1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint

Lot details
Registration No: 838 CLJ
Chassis No: AR821559
Mot Expiry: Oct 2012

Introduced at the 1962 Geneva Salon, the Alfa Romeo 106-series was conceived as the Milanese manufacturer's flagship range. Available in Berlina, Sprint and Spider guises, it was based on a reworked / elongated 102-series platform featuring all-round coil-sprung suspension and four-wheel disc brakes (though, some early cars had drums to the rear). Harking back to Alfa's illustrious Grand Prix past, it was powered by a bespoke 2584cc DOHC straight-six engine. Credited with some 145bhp and 156lbft of torque, this monolithic all-alloy unit drove the rear wheels via a five-speed synchromesh manual gearbox. Arguably the best-looking variant, the two-door Sprint coupe was styled by newly appointed Carrozeria Bertone design chief, Giorgetto Giugiaro. Despite a reputed top speed of 125mph and spirited acceleration to match, the model was not as overtly sporting as it name implied. More of a sophisticated and refined Gran Turismo car instead, few rivals (and no other contemporary Alfa) could match its ability to seat four in comfort over long journeys at high speeds. Although, the Sprint outsold the Berlina and Spider, just 6,699 are thought to have been made during its six-year production life.

Finished in Red with Tan hide upholstery, this particular example is understood to have been professionally converted to right-hand drive when new by Ruddspeed Engineering, who were the UK's Alfa Romeo import agents at the time. The coupe has enjoyed long term ownership and was treated to a major restoration some years ago. Along the way, the three original Solex carburetters have been replaced by a set of 45DCOE Webers that not only look even more impressive, but are also understood to have added a further level of power. '838 CLJ' has recently enjoyed a full engine tune and extensive service and is said by the vendor to be "quick, responsive and fun to drive". Overall, he currently regards the bodywork, interior trim and engine as "excellent" and the paintwork as "very good".