This series shares the potent Giulia underpinnings and engine of the Veloce chassis Alfas, from which it derives the Giulia part of its name. Inspired by Carrozzeria Touring's legendary “Disco Volante” racing cars and Italian design house Bertone’s own Berlina Aerodinamic Tecnica, or B.A.T., experimental show cars, the Sprint Speciale was put into production in 1963 as the style icon of Alfa Romeo’s new Giulia range of cars.

First presented in prototype form at the 1957 Turin Salon, using the Giulietta’s 1,290-cubic centimeter twin-cam four-cylinder, the Sprint Speciale was put into limited production to comply with FIA homologation regulations. The aerodynamic body changed only slightly before the Giulia series replaced the Giulietta in 1963, with an enlarged 1,570-cubic centimeter version of the twin-cam engine, as well as front disc brakes. Though the rest of Alfa Romeo's lineup saw new styling to go with the name change, the Sprint Speciale was deemed enough of a classic in its own time that Bertone’s otherworldly styling was kept intact.

Giulia Sprint Speciales have seen their values appreciate substantially over the last few years, as their delicately curvaceous style comes into its own as a mid-century work of art. This particular Sprint Speciale has been under the care of one owner for the last 30 years, which helps explain its low, original 51,000 mileage. Finished in an attractive dark blue over red, it stands out among the typically red and white examples.

Originally built for the North American market, it was sold new in Phoenix, Arizona, before migrating to Connecticut in the early 1980s. At about that time, its original engine was replaced with a series-correct 1,570-cubic centimeter twin-cam engine with the proper Weber carburetors. In a world of over-restored and ill-running restorations, it remains remarkably original and well-preserved. This Giulia Sprint Speciale has never suffered from collision damage, and it is free of any corrosion, with all its panels fully original and never having required repair for any reason.

Mechanically, its engine shows strong compression at all four-cylinders. A full servicing was completed just before it was displayed at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance earlier this year. Between Amelia Island and a showing at Hershey, the Sprint Speciale has covered only several hundred miles since it was serviced. Notably, the Sprint Speciale attracted the attention of AutoWeek magazine, which printed a photo of the car in its Amelia Island issue. Also, Alfa Romeo expert Keith Martin featured the Sprint Speciale as part of his website’s coverage of the concours.

Ready to be both driven and displayed, this Sprint Speciale offers the rare opportunity to acquire a low mileage vehicle of a rapidly appreciating example of one of Bertone’s most famous road going designs.