1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce Alleggerita

Alfa Romeo’s Bertone-styled Giulietta Sprint debuted in April 1954, powered by a 1.3-liter, all-alloy, twin-cam, four-cylinder engine. The model was an instant success, and to meet demand for a high-performance version, the sporting Veloce model was introduced for 1956. Having been designed by the same technicians involved in Alfa Romeo’s racing program, the task wasn’t especially difficult.

For those seeking even more outright speed and race-winning capability, an alleggerita (lightened) variant was developed and offered. Coupled with the Veloce’s near-50% increase in horsepower, thanks in part to the cold-air intake fed dual Weber 40DCO3 carburetors and higher compression ratio, these purpose-built machines were about 150 lbs. lighter than the standard model, with their aluminum doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, headlight bezels, revised and simplified interior, and Plexiglas windows. These lightweights were equipped to participate in events such as the 1000 Miglia and Targa Florio and achieved success in the Coupe des Alpes, 3 Hours of Daytona, and 12 Hours of Sebring; almost 500 wins were achieved in total.

According to its original invoice on file, this stunningly restored Giulietta Sprint Veloce Alleggerita was purchased new in January 1957 by Denis de Graffenried Villars, who campaigned it in local Swiss rallies including the International Mountain Race at Tiefencastel that August. A copy of the event program and photos of the car competing accompany the sale, as do maintenance receipts from well-known Swiss automotive specialist Karl Foitek. In 1967, the Alfa Romeo was sold to fellow Swiss resident Benjamin Muller, who reportedly continued to enter the car in competition. In about 1973, Muller placed the Giulietta in storage, where it remained until circa 1996, when it was discovered and purchased by the noted Swiss collector Christoph Grohe. Mr. Grohe and subsequent European owners performed restorative work to the car and by 2014, the lightweight Giulietta had been imported to California by the respected automotive historian and Pebble Beach Concours Judge, Ron Hein. Mr. Hein’s restorations of important Italian cars are known the world over as some of the most accurate and detailed ever performed. Of the 10 or so cars he has completed for his own enjoyment, his exacting nature is particularly evident in this Alfa Romeo’s presentation.

The coachwork is superbly presented with meticulously metal finished panels in its original Bianco Spagna (Spanish White) hue, and the small panel gaps are amazingly consistent throughout. Mr. Hein’s patience and skill are revealed in countless areas, such as the fanatically fitted aluminum trim of the nose; similarly, the lightweight bumpers are impeccably finished and deserve close inspection. Inside, the red and black upholstery of the seats and special alleggerita door panels are expertly trimmed and can serve as a reference standard for the model. Mechanical work was performed by the renowned Scott Gray of Santa Ana, California, and the engine bay presents especially well displaying only light traces of use since the completion of the restoration.

Simply a marvel throughout, this is one of approximately 200 examples of the Sprint Veloce Alleggerita constructed, and about 40 estimated extant. Whether its future holds concours exhibitions or a return to its competitive past, its brilliant engineering and stunning presentation are certain to please and inspire. As the finest example of this important and accomplished Alfa Romeo model that Gooding Christie’s has ever offered, your close inspection is enthusiastically encouraged.