Come the early 1950s, Alfa Romeo sought to expand its model range yet the assembly line at its Portello facility had limited room to grow. That led the marque to canvas the availability of external coachbuilders. Of the three that presented their concept, Bertone won the contract. Little wonder, given Franco Scaglione had designed a beautiful, aerodynamic, compact-yet-sporting car that would be christened the Giulietta Sprint.

The model proved an instant hit upon its world unveiling at the 1954 Turin Salon, so much so that Alfa Romeo had to quickly increase production. The super-advanced 1.3-litre, alloy, twin-cam engine—which would remain in production for the next four decades—was penned by ex-Ferrari engineer Giuseppe Busso. For the advent of the more sporting Veloce model two years later, the rev-happy unit’s power was increased, while weight was cut by some 100 kilograms to leave the already lithe car to tip the scales at a featherweight 780 kilograms. Equipped with independent suspension, a responsive chassis, and excellent brakes, Alfa Romeo and Bertone had created a stylish and rewarding car for the discerning enthusiast. It would remain on sale for 12 years, with 3,058 of the 132,000 or so built leaving the factory in Veloce form.

For the facelifted, second series of the Veloce, power climbed to 97 brake horsepower to improve the driving experience even further. So much so, the model would come to tempt 1979 Formula 1 World Champion Jody Scheckter, the owner of this left-hand-drive car, who grew up around similar examples as his father was a successful Alfa Romeo dealer. Chassis ARE159022, stamped “E” by Bertone in deference to it being a Veloce edition, holds a 1 July 1961 production date, according to the factory-issued Certificate of Origin. It was then exported to Scheckter’s native South Africa on 21 November.

Originally finished in the classic Rosso Alfa hue, this car was at some point repainted to burgundy before it was fully restored by Dennis McCallum, a childhood friend of Scheckter, of Vincent, South Africa. The work believed to have been carried out in 2016, this Giulietta Sprint Veloce was returned to its factory colour, while the seats were reupholstered in complementary two-tone red and white. The Alfa Romeo is accompanied by a spare wheel and battery charger.

Offered for sale direct from a Formula 1 World Champion, this charming Giulietta Sprint Veloce would be a worthy addition to any Alfa Romeo or Bertone-themed collection while still promising to be a thoroughly entertaining companion on more exciting roads.