1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT (Tipo 105)

Released in September 1963 at Alfa's newly opened Arese plant, later displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the same month, the Giulia Sprint GT was the first Giulia sport model in the Tipo 105 line-up. The styling was entrusted to the then 22-year-old Giorgetto Giugiaro, but with two Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Special Bertone’s and Alfa Romeo’s 2000 and 2600 Sprints already behind him, it’s easy to see that the car's looks were in capable hands and the 105 is regarded as one of his finest commercial efforts. The balance of glass and metal, the influence of the front and rear screens on the shape of the cabin and the flat grille with incorporated headlamps were all considered ground-breaking styling features of the era and the model became known as the Scalino or 'Stepfront' due to the bonnet sitting one centimetre above the nose of the car to allow for improved cooling.

This venerable 'stepfront' Giulia Sprint GT racer has been very successful in both major disciplines of motorsport over many years. The first chapter of its competition life began when it became the outright winner of the HRCR's Safety Devices Historic Rally Challenge for pre-1967 classics which combined both road and special stage disciplines. It was restored by Nigel Shapland and spent the rest of the 1990s rallying in the hands of Paul Merryweather and Jeremy Lewis.

Purchased by our vendor in 2005, the second chapter of its motorsport career saw it prepared for circuit racing by renowned specialists, GTS Motorsport. It was built to full FIA specification (the papers now need renewing) with a 1,600cc race engine to Appendix K specification, a Gripper differential, GKN Driveline race prop-shaft, an 80-litre alloy foam-filled fuel tank, Safety Devices roll cage, full stainless exhaust system by Alfaholics and a lightweight battery and starter motor. The safety equipment includes a Sparco Pro 200 seat, Lifeline Zero 360 Electric Extinguisher and TRS Belts.

This handsome 'stepfront' has been campaigned by our vendor for over 16 seasons, taking on the best events and racing extensively in the UK, Europe and the USA, accumulating many class wins. It has competed in the Masters Series/U2TC/HSCC/HRDC/CSCC/Silverstone Festival (formerly the Silverstone Classic)/Alfa Revival Cup/Donington Historic Festival/Coppa Intereuropa Monza (three times), Daytona Rolex Championship and is very well known at both the Goodwood Revival and Members Meets, where it has been shared with such luminaries as Arturo Merzario, David Leslie and Tom Shephard. Full race preparation, rebuilds and race support were provided by experts GTS Motorsport.

The history file includes some original registration documents, the current V5C, many previous MOTs, its RAC Historic Rally Vehicle papers, the RAC Competition Log Book and the expired FIA Historic Papers. A lot of set-up data will be available to the new owner.

Offered at a very attractive estimate, this well travelled little Alfa is ready for the next chapter of its competition life and we can't think of another so well qualified and with such a distinguished motorsport history.