In 1963, the Giulia Sprint GT was first shown to the press at Alfa’s recently opened plant in Arese, followed later that month when the public got a look at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The body was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Bertone and the look was a progression and modernization of the 101 series, while the Giulia name denoted larger engine displacement from the previous Giulettas. This was considered the most sporty offering in Alfa’s line up at the time. In 1964, a convertible version, modified by Touring and known as the GTC, was created with a short run of just 1000 units. Even though much of the drive train was a carryover it was a formidable combination. The Sprint GT carried on, until 1966, with the introduction of the next evolution, the Sprint GTV. The GTV, first seen at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 1966, had a revised engine with larger exhaust valves, offering a bit more power and significantly more torque.
Case in point, the 1967 Giulia Sprint GT Veloce. It features four-wheel disc brakes, an all aluminum 1.6-L, double overhead cam engine, with crossflow head and two valves per cylinder, all wrapped in a taut, elegant, yet purposeful Giugiaro penned body, that has not lost its charm in the ensuing years.
This is a pure, no nonsense, visceral sports car. No add-ons, no wings or flairs, just smooth clean lines—no frippery, or ostentation. Everything is there to enjoy a blast down your favorite winding road and nothing more.
The interior is clean and simple, but still very inviting. The seats hold you nicely and the steering wheel and shift lever are perfectly set with Italian grace. The dash holds four Veglia gauges. The two central gauges being your tach on the left and speedometer on the right. To the right of the tach is a dual gauge handling oil pressure and fuel level, on the right of the speedometer is another dual gauge that takes care of water and oil temperature. The rest of the dash contains three switches, a radio, glove box, and ignition switch—again clean and purposeful.
The mighty inline-4 springs to life with a throaty growl, this car has a boy racer exhaust that could get a bit tiring after your first thousand or more shifts through the gears, but for now, it’s fun to listen to, especially in a tunnel. The GTV is wonderfully nimble and light, almost to the point of feeling fragile, but in reality, it’s a tough little SOB. The free revving power plant just taunts you to the red line every chance you get and it is not something to easily resist.
Even with limited horsepower by today’s standards, the Alfa is very sprightly and can shame bloated modern machinery with ease. Handling is close to clairvoyant, you just think where you want to go and the Alfa does your bidding. Personality and soul, the GTV has them in spades. While taking a break, a young guy saw the car and started asking questions. His only knowledge of Alfa Romeo was the modern sedan and SUV. After he walked around the car and took his iPhone pictures I think he was going to do a deep dive on the internet. There may be another convert soon.
Alfas have always seemed to be a bit of a cult car, with diehard fanatics just masochistic enough to live with the shortcomings and vagaries of this Italian marque. However, a well maintained example provides true joy. The Veloce is the type of machine that pulls me to the dark side, as the force is strong with this one.
In June of 1910, ALFA (Anonima Lombrada Fabbrica Automobili) was founded. After my time with this Italian gem, I can see why there is that other acronym for ALFA, Always Looking For Another.
Specifications
| Length | 4080 mm / 160.6 in |
| Width | 1580 mm / 62.2 in |
| Height | 1315 mm / 51.8 in |
| Curb weight | 850 kg / 1874 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2350 mm / 92.5 in |
| Front track | 1310 mm / 51.6 in |
| Rear track | 1270 mm / 50 in |
| Engine: | Inline 4 |
| Carburetion | Weber 45DCOE14 2-barrel |
| Displacement | 1570 cm3 / 95.6 cui |
| Bore | 78 mm / 3.07 in |
| Stroke | 82 mm / 3.23 in |
| Compression ratio | 9.7 : 1 |
| Horsepower net | 84.5 kW / 115 PS / 113 hp (DIN) @6000 |
| Torque net | 142 Nm / 105 ft-lb @3000 |
| Horsepower gross | 98 kW / 133 PS / 131 hp (SAE) @ 6000 |
| Torque gross | 159 Nm / 117 ft-lb @ 3000 |
Valuation
| Concours | $108,000 |
| Excellent | $71,000 |
| Good | $46,000 |
| Fair | $30,000 |
