In addition to my long term 105 1300Ti and 1300 Junior, I have previously owned two 101 series cars. The first, a 1964 Giulia SS, was purchased in 1999 and sold two years later, when I thought I would need the funds for a new business. As it turned out I didn't. This was the blue ex-Gulson car, which seems to have disappeared. In 2009 I bought a 1965 Giulia Spider Veloce, which had been passed in at auction. When purchased, it was a tart, all red, shiny, rusty and worn out. I then spent five years on a concours restoration changing it back to the original black with red trim. Feeling that I would never use it, I sold that too.
Fast forward to March 2019, doing my usual scan of BaT, I spotted what appeared to be a mint, 28,000 mile, original 1961 Sprint Normale. The COVID-19 problem was starting to accelerate and bidding looked a bit desultory, so I put in what I thought was a cheeky one and promptly forgot about it. Needless to say I won it. It was immediately clear that this wasn't very clever as the US had begun to shut down and the $A was falling. Not to mention having to deal with the asbestos problems here. So I gave it back to the dealer to sell.
In the interim, I had purchased a 635 CSi BMW and an M5 V10 engine and six speed gearbox, in order to build a restomod. But the little Alfa over in New Jersey keeps calling me, so I now propose to bring it back to Oz. I've found a shop in CA that can deal with the asbestos issues, so the plan is to finally start the process of getting it here. It really is a time capsule. Here are some photos.
What a great mix of Alfa's ..... SS, Giulia Spider classics!
The Sprint looks fantastic, no wonder you are now keen to get it back.
Always loved their look, so much of the 105 coupe in it. I love the way it has that 'hunkered down' look.
This car (the Giulietta version) has a great back story too of how/when it came in to being.
Good luck, love to see it in the flesh one day.
Cheers.
Superb car. If ever you change your mind ...
Car is now on a boat, will be here in late September. Some fancy prices being asked for these.
The Giulietta looks awesome and they're suppose to be a very satisfying drive.
I imagine a V10 in an 80's 6 series is also going to be rewarding in its own way 8)
Good luck with both!!... Looking forward to updates :)
I've started several threads on the Alfa bb. Here is the primary one. There is also one on the interior, it has the optional rear seat and the complete tool roll that came with it.
https://www.alfabb.com/threads/28-000-mile-1961-giulietta-sprint.702149/
Cheers
John
Recommissioning the Giulietta is proceeding. I've discovered that its a 1959 interim 750/101 not a 60 or 61, despite it being sold in October 1961. Chassis no confirms this and other giveaways are the chassis plate with the engine and body numbers the pure 101s don't have and the aeroplane number plate light on the rear. The late cars have a simple plinth and the lights are on the bumper.
I ordered a bunch of parts from the UK including new springs, some ball joints and ventilation trunking. The springs are about 300% stiffer than the factory springs but the ride height is nearly the same. It was very soft, it would droop 30mm as soon as you sat in it with the stock springs. Also the top and bottom rubbers were toast. We need new check straps for the rear too. It has the original Girling shocks, these will be replaced with Konis. All parts that are replaced will be retained.
New front seat foam has also arrived, we'll make up new foam for the rear seat.
I'l post some progress shots soon.
Good luck...a very worthwhile project! :)
Intention is to have the Giulietta at Auto Italia along with my 1300 Junior. Look forward to seeing you there.
John