Description
The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC was a rare and elegant open-top version of the Giulia Sprint GT, produced between 1964 and 1966. Designed and built by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, the GTC was Alfa Romeo’s attempt to offer a stylish and refined convertible while maintaining the performance and handling characteristics of the Giulia coupe. With only 1,000 units produced, it remains one of the most sought-after classic Alfa Romeos.
Mechanically, the Giulia GTC was based on the Giulia Sprint GT, sharing the same 1,570 cc twin-cam inline-four engine, which produced 105 horsepower. This engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission, delivered lively acceleration and a top speed of approximately 180 km/h (112 mph). Despite the added weight from chassis reinforcements required for structural rigidity, the GTC retained the agile handling and responsiveness that made the Giulia GT series so popular.
The transformation from coupe to convertible was carried out with great attention to detail. Carrozzeria Touring reinforced the chassis to compensate for the loss of the fixed roof, ensuring that the GTC maintained excellent road manners. The folding soft-top was elegantly designed to stow away neatly behind the rear seats, preserving the car’s clean and graceful lines when open.
The Giulia GTC’s styling, originally penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone, retained the classic front-end design of the Sprint GT but featured a subtly modified rear section to accommodate the convertible mechanism. The interior was well-appointed, with wood trim, sporty instrumentation, and comfortable seats that made it an excellent grand tourer for open-air driving.
While the Giulia GTC was praised for its design and driving dynamics, it remained a niche model, as convertibles were less in demand than coupes at the time. Production ended in 1966, making way for later Alfa Romeo convertibles like the Spider. Today, the Giulia GTC is a highly collectible classic, appreciated for its rarity, craftsmanship, and the unique combination of open-top driving pleasure with Alfa Romeo’s legendary performance and handling.