Estimate: £11,000 - £13,000
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“The family car that wins races.” Alfa Romeo
The Alfa Romeo range throughout the 1960s and into the late 1970s was founded on a classic three box saloon which at first glance may appear to be, by the standards of the company that in the 1930s gave the world the 8C 2600 Monza, a little mundane. Not really a very fair comparison and park a Giulia saloon next to a contemporary Cortina or Viva and you are likely to be reaching for the i-Spy Book of superlatives. Such was the mechanically advanced specification of the Alfa saloon that it formed the basis for the far more overtly sporty Coupe and Spider without recourse to any major alterations to the engine, gear box or running gear. The family man’s Alfa boasted a superb mechanical specification with components such as all-aluminium twin overhead cam engines, five speed gear boxes (except in the very lowest specification model), coil sprung suspension acting independently at the front and on a well located live axle at the rear with disc brakes to all four wheels reigning in the more than brisk performance. This mouth-watering concoction was wrapped in a lightweight body that extensive wind tunnel testing (yes in the early 1960s) had honed to a surprisingly aerodynamic Cd of 0.33. A steeply sloping windscreen blended almost seamlessly with the scuttle panel and airflow smoothing lips to the rear of the roof and boot took the ‘cooking’ saloons drag coefficient below that of the sleeker looking Coupe resulting in 100 MPH plus performance for the 1600 twin carburettor ‘Super’; proper Sports Car performance for the ‘60s and early ‘70s.
A limited production run of 501 cars were labelled as “1600 TI Super” and in road trim these gave 110 BHP at 6500 RPM; sporting a pair of massive Weber 45 DCOE carburettors the poor little engine must have nearly drowned in fuel. Looking virtually standard, these beasts must have put the wind up many a more exotic machine and they even became the machine of choice for the Polizia. None the less, as we all know a well driven Mini Cooper or three could out run the long arm of the Law even when they were equipped with these Italian jobs.
Visually the boxy design was lifted by clever styling quirks in the shape of front to rear flutes in the car’s wings and doors matched with a similar arrangement in the roof panel plus subtle ridges and troughs in the bonnet and boot lid respectively.
Initially named the 1300 TI, the performance version of the smaller engined Giulia evolved into the 1300 Super in 1970. Importantly this was a sportier ‘105’ derived GT Junior engine rather than the ‘101’ of the base model 1300. ‘Super’ trim levels also applied and a three dial instrument binnacle was positioned in front of the plusher three spoke steering wheel accessed from the comfort of a plump, headrest equipped seat.
To sum it up, a very well appointed, comfortable and stylish sports saloon for the family appreciative of the finer things in life.
Registration Number: VOY 458L
Chassis Number: AR2294911
Engine Number: AR0160857868
As described above, the Alfa Romeo Factory Giulia ‘Hot Rod’ was the 1600 TI Super but one would have to say, there must be easier ways of getting a 110 BHP engine into this, all be it dynamically superior, “shopping” car. This thought obviously occurred to some bright spark in the warm, dry, car friendly Alfa obsessed Republic of South Africa who acquired a 1750 engine complete with appropriate induction and exhaust and popped it into this car in place of its original 1300 unit; as our friends in the US say, ‘there ain’t no substitute for coobic inches’ – or indeed CCs. Straight out of the box (or should that be into the box?) the 1750 gives 120 BHP and a significant amount of torque so important for spirited cross country progress.
Resisting the temptation to give the game away with any exterior addenda, the owner then had himself something of a ‘Q’ car, bog-standard looking right down to the ‘steels and trims’ wheels. Weighing in at around a tonne the Giulia is an absolute hoot to drive both on the twisties and more open A Roads with the extra go provided by the engine transplant really just bringing it more in line with the chassis’ excellence.
According to Fusi, the ultimate bible for Alfa production records, this Super was not, as many cars destined for South Africa were, shipped in ‘CKD’ kit form but was rather fully built at the Alfa factory in Arese on the outskirts of Milan.
This Giulia Super is a very solid, straight car that was sourced and imported by a UK domiciled South African Alfa enthusiast after one of his trips back to his homeland in 2014. The benefits of being ‘on the ground’ to hand pick the best cars from those available and not perhaps being forced to accept anything substandard due to the fact that it is now sitting on the docks in the UK are clearly illustrated by this machine.
We are very glad to say that while not in concors condition by any means, we see this as a very usable Giulia Super that would not be an embarrassment to its owner and indeed it is scheduled to be on proud display on The Alfa Romeo Owners Club stand at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC from 11th to 13th November. Have a look at it there if you visit the Show, however, to hear it run and fully appreciate its upgraded performance you will have to drop in to The Manor on 20th or 21st November. We have a feeling you won’t be disappointed.
