Description

The Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ1, introduced in 1963, was a lightweight racing sports car developed by Autodelta, Alfa Romeo’s official competition division, in collaboration with Zagato. Designed for endurance racing and grand touring competition, the TZ1 (Tubolare Zagato) was an evolution of the Giulia platform, featuring an advanced tubular spaceframe chassis, aerodynamic bodywork, and a powerful twin-cam engine.

Weighing just 650 kg (1,430 lbs) due to its aluminum body and lightweight construction, the TZ1 was incredibly agile and responsive. The car was powered by a 1,570 cc twin-cam inline-four engine derived from the Giulia Sprint Speciale, producing around 112 to 160 horsepower, depending on tuning. A five-speed gearbox and independent suspension contributed to its outstanding handling characteristics, while its top speed exceeded 210 km/h (130 mph).

One of the TZ1’s defining features was its distinctive Kammback tail, designed to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag at high speeds. This allowed the car to excel on both winding circuits and fast straights, making it a formidable competitor in international endurance racing. The TZ1 achieved significant success, including class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Targa Florio, and the Nürburgring 1000 km.

Production of the Giulia TZ1 was limited to just over 100 units, making it a rare and highly sought-after collector’s car today. Its combination of advanced engineering, lightweight construction, and racing pedigree cements its place as one of Alfa Romeo’s most iconic competition cars.