Almost any car has its share of interesting features, and some, naturally, are more exciting than others. Occasionally a car is introduced that is widely considered to be extra special. This was the response to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale. According to period relevant Road & Track magazines, the Giulietta Sprint Speciale was launched in 1958 at the Turin Auto Show. It represented a stunning design that was clearly derived from the futuristic Berlina Aerodinamica Tecnica, or B.A.T., show cars that had been created by Carrozzeria Bertone in the mid-1950s. The amazingly aerodynamic design boasts a drag coefficient of only .29, which is particularly low, even by today’s standards. 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, it became a stylish road car, adding a sizable amount of grand touring flash to the entry-level Alfa Romeo line.

As with all Giulietta Sprint Speciales, this car is equipped with the effective 1.3-liter, Veloce-specification twin-cam, four-cylinder engine, which has twin two-barrel Weber carburetors that put out 116 horsepower. A five-speed manual gearbox is connected to this powerplant. Even with a fully equipped interior, the Sprint Speciale has been constructed with lightweight construction and competition in mind, and it was considerably rapid. Reportedly, only 1,366 were produced by the time the model concluded in 1962.

This particular car has been subjected to an excellent restoration, making the car ideal of both showing and touring. This Sprint Speciale is reported to have been delivered new in Italy and was subsequently imported into the United States. A complete and thorough restoration was initially undertaken in 1987 and completed in 2012. The last five years has seen the majority of the work carried out, and since the completion, it has been driven sparingly.

Among the extensive work that has been completed is a rebuild of the original engine by Radcliffe Motorcar Company northwest of Baltimore. Other tasks that have been completed includes cleaning and rebuilding the carburetors, all exterior chrome being refreshed, plus the door panels and dashboard vinyl were re-installed in a great effort to preserve originality. The braking system has been refurbished and a new N.O.S. 101 head has been fitted. Additional features include the installation of new dome lights, period-correct floor mats, new emblems and data plates, as well as new grille blades and a new battery. Accompanying the Sprint Speciale are extensive receipts and service records which document much of the restoration work.

The Sprint Speciale is one of the most attractive Alfa Romeos of its era. It is a car that is at home on any vintage rally, and it always stands out, even among the most elite of sports-racing cars. As a road car, the Sprint Speciale is ideal: fast, comfortable, safe and economical. You’ll have the knowledge that you own a rare automobile from a highly regarded and respected Italian firm. Presented here is an example ready to be driven with enjoyment on any twisting mountain route, open desert road, or lazy country drive. This Giulietta Sprint Speciale adds to that a level of restoration that ensures it will turn heads wherever it may appear.