Sprint Speciale
We had already showed you this particular Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale, in an early issue of Auto Class Magazine, but having had the opportunity to bring it back for good, and being able to take new pictures, we wanted to show even more details, that surely not only fans of the “biscione” will appreciate.
Its derivation from the Bat prototype is very clear: despite the small 1.290cc 4-cylinder engine develops 100 hp at 6500 rpm, OHC, 2 valves per cylinder, two double body horizontal carburetors, 5-speed gearbox + reverse and drum brakes.
Designed by Bertone, who made use of the aeronautical genius of Franco Scaglione, it was first presented as a concept car at the Turin Motor Show in 1957, and then go into production in 1959.
Its tapered shape with the classic teardrop cockpit, extremely aerodynamic, allows her to reach 200 kph. Aerodynamics studies were kept even with direct observation of flows applying wire wool to the bodywork of a car launched at high speed on the TO-MI (Turin to Milan) motorway. Only the front has undergone changes compared with the initial prototype. Note, for example, the particular transparent plastic screen which acts as a fairing for the wipers, which would otherwise, at high speeds, could be damaged.
Then, it arrived the 1.570cc version, with a more refined and a more comfortable interior, but the younger sister has nothing to envy even with 12 horses less, because, thanks to its low weight, was able to impose herself in competitions and perhaps remains the most coveted by collectors and enthusiasts.
It is still the golden age for Alfa Romeo, the SS is one of those models that even today, when you see one (and this is a rare occasion), you can’t but admire her line so out time, thinking about what could be done with a simple pencil, imagination and good taste, all of which are increasingly disappearing today.
But now it’s time for our friend Enzo, who is lucky enough, being able to drive one when he wants (Enzo is also a car guy that has driven so many cars, so his opinion is very important) to tell us something more about his 1961 1.300, red, with original plates, (registered in 1962) and completely restored. Taking pictures, and from any angle, you can appreciate the extraordinary harmony of lines, but let’s hear what he told us:
“Its power, back in the 60s, was outstanding, it offers a great driving pleasure especially beyond 3500 rpm, up to almost 7000; this engine, with trumpets, offers an exciting roar, I wouldn’t say racing cars-like, but it certainly is a sports car capable of outstanding performance up to almost 200 kph. All this, together with an excellent grip and with three-jaw front brakes, contained in solid aluminum ventilated drums, which when carefully recorded offer fast and very safe driving experiences at any time and everywhere. Let’s say you leave and arrive without the slightest problem, after obtaining continuous and demanding performance, even a little challenging.
The driving position, not exceptionally sporty, it is convenient, in my opinion pedals require, if it is not used often, a few moments of habit as soon as you get behind the wheel, but then, unfortunately, it always seems to have arrived too soon; perhaps this is the real pleasure of cruising in a classic car.
The car is all original in all its parts and all mechanics have been treated as new. I’ve installed the intake trumpets as in use at the time, but it was kept the filter, the original bolts and everything inherent.”