Description
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA, introduced in 1965, is one of the most celebrated and iconic racing cars in Alfa Romeo’s illustrious history. Developed by Autodelta, Alfa Romeo’s racing division, the GTA—short for “Gran Turismo Alleggerita” (Lightened Grand Tourer)—was designed specifically for competition in touring car racing, where it achieved legendary status thanks to its exceptional performance, lightweight construction, and relentless success on the track.
The heart of the Giulia Sprint GTA was its 1.6-liter (1,570 cc) twin-cam inline-four engine, derived from the standard Giulia Sprint GT but significantly enhanced for racing. In its initial road-going form, the engine produced around 115 horsepower, while competition versions could achieve up to 170 horsepower thanks to modifications such as twin-plug ignition, high-compression pistons, larger Weber carburetors, and more aggressive camshafts. The free-revving nature of the engine, combined with its robust power delivery, made the GTA a formidable opponent on the racetrack. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox, and a limited-slip differential was fitted to optimize traction.
A defining feature of the GTA was its lightweight construction. The car’s body panels were made of Peraluman, a special aluminum alloy, which dramatically reduced weight compared to the standard steel-bodied Giulia. This, along with the use of magnesium wheels, lightweight interior components, and Perspex windows, brought the curb weight down to approximately 745 kg (1,642 lbs). The reduced weight, coupled with its powerful engine, gave the GTA an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, enhancing acceleration, cornering, and overall agility.
The chassis of the GTA was extensively modified for racing, featuring a reinforced structure, uprated suspension components, and a lowered ride height. Independent front suspension with coil springs and double wishbones, combined with a live rear axle supported by trailing arms and coil springs, provided precise handling and exceptional stability. Disc brakes on all four wheels ensured strong and reliable stopping power, essential for competitive driving.
Visually, the Giulia Sprint GTA retained the classic design of the Giulia Sprint GT but with subtle differences that reflected its racing focus. The front featured a distinctive mesh grille, and many competition models had lightweight fiberglass bumpers or no bumpers at all to save weight. Wide wheel arches accommodated the broader tires necessary for racing, and unique “GTA” badging signified its special status.
Inside, the GTA was stripped of non-essential luxuries to save weight. The interior was equipped with lightweight bucket seats, a simple dashboard with race-oriented instrumentation, and minimalistic trim. Roll cages were installed in competition versions to provide additional safety and structural rigidity.
The Giulia Sprint GTA quickly established itself as a dominant force in motorsport, achieving significant victories in the European Touring Car Championship, the Trans-Am Series in the United States, and various national championships around the world. The car’s agility, powerful engine, and excellent reliability allowed it to outpace many larger, more powerful competitors, cementing its reputation as a giant killer.
Today, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA is one of the most sought-after collector cars in the world, celebrated for its engineering brilliance, motorsport pedigree, and timeless design. Its rarity—only around 500 units were produced—further adds to its desirability. Whether displayed at prestigious concours events, raced in historic competitions, or preserved in private collections, the GTA continues to be a symbol of Alfa Romeo’s golden era and a testament to the brand’s commitment to creating truly exceptional performance machines.