coachwork by Bertone Chassis no. AR1493E 03269
Sold for $ 218,400
Lot 55.
1956 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce Lightweight
Coachwork by Bertone
Chassis no. AR1493E 03269
1,290cc DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Weber Twin-choke Carburetors
Est 110bhp at 5,800rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Alfin Drum Brakes
*Exciting period racing history with class wins achieved at Sebring in 1958 and 1960 *Toured on top events including Tour Auto, Colorado Grand and 3 times on the Mille Miglia *Rare and desirable, factory Giulietta Sprint Veloce in Lightweight trim *Previously owned by Ken Shaft, noted Bay Area enthusiast and Cal Mille co-founder
THE GIULIETTA SPRINT VELOCE LIGHTWEIGHT
With the introduction of the Bertone-styled Giulietta Sprint Coupe, Alfa Romeo established the 'small car, big performance' formula that would characterize the Milanese marque's finest offerings from then on. Right from the start, the Giulietta Sprint Coupe was appreciated by drivers who recognized its potential for competition success. With its independent front suspension, very well-located live rear axle, and coil springs/hydraulic dampers all round, the unitary-construction Giulietta's chassis was superior to that of most sports cars. Only the handicaps of relatively low power and excess weight (64bhp/880kg) held it back. At the 1955 Mille Miglia, the Giulietta was defeated by the Porsche 356, prompting Alfa Romeo to introduce a more powerful version: the Giulietta Sprint Veloce. At the same time, the Giulietta Veloce's weight was significantly reduced. Bertone used thinner steel for the non-load-bearing body panels; insulation was removed; the doors, bonnet and boot lid made of aluminum; and the side and rear window made of Plexiglas. Aluminum was also used for items such as the bumpers, 'eyebrows', 'whiskers', and headlight rims.
Advertised by its maker under the tag line 'Only the best is good enough', the Veloce competed in the 1956 Coppa della Consume, securing a class win. There was more success the following week at the 23rd Mille Miglia; on this occasion the Giulietta Veloce's superiority proved overwhelming, examples filling the first six places in the 1,300cc class with a best overall position of 11th. Further class victories were achieved in the Nürburgring 1,000km, Coppa Dolimiti and Tour de France, with the Alpine Rally won outright. Other notable Sprint Veloce successes were achieved at the Sebring 12 Hours, where class wins was secured in 1958 and 1960; by the very car offered here!
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Offered from nearly two decades of devoted ownership from a well-known, Los Angeles based sports car enthusiast, Giulietta Sprint Veloce Lightweight chassis no. 03269 boasts exciting period racing history, as well as many entries to classic car rallies, including the Italian Mille Miglia. The first recorded racing event for 03269 was nothing less than Sebring 12 Hours in 1958, where the Alfa Romeo was campaigned by Fred van Beuren. A very successful first outing indeed, as Mr. van Beuren would finish first in the 1300 GT that year and repeat this feat at Sebring in 1960 with another class win! van Beuren would also race the car in Mexico, where he finished first in class at Avandaro in 1958, again first in class at Acapulco in 1960, and rack up class wins in 1961 at Mexico City, Lake of Guadalupe, Grand Prix Indipendencia and Circuito Di Colon.
The Alfa Romeo was later acquired by the late Ken Shaft, noted Bay Area enthusiast and co-founder of the California Mille. Mr. Shaft had an eye for the right sports and competition cars, and the rare Giulietta Sprint Veloce Lightweight was right up his alley. Mr. Shaft would campaign the car in the Italian Mille Miglia Storica no less than 3 times (1992, 1994 and 1997) with his friend Dennis Varni as co-driver, but also entered the Alfa in other major vintage racing events such as the Tour Auto in France (1997, 1999 and 2003), Tour Espania in 2002, and naturally his own California Mille on several occasions. The consignor would purchase the Giulietta from Mr. Shaft in the early 2000s and continue enjoying the light and powerful Alfa on vintage driving events, including the Colorado Grand 4 years in a row (2006-2009), and on the Quail Rally.
Today this rare competition-inspired Alfa Romeo presents in well-enjoyed condition, with a lovely patina to the Italian racing red-colored lightweight Bertone bodywork. The delicate thin aluminum bumpers and window trim is in very good shape, and correct Carello lights and lenses are present throughout. The cockpit is trimmed in grey, and appropriate rally clocks are fitted for timekeeping. A competition tuned Giulietta engine is installed, while the original short-block engine is offered with the car. This desirable and rare competition aimed factory Lightweight Giulietta, with its successful period Sebring racing history, is, of course, eligible for participation in many of the most prestigious historic motor sports events around the Globe including the Mille Miglia.