Two of the greatest names in the Italian automotive industry, Alfa Romeo and Zagato, have thankfully enjoyed one of the most productive partnerships. Starting with pre-war coachbuilt bodies on cars like the 6C and 8C, Zagato’s ability to produce high-quality lightweight designs meant that many their creations were involved in some of Alfa Romeo’s greatest motorsport victories. This focus on competition continued after the war, with stunning creations such as the 1900 CSS, before the appearance of the Giulietta SZ. Based on Alfa Romeo’s highly successful 1,300 cc four-cylinder model, this car would go on to dominate its class throughout Europe. Further iterations of the design appeared such as the Coda Tronca in order for the SZ to remain competitive at circuits such as Le Mans and the Targa Florio. Ultimately, this evolution would lead to the TZ1 and TZ2 models which many regard as one of the greatest cars produced by the Milanese manufacturer.

Reaching completion on 21 July 1960, this Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ was finished in Bianco and destined for Rome. With the Certificato Origine issued the following week, the car was first registered on the Roma targa “411242” on 3 August 1960 to an Enzo Buzzetti. The car was entered by Montegrappa into the 1961 edition of the legendary Targa Florio, and he co-drove with Renzo Sinibaldi with race number “34”. The duo finished 7th in their class and 14th overall. The following month, on 14 May, Buzzetti raced at the Coppa Città di Asiago, finishing 3rd in its class. In July, he raced at the Bolzano-Mendola and the Trento-Bondone, and finished 2nd-in-class at both events.

On 17 April 1962, Buzzetti parted ways with his SZ and sold the car to the second owner, Paolo Bulgari, who by June that year sold the Alfa Romeo to Nicoletta Giunti. His brother Ignazio raced in August 1962 at the Trofeo Michelangeli, finishing 1st in class—he would later go on to drive for the legendary Scuderia Ferrari and this SZ was one of the cars that gave him his early break in motorsport. On 2 September, Ignazio drove again at the Coppa Gallenga, taking home a 3rd-in-class result. In March 1963, Ignazio took home a 2nd-in-class and 7th overall result at the Trofeo Franco Venturi. At the Coppa Primavera in Salerno, he failed to finish the race, which unfortunately was a result mirrored when he entered and drove at the 1963 Targa Florio, with Paolo Datti as his co-driver.

Following its second appearance at the Targa Florio, Giunti sold the SZ to Gianfranco Perrotti in June 1963. The car was owned in 1965 by Luca Tanzi, who retained this Alfa Romeo for an expended spell before parting ways in December 1987, having sold to Sebastiano Tulli. Remaining with Tulli for a decade, the cars final Italian owner, Giovanni Bartoli, took possession in May 1997. Exported in November 2000, this Alfa Romeo was shipped to the UK for renowned-restorer Dick Crosthwaite who kept it for a few years before passing ownership to James Wiseman. An enthusiastic gentleman driver, Wiseman competed at the Goodwood Revival and many other historic races over several years before selling the SZ to Jody Scheckter in 2015. Wishing to return this historic Alfa Romeo to its period appearance, Scheckter had it restored back to its 1961 specification.

Offered with an Alfa Romeo Classiche certificate, FIA Historic Technical Papers papers from 1997, various historic photos, as well as copies of the Estratto Cronologico, this 1960 Alfa Romeo SZ truly is a special car. With its fascinating known history from new including podium finishes, outright victories, and two entries into the legendary Targo Florio (one with a future Scuderia Ferrari driver), this Alfa Romeo is highly eligible for a host of historic motor racing events.