The Tubolare Zagato (TZ) was conceived in 1959 to replace the SZ using most of the Giulia series assemblies, but with a radical tubular space frame chassis and lightweight Zagato body. These advanced traits made the TZ much more purpose-built for racing than the standard Giulia.

Chief designer Giuseppe Busso said “The TZ1 is the result of the evolution of the concept of a 1500cc racing car that dates back to 1955 that is even before the SZ.” He’s Referring to the 750 Competizione which used a steel-boxed chassis which was eventually dropped. Instead the TZ1 used a more elaborate version of the SZ’s tube frame.

Work on the TZ began in 1960 and the first road trials were conducted in 1961. However, it took a long time to reach production because precedence was given to the new Giulia and 2600 models.

Zagato, who had bodied previous competition Giulias, was entrusted to create the body. Zagatos lightweight aluminum bodies were ideally suited for the TZ’s advanced chassis. Their recent advances in aerodynamics led the inclusion of a Kamm Tail which helped raise stability without introducing drag.

Wanting a return to serious racing, company president Giuseppe Luraghi had Oarzio Satta approach ex-Ferrari engineer Carlo Chiti to produce the Tubulare Zagato (TZ). Chiti then setup Autodelta in March of 1963 to foster this new agreement. As the TZ1 progressed and became successful, Autodelta increasingly became Alfa Romeo’s racing wing until the company was eventually purchased by the firm.

Three years after the project began, the TZ was first shown on Zagato’s stand at the 1962 Turin Motorshow. It was later sold in 1963 with a 112 bhp engine identical to the one on the Sprint Special: this engine was then further developed for the TZ1 in participation in Grand Touring Category races. It was later offered with twin-spark ignition.

After its sporting debut in minor races, the Giulia TZ1 was immediately able to make its mark in demanding races such as the FISA Cup in Monza in 1963, at the Sebring 12-hour race, the 48th Targa Florio, the 1000 km Nurburgring, the Le Mans 24-hour race, the Tour of France, the Coupe des Alpes, and the Tour of Corsica. These victories confirm the great class of a car suitable not only for track racing, but also for more demanding road circuits.

Story by Alfa Romeo & Supercars.net

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
engine	Inline-4
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
displacement	1570 cc / 95.8 in³
power	119.3 kw / 160 bhp @ 7000 rpm
specific output	101.91 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	242.42 bhp per tonne
front brakes	Discs
rear brakes	Discs
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	Independent w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight	660 kg / 1455 lbs
wheelbase	2200 mm / 86.6 in
transmission	5-Speed Manual

Auction Sales History

1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ 10511AR750099 – sold for $1,023,000 Among the Most Successful Competition Cars of the 1960s. A Wonderfully Presented Example of an Italian Masterpiece. An Incredibly Capable Touring or Vintage Racing Car. One of 112 TZs Built Between 1963 and 1967. Well-Documented History of Caring Stewardship.
Auction Source: 2014 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company