Description
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale, often referred to as the Giulietta SS, is one of the most striking and aerodynamically advanced cars of its era, embodying the spirit of Italian design and engineering innovation. Introduced in 1959, the Sprint Speciale was designed with both aesthetics and performance in mind, bridging the gap between road cars and Alfa Romeo’s rich motorsport heritage. Its futuristic, streamlined shape was the work of Franco Scaglione at Bertone, who crafted a body that prioritized aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining the brand’s signature elegance.
The Giulietta Sprint Speciale’s design was heavily influenced by Alfa Romeo’s earlier experimental race cars, particularly the BAT (Berlina Aerodinamica Tecnica) concept series. Its sleek, low-slung silhouette featured a dramatically curved front end, smooth, uninterrupted body lines, and a distinctive Kamm tail at the rear to reduce aerodynamic drag. The car’s rounded nose housed the classic Alfa Romeo triangular grille, flanked by covered headlights that enhanced its aerodynamic profile. Every curve and contour was purposefully sculpted to minimize resistance, giving the Sprint Speciale a drag coefficient of just 0.28, remarkably low even by today’s standards.
Beneath its striking exterior, the Giulietta Sprint Speciale was powered by Alfa Romeo’s revered 1.3-liter (1,290 cc) twin-cam inline-four engine, a hallmark of the brand’s engineering prowess. In the SS, the engine was tuned for higher performance, featuring dual Weber carburetors, a high-compression cylinder head, and sportier camshaft profiles. This setup produced around 100 horsepower, allowing the lightweight coupe to reach top speeds of over 200 km/h (124 mph), an impressive figure for a car of its displacement and era. The engine’s lively character, quick throttle response, and distinctive Alfa twin-cam growl made it a joy to drive, particularly on winding roads where its agility could shine.
The Giulietta Sprint Speciale’s chassis was based on the Giulietta Sprint platform but featured modifications to enhance its handling and performance. It utilized independent front suspension with wishbones and coil springs, while the rear featured a solid axle with trailing arms and coil springs. The suspension tuning provided a firm yet compliant ride, offering excellent road-holding capabilities and responsive handling. Disc brakes were introduced in later models, improving stopping power to match the car’s performance credentials.
Inside, the cabin of the Sprint Speciale was as distinctive as its exterior. The dashboard featured a wraparound design with a prominent central speedometer and tachometer housed in twin circular pods, giving the driver a clear view of essential information. The steering wheel was thin-rimmed and large, typical of sports cars from the era, providing precise feedback. Bucket seats offered good support for spirited driving, and the minimalist interior layout emphasized function over excess, though high-quality materials and fine detailing added an element of Italian sophistication.
While the Sprint Speciale was designed as a road car, its performance capabilities made it a natural fit for motorsport. It participated in various racing events, including endurance rallies and hill climbs, where its aerodynamic advantages and lightweight construction gave it an edge. Though not as dominant as Alfa’s dedicated race cars, the SS proved to be a capable competitor, especially in events where high-speed stability and efficiency were crucial.
Today, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Its combination of breathtaking design, advanced aerodynamics, and engaging performance makes it a standout in Alfa Romeo’s storied history. The car’s rarity—fewer than 1,400 examples were produced—adds to its desirability, with well-preserved models commanding significant attention at classic car auctions and concours events worldwide. The Sprint Speciale remains a testament to Alfa Romeo’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of both form and function, capturing the essence of Italian automotive artistry.