1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC

• A very rare, four-seater cabriolet version of the Giulia Sprint GT, with the same specification and performance
• Only available between 1964 and 1966, with just 998 examples produced, only 99 in right-hand drive
• UK-supplied GTC with coachwork designed and carried out by Superleggera experts Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, designers of the Aston Martin DB4/5/6
• Fitted with Alfa Romeo's lively 1,570cc all-aluminium, twin-cam inline four
• Bought by our vendor in 1982 and fully restored. Further refurbishment in 2010 including a full re-trim
• Featured in the July 2016 edition of Classic and Sports Car magazine

Launched in 1963, the Giulia Sprint GT featured classically stylish four-seater coachwork designed by Bertone's Giorgetto Giugiaro. Beneath the skin, the new coupÚ utilised the recently introduced 105-Series Giulia TI saloon's all-synchromesh, five-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension, coil-sprung live rear axle and - early cars excepted - all round Dunlop disc brakes. The Sprint GT came with a healthy 106bhp on tap from its 1,570cc version of Alfa Romeo's all-aluminium twin-cam inline four, breathing through two twin-choke Weber 40 DCOE 4 carburettors.
Quite rightly, the Giulia Sprint GT remains a very fashionable and in-demand classic car to own and drive, noted for their good looks, driving enjoyment, and ease of tuning, with values having increased significantly in recent years. Building further on this appeal, but adding rarity, bespoke coachwork and wind-in-the-hair motoring to the mix, there is a Giulia model built between 1964 and 1966, with just 998 examples plucked from the Arese production line and sent to expert coach-builders 'Touring' at Nova Milanese to be subtlety transformed into svelte four-door cabriolets, a model known as the Giulia 'GTC'.
With its roof removed, its floor strengthened, a slightly more sloping tail, larger boot, wind-up rear quarter-lights, and a hood that folded unobtrusively into a recess behind the rear seats, the GTC was the consummate Italian soft-top. At a heady ú2,000 when new, Alfa Romeo were sufficiently confident of GTC sales in the UK that it commissioned a small production run of just 99 examples in right-hand drive form.
The car presented here is a 1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC, car #43 of those 99 right-hand drive examples, and one of only 13 UK cars whose whereabouts are known. Chassis 760043 is an original UK-supplied GTC, first registered on the 17th February 1966, having been completed at the factory on the 23/06/1965.
The current owner, a real Italian car enthusiast, bought the car in 1982 and set about a two-year, bare metal, nut and bolt, labour-of-love, restoration. The car underwent further refurbishment in 2010 for the Alfa Romeo Centenary in Milan, including a full interior re-trim. Originally Verde with a Tan interior, the vendor opted to change the colour combination to classic Alfa Romeo AR501 Rosso Alfa Red with a Black interior whilst he had the chance.
This actual car was featured in the July 2016 edition of 'Classic and Sports Car' magazine, being reviewed favourably against a Lancia Flavia Vignale, and receiving much praise for its elegant appearance, its agility and a more 'sports-car' driving focus from its engine and handling.
Having been loved and cared for by the same owner for the past 35 years, the Alfa is described as being 'highly original with all correct interior and exterior trim including original dashboard, gauges, map light, steering wheel and Touring badges on the bulkhead and front wings.'
Needless to say, 760043 comes with an excellent history file including a confirmation e-mail from the Alfa Romeo archives detailing the car's production information. Also included in the documentation are copies of all the former keepers making the car traceable right back to its first owner, as well as its service history and past MOT Certificates.
A must-have for any Alfa collector, this stylish convertible has all the right elements that should make it rewarding in investment terms, however, imagine opening the curtains on a sunny Sunday morning and seeing this little red Alfa, nicely polished and top-down looking back at you, now that's rewarding.