1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale

Lot details
Registration No: KPK435C
Chassis No: AR381350

- Formerly part of the the Abba Kogan Collection

- Current ownership since 2004 and covered only 2,200 miles in that period

- Repainted circa 1999 by XK Engineering

Unveiled as a prototype at the 1957 Turin Salon, the Bertone-penned Giuletta Sprint Speciale entered production two years later. Homologated for competition after 101 'low nose' cars had been made, the Sprint Speciale boasted a drag coefficient of 0.28 and evolved through Tipo 101.20 and Tipo 101.21 guises. Introduced at the 1963 Geneva Salon, the latter utilised more modern Giulia mechanicals and thus boasted a 1.6 litre engine, five-speed manual gearbox and front disc brakes. Only 1,366 Giuletta SS and 1,400 Giulia SS cars were built.

According to its accompanying history file, chassis 381350 spent much of its early life in America where it is rumoured to have raced. Competition usage would certainly explain the tubular exhaust manifold, engine stabiliser bar, twin Weber 40DCOE4 carburettors and replacement Alfa Romeo Giulia TI twin-cam powerplant (AR00514*44923) that are currently fitted. Understood to have been extensively restored Stateside prior to being imported to the UK during 1991, it joined the renowned Abba Kogan collection that same year. Stabled alongside some of the world's most important competition cars, the Sprint Speciale was entrusted to XK Engineering for a colour change from Red to Silver in 1999 before being bought by its previous keeper, Quentin Saunders, some four years later. Mr Saunders had marque specialist Kevin Roskruge of Colwyn Bay remanufacture the radiator, repair the heater, recondition the front disc brakes and carry out some remedial bodywork. Entering the current ownership during October 2004, 'KPK 435C' was treated to new Vredstein tyres plus sundry trim and suspension parts from Classic Alfa over the next few years. Regularly MOT tested up until 2010, it has been laid-up for the last nine years and will thus require a degree of recommissioning / restoration. Running and driving albeit that the clutch sticks intermittently, this jaw-dropping Sprint Speciale is surely worthy of a return to road use.