1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC

Launched in 1963, the Giulia Sprint GT featured classically stylish four-seater coachwork designed by Bertone's Giorgetto Giugiaro. Beneath the skin, the new coupé utilised the recently introduced 105-Series Giulia TI saloon's all-synchromesh, 5-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension, coil-sprung live rear axle and - early cars excepted - all round Dunlop disc brakes. The Sprint GT offered a healthy 106bhp from its 1,570cc version of Alfa Romeo's all-aluminium twin-cam, inline-four, breathing through two twin-choke Weber 40DCOE 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 £2,000 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.

This rare Alfa Giulia GTC, finished in Alfa 105 Rosso, is the 54th of those 99 right-hand drive cars produced with possibly only 12 known to still exist. It was comprehensively restored some years ago by Richard Norris and Justin Banks of Alfaholics with an engine rebuild completed by Bob Dove. The body rebuild utilised a complete set of NOS body panels, but not before the chassis and sill sections were strengthened to address the inherent scuttle shake for which the GTC is known. This was followed by a complete retrim in black hide topped off with a replacement hood. Now, some years later, it's evident that the delightful Giulia has been well-cared for by subsequent owners and still presents superbly not only in terms of its looks, but also mechanically having been constantly maintained, as and when required, by its present long-term custodian. This delightful little cabriolet is accompanied by a comprehensive history file containing various bills and invoices, a large selection of previous MOT Certificates, and photographs of the rebuild.

A must-have for any Alfa collector, this rare convertible has all the right elements that may 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.