1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

‘JFO 257’ is something a bit different, and while it isn’t one for the purists among you, anyone looking for a fast road or rally Alfa Romeo Giulitetta Sprint can probably call off the search.

Set up for and used in events such as HERO, where it was the poster car for the 2017 HERO Cup, and SunSeaRally, where it went as far as Morocco, it boasts an uprated 1570cc engine in lieu of the original 1290cc unit.

Twin side-draught Weber carburettors and a remote oil filter and cooler too, plus the later five-speed box that gives the driver access to an additional ratio compared to the number it started with.

A stainless-steel fuel tank and Filter King pressure regulator and filter have also been installed, the dynamo has been replaced by an alternator, and the front drum brakes have been replaced by discs.

Safety was clearly a priority, so you’ll find a roll cage, high-backed touring seats, Luke harnesses, and a laminated windscreen as well as additional instrumentation and lights.

With just the one former UK keeper since it arrived in the United Kingdom in 1995, the most recent acquired it in 2004. 
 

Most competition cars have the emphasis placed on being quick, reliable, and safe – the way they look often comes a distant fourth, and it’s unreasonable to expect any car of that ilk to be concours-ready.

That the Alfa looks as good as it does as you walk up to it comes as a pleasant surprise then. There’s a good shine to the vivid red paintwork, decent shutlines and panel alignment, and the changes that have been made for rallying, including spotlights and towing points, are subtle and nicely integrated.  

The frameless doors open and close easily, and the glazing on them and every other aperture is free of damage.

The lamp lenses too are in great shape with no obvious flaws, and the brightwork is generally very good with nothing more than minor tarnishing and spotting to the chrome finish, plus the odd spot of rust on things like the headlamp bezels and the front bumper.

The hand-painted steel wheels are in a decent condition with nothing more than the odd spot of rust along their dent-free rims.

Tyres are 165R15 Vredestein Sprint Classic on all four corners, and while they have good tread left on them they’re a decade old now, so past their best.

Nonetheless, we will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly.

The paintwork is presentable overall, especially from a few feet away. Closer inspection reveals the odd spot of oxidation (i.e. 31/103) plus a little rust along some of the wheelarches (pleases see 32/103 and for details). There are also a few touched-in stonechips and marks throughout, plus some orange peel and a few cracks.

As for flaws badge is missing from the nearside front wing, the lower edge of the driver’s door doesn’t sit flush, the door seals have split, and some of the other rubber seals have perished.
 

The high-back seats don’t look out of place, and their more modern design means they will be safer and more secure than the ones they replaced thanks to better lateral support and the presence of headrests.

They’re in great shape too, with only moderate creasing to their outer edges and little other visible wear and tear.

Luke harnesses keep both the driver and passenger firmly secured, and the shoulder straps for these are anchored to a hefty roll cage. Further protection comes via padding to the roll cage, a fire extinguisher (age and condition unknown), and an electrical cutout switch mounted on the transmission tunnel.

The three-spoke Moto-Lita steering wheel is the next most obvious upgrade, and this too is as attractive as it is useful. A more modern handbrake has also been fitted, netting pockets in either door provide additional storage space, and a map light provides illumination for the navigator.

Further changes that make the car more suitable for rallying include two additional instruments fitted into an alloy panel in the centre of the dashboard that monitor time and battery charge, and a small switch panel mounted above that.

The rear seat base has also been removed to save weight and give even more storage space. However, the rear and side trim panels have been retained, and these are in a good condition.

The carpets, which are red bound with grey, are in a good overall condition with just a little light wear, most obviously to the driver’s footwell.

The boot is protected by a simple but elegant Alfa Romeo rubber mat. The boot is where the (new-looking) battery sits as well as the fuel filler for the upgraded stainless-steel petrol tank. Lifting the rubber mat reveals some surface rust.

As for other stuff you might like to look at, the gearknob is held on with gaffer tape and the padded dashboard top has a tear in it to the right of the instrument binnacle.
 

The engine was rebuilt, and a dyno run printout from 2015 shows a maximum power output of 141bhp and 126.5lb.ft of torque – and given the Alfa weighs just 930kgs according to its FIVA passport, performance is sprightly.

The work must have been done well because our man’s assessment of the engine is that it is “sweet”, even after a decade of use.

As the video demonstrates it starts well, idles evenly, and revs with an attractive bark. It shows good oil pressure too, both at idle and higher speeds.

The engine bay gives plenty of space for routine maintenance, and the remote oil filter makes servicing considerably easier than it would otherwise have been.

The underbonnet soundproofing is in an excellent condition, and we spotted an intricate engine breather system that’s been neatly attached to the inner wing plus plenty of safety wiring to stop fasteners working themselves loose in the pressure and vibration of competition.

It’s decently clean and well presented, and we can’t see the new owner finding much to do under there other than to explore why the rear differential is leaking.

The underside is unadulterated and presented honestly. There is some surface rust here and there, but it looks to be minimal from what we can see, although the new owner will want to ensure it’s treated quickly.

As you’d expect, patch welds have been made in the past, and there is evidence of careful curation by way of cap-headed bolts on the exhaust system, underbody engine protection, a nicely fabricated stainless-steel fuel tank, fresh grease dotted throughout, and what looks like a recent driveshaft. 
 

The Giulietta’s history file includes an expired FIVA Identity Card issued by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, a receipt for the duty that was paid when the car was imported, and even some paperwork from its time in Zimbabwe.

There are invoices from specialists such as Alfaholics and Alfa Stop too, plus earlier ones for routine maintenance and repairs. The file even includes a few expired tax discs; remember them?

The Alfa doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MoT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MoT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies… 
 

We can’t think of a better way of enjoying the Giulietta’s sublime engine and chassis than with a sport of historic rallying.

With proven reliability – it took the current owners as far as Africa, after all – any lack of originality is reflected in our guide price of between £25,000 and £35,000, which we think represents stellar value considering the amount of work that’s gone into improving what was already one of the best-driving cars of its generation.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.