Lot details
Registration No: JBY117K
Chassis No: 784915
Mot Expiry: June 2011

The boxy shape of 105 Series Giulias belied a low drag coefficient (superior to that of similarly aged Porsche 911s). When coupled with the 1.6-litre Super version of the company's ubiquitous all-alloy, DOHC, four-cylinder engine, the result was a performance car capable of shaming many sporting two-seaters of the period. It's perhaps no surprise then that these delightful saloons are highly collectable today and racing versions are still being campaigned with vigour on all continents. The specification was straightforward - a four-door, three-box, lightweight (2,205 lbs) body powered by a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels. The suspension was independent at the front and braking by servo-assisted discs all round. A slick five-speed manual gearbox ensured optimum performance and added to driver satisfaction.

The Giulia Super first saw the light of day in 1965 and, with technology transferred straight from the racing TI Super, proved to be the most successful of all Giulia saloons made. Tuned for optimum torque, the double twin-choke Weber-fed engine produced some 97bhp - sufficient for the nippy Alfa to achieve the 0-60mph dash in around 12 seconds and easily top the magic 'ton' flat out. The suitably sporty interior featured a new fascia with large round tachometer and speedometer and an aluminium-spoked steering wheel. Updates for 1968 included revised suspension geometry and rear anti-roll bar plus a switch from 15in to 14in wheels, while those for 1970 featured dual circuit brakes, a centre-mounted handbrake and larger external door handles.

The Giulia Super 1.6 offered is a right-hand drive example from early 1972. As befits its Latin brio, it is finished in red with black trim. The Alfa Romeo has been in the vendor's care for the last fourteen years and he describes its coachwork, paintwork, engine, transmission and interior trim as "good". Summing-up 'JBY 117K' as "a fun to drive sporting saloon which offers something a bit different", he adds that it is MOT'd into June of 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been informed that this lot has the distinction of being one of approximately 500 Giulia Super saloons made in 1971 / 1972 with a unique 105.28 type prefix. Nicknamed the `Biscione' edition, these cars sported a number of distinguishing features such as an under-dash handbrake, black headlining strip above the windscreen, recessed Alfa Romeo script on the bootlid and serpent badges to both C-pillars. Formerly owned by the secretary of the Alfa Romeo Owners' Club register for that model during the 1990s, `JBY 117K' is further understood to have benefited from the installation of a larger 2-Litre Alfa engine giving a noticeable boost in performance (though, its V5C Registration Document still quotes the older engine number).