116 hp, 1,290 cc dual overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine, two Weber carburetors, four-speed manual transmission, independent front and rigid rear axle with coil spring suspension, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 88.5"

• B.A.T show car-inspired styling

• Interesting history

• Superb restoration

Launched in 1957, the Giulietta Sprint Speciale was a stunning design clearly derived from the otherworldly Berlina Aerodinamica Tecnica, or B.A.T., show cars created by Carrozzeria Bertone in the mid-1950s. Those aerodynamic studies led to what seemed a perfect solution to a competition version of the Bertone-bodied Giulietta Sprint Veloce. However, the Sprint Speciale proved to be a bit heavy for the task and instead became a stylish road car, adding more than a bit of grand touring flash to the entry-level Alfa Romeo line. One thousand, three hundred, and sixty-six Giulietta SS cars would be built by 1963, when the model was superseded by the larger-engined Giulia SS.

According to Alfa Romeo factory files, this Giulietta Sprint Speciale left the Arese factory on November 27, 1961. The first owner purchased the car on January 29, 1962 in France and is recorded as being the “Régie Nationale Usines, Billancourt, France,” which is, in fact, the Renault factory. Why they bought the Alfa is not known; however, it should be noted that the two companies had signed a joint-venture agreement in 1958, which, among other things, saw Alfa building a version of the Renault Dauphine and R8 in Italy. Eventually the car found its way to Holland, where it was restored. The Sprint Speciale was then sold to a gentleman in Spain, from whom the consignor purchased it last year and brought it to the United States.

As with all Giulietta Sprint Speciales, this car is equipped with the potent 1.3-liter ‘Veloce’ specification twin-cam engine, with twin two-barrel Weber carburetors putting out 116 horsepower. It has been given an exacting restoration that is a treat for the eyes. Finished in a rich red, the notoriously complex body curves align perfectly with smooth transitions from fender-to-door-to-fender, confirmed by a glance down the sides, which reveals almost perfect reflections front to rear. The chrome and polished alloy trim is brilliant, and the glass appears to be unmarked. Inside, the black leather seats, piped in red to match the body, appear to be barely broken-in. On the dashboard, the instruments have been beautifully restored, with no trace of yellowing or fading evident. Under the hood can be seen a show-quality level of preparation and finish equal to that lavished on the exterior and interior.

Interest in these remarkable show cars for the road has grown exponentially in recent years. It’s not surprising, as their combination of unique style, limited production, and exhilarating Alfa Romeo performance are hard to beat. This Giulietta Sprint Speciale adds to that a level of restoration that practically ensures success in concours competition. At any time, it is advisable to buy one of the best example of a car available, and a close examination of this Alfa should prove it more than qualifies in that regard.