1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ 'Coda Tronca'

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Zagato owes its existence to an inspired accident. In 1956, after a damaged Sprint Veloce was entrusted to Elio Zagato for repairs, the Milanese coachbuilder replaced the original steel Bertone body with a more aerodynamic design rendered in lightweight aluminum. The transformed Giulietta proved dramatically quicker than the standard car, prompting Alfa Romeo to commission Zagato to build a limited series of factory-sanctioned competition models. The resulting Sprint Zagato, or SZ, would become one of the most successful and charismatic small displacement GT cars of its era.

Built upon the short-wheelbase Giulietta Spider chassis, the SZ combined Alfa Romeo’s competition-specification tipo 00120 twin-cam engine with a close-ratio five-speed gearbox, finned aluminum drum brakes, and exquisite coachwork hand-formed by Zagato. Plexiglas windows, minimal trim, and a purposeful cockpit reflected the coachbuilder’s relentless pursuit of weight reduction. Introduced late in 1960, the SZ quickly established itself as the benchmark of the 1.3-liter GT class, compiling an extraordinary record of victories in endurance contests, circuit races, and hill climbs throughout Europe.

Toward the end of production, Zagato introduced the ultimate evolution of the model. Drawing upon aerodynamic research, the revised “Coda Tronca” adopted a distinctive Kamm tail and subtly revised nose profile, reducing drag and improving high-speed stability on fast circuits such as Monza and Le Mans. With about 40 examples in the series, these late-production cars represent the ultimate expression of the Giulietta racing program and form the direct link between the SZ and its celebrated successor, the Giulia TZ. Today, the Coda Tronca is widely regarded as one of the most desirable and collectible postwar Alfa Romeos.

According to Alfa Romeo factory records, chassis AR10126.00188 was completed on February 10, 1962, finished in Metallic Grey and delivered new through the official distributor in Lugano, Switzerland, to its first owner, Rafael Lochen Izaguirre. Although its earliest history is only partially documented, the Alfa has spent the past five decades in the care of knowledgeable enthusiasts and respected Alfa Romeo collectors. By the early 1970s, the Coda Tronca had entered the care of Henri Jacques Eugène Vuarraz of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, who operated an Alfa Romeo garage and assembled an impressive collection of Zagato-bodied Alfa Romeos, including an SVZ, another SZ, and a TZ. During his ownership, Mr. Vuarraz sympathetically restored the car, refinishing it in red, while choosing to enjoy it primarily on the road rather than in competition, even taking extended touring holidays with his young family. After several decades in his collection, he sold the Coda Tronca, together with other Zagato-bodied cars, to an Italian dealer.

Before leaving Italy, the SZ benefited from a sympathetic restoration by the respected Carrozzeria Galbiati of Milan, whose craftsmen included former Zagato personnel uniquely familiar with the construction of these lightweight aluminum-bodied automobiles. The work included refinishing the car in its present silver over black color scheme. By 2004, the Coda Tronca had joined the collection of noted Dutch Alfa Romeo enthusiast Fred van Lingen, who entered the car in several historic events before it was exported to the US in 2008.

Over the past two decades, chassis 00188 has remained in the hands of respected American collectors, first Manny del Arroz, then Tom Stegman, before joining the distinguished collection of Robert Cole. Admired for its exceptional balance, elegant design, and engaging performance, the SZ has been described by Mr. Cole as “great fun to drive and quicker than you might think,” praising its wonderfully precise five-speed gearbox as being “like drawing a knife through warm butter.”

Today, this beautifully presented Coda Tronca retains its correct tipo 00120 engine and benefits from decades of knowledgeable stewardship. One of approximately 40 examples built, it represents the ultimate evolution of the Giulietta and remains among the most rewarding postwar Alfa Romeos to own and drive. Eligible for the world’s foremost touring events, concours, and historic competitions, this Coda Tronca offers an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of Zagato’s most enduring creations.