Having retired from competition in 1951 to focus on production cars, Alfa Romeo reignited its competitive streak in the early 1960s with the Guila GTA Sprint, which became hugely successful in the European Touring Car Championship. Following its many successes in Division 2, including winning both Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championships in 1967, Alfa Romeo elected to participate in the smaller-displacement Division 1 starting in 1968 and developed the Giulia GTA 1300 Junior for that purpose. It would go on to win the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championships in 1971 and 1972.

At the heart of the new Alfa Romeo was a 1.3-liter twin-cam inline four-cylinder, small enough to comply with its intended race class and based on the company’s larger 1.6-liter engine. Of the 447 examples Alfa Romeo produced of the Giulia GTA 1300 Junior from 1968 to 1975, almost every model was finished in the recognizable “Alfa Rosso” red livery with contrasting white elements. The car was an immediate hit with racing fans and created an enduring legacy as a competitive sportscar that was cheaper to run than other contemporary Alfa Romeo models.

The consignor acquired this Giulia GTA 1300 Junior out of Germany in 1987. A German registration document on file confirms that while in Germany, the Alfa Romeo participated in a race in July 1986. Once in the United States, the Giulia continued its racing career across the country throughout the late 1980s. An accompanying SVRA logbook notes participation at some of the most revered American racetracks, including Mid-Ohio, Road Atlanta, and Watkins Glen.

Many years have passed since this Alfa Romeo has been used on a racetrack, making it a terrific candidate for a comprehensive restoration. The engine was recently reinstalled. Once complete, this Alfa Romeo will make for a fantastic vintage racer that exudes character.