I'm just delighted that there has been such an amazing response to my proposal to host a 50th Anniversary of the 105 Celebration Tour (ideal name pending) in Tasmania. Looks like David in Hobart is full of beans for the idea too, as is AROCA Vic through Victor Lee and many others - thanks guys !
I'm thinking from the number of responses and concepts being mooted around an Alfesta alternative, that this is well on the way to going somewhere though it would be great to hear from other AROCA State Club reps that they too are comfortable with the emerging concepts, dates and location as participation is the ultimate goal - I'd love to see 100 x 105's at least (too big an aspiration ?) come to Tassie and I'm sure all participants would have a permanent memory etched in their minds if they were able to be a part of a convoy of that size!
I'll begin the process of formalising discussions with AROCA Vic and CMI (Club Motori Italia) Hobart and ICE (Italian Car Enthusiasts of Tasmania) Launceston, to map out a strategic direction and lock some of the basic parameters into place.
As for the correct year I think the celebration would be valid in either 2012 or 2013 but more appropriately in 2013.
Let me explain ..... The beloved Giulia Sedan ("the box car" as my wife calls our treasured 1972 Giulia 1300 Super!) was born under a 105 tipo (as of 1962) but morphed into both a car carrying two tipos by 1970 - eg: (Giulia Super - a 105) AND the (Giulia 1300 Super a 115).
The first 105 series car was indeed the Giulia TI which was introduced to the press on 27th June 1962 but in reality it did not become available to the general market in most countries until late 1962, so few owners would have driven or been able to get their hands on the first '105 series' in 1962. One could debate whether an anniversary date should be set based upon when the design was released, the date of launch to the press, the date of production commencement or the date of vehicle availability on showroom floors.?
Of course after first appearing in 1962 the 105 series designation quickly spread to the Giulia TZ1('63), the Giulia TI Super('64), Giulia 1300 Berlina('64), the GTC('65), the Giulia Super ('65), Giulia GTA('65), the Giulia GT Veloce('65) the 1750 Spider Veloce ('67) and so on until by 1969 the ONLY series Alfa Romeo was producing was the 105 tipo in all it's derivations. All other tipo designations had by that year ceased and it continued that way until 1972 when the Giulia 1300 Super was allocated a 115 tipo.
But back to the issue at hand - the 1962 Giulia TI mechanicals AND body came out of Portello, it was the wrong shape, it was designed in house at Alfa Romeo and it was a 4 door sedan. Stay with me ... I'm dealing with perception here ...
The Giulia Sprint GT was released to the foreign press on 9th September 1963 and thereafter at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was the first model entirely manufactured in the new Arease works with the exception of the mechanical units which were still shared with the Giulia TI and were still supplied by the Portello works. Most importantly it was designed by the genius Giorgetto Giugario at just 24 yrs of age. His name is of course synonymous with 105's, but because he was with Bertone at the time it was Bertone's name that ended up on the lower front guard.
I would proffer that it is the Giulia Sprint GT of 1963 that is considered by most to be the first true 105 ... it was a coupe, it wore the Grand Touring (GT) designation, it was designed by Giugario and it was built at Arese and it's derivations never carried another tipo as the Giulia sedan did.
Ask any classic car enthusiast not associated with Alfa Romeo what a 105 looks like and he'll point to a GT coupe shape every time. Dozens of motoring books dedicated to the Giulia GT support the perception, acknowledging the extraordinary Giulia TI, but quickly passing it by to wax lyrical about the coupes, now more often than not simply known as 105's. No other Alfa Romeo shape is as affectionately known by it's tipo number alone.
As I first suggested think the celebration would be valid in either 2012 or 2013, but perhaps more appropriately in 2013. Regardless of the fascinating history I say may a celebration of this much loved series roll whatever the year. ! ... and if 2012 appears most viable to ensure the biggest celebration possible then so be it! ... Ciao.
Mark Baigent - Italian Car Enthusiasts of Tasmania - AROCA Vic, Member No 4158 - Past President AROCA Qld, Member No 105.
