Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce

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Description

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce, introduced in 1956, was the high-performance evolution of the already iconic Giulietta Sprint. Designed to satisfy the growing demand for a sportier, more powerful version of the beloved coupé, the Sprint Veloce embodied the essence of Alfa Romeo’s racing heritage while maintaining the elegant design and everyday usability that made the original Sprint so popular. This model not only enhanced the Giulietta’s reputation on the road but also solidified its status on the racetrack, becoming a favorite among amateur and professional drivers alike.

Under the hood, the Giulietta Sprint Veloce featured a more potent version of the 1.3-liter (1,290 cc) twin-cam inline-four engine, a masterpiece of engineering derived from Alfa Romeo’s racing experience. This lightweight, all-aluminum powerplant was equipped with dual Weber carburetors, a higher compression ratio, and revised camshaft profiles, boosting output to around 90 horsepower. The result was a lively, high-revving engine that delivered thrilling performance for its size, propelling the Veloce to a top speed of approximately 180 km/h (112 mph). The engine’s responsiveness and willingness to rev made it a joy to drive, especially on twisty roads where its free-breathing nature could be fully appreciated.

The Giulietta Sprint Veloce’s performance improvements extended beyond the engine. To reduce weight, Alfa Romeo utilized aluminum for the doors, hood, and trunk lid, while thinner gauge steel was used for the body panels. Lightweight Plexiglas windows were also fitted in some models to further shed unnecessary mass. These weight-saving measures, combined with the car’s compact dimensions, contributed to its exceptional agility and handling, making it highly competitive in motorsport events.

The chassis remained largely similar to the standard Sprint, featuring independent front suspension with coil springs and wishbones, and a live rear axle with coil springs and trailing arms. However, the Veloce benefited from stiffer suspension tuning, improved shock absorbers, and a lower ride height, all of which enhanced its cornering capabilities and road-holding performance. The precise steering and balanced chassis dynamics gave drivers a direct, connected feel, making the Sprint Veloce exceptionally engaging to drive.

Visually, the Giulietta Sprint Veloce maintained the elegant lines penned by Bertone’s Franco Scaglione but with subtle cues that hinted at its performance pedigree. A distinctive “Veloce” script badge adorned the rear, while lightweight alloy wheels and additional front air intakes provided both functional benefits and a sportier aesthetic. The front grille design was slightly modified to improve airflow to the engine, and small details like the deletion of unnecessary chrome trim contributed to the car’s purposeful appearance.

Inside, the Sprint Veloce’s cabin was designed with a focus on performance. The dashboard featured a simple, driver-centric layout with large, clear gauges for speed, RPM, and essential engine metrics. Lightweight bucket seats provided better lateral support during spirited driving, and the minimalistic interior was free of unnecessary luxuries to save weight. However, the craftsmanship remained typically Italian, with attention to detail and quality materials evident throughout.

The Giulietta Sprint Veloce’s racing pedigree was undeniable. It found success in prestigious events such as the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, and various touring car championships across Europe. Its combination of power, lightness, and agility made it a formidable competitor, often outperforming larger, more powerful cars thanks to its superior handling and reliability. The car’s success on the track helped establish Alfa Romeo as a dominant force in motorsport during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Today, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, prized for its historical significance, beautiful design, and exhilarating driving experience. It represents the perfect blend of Italian style and engineering prowess—a lightweight, agile sports coupé that delivers pure driving pleasure, whether on the road or the racetrack. Its legacy continues to inspire Alfa Romeo’s modern sports cars, serving as a reminder of the brand’s rich heritage and passion for performance.

Additional information

Manufacturer

Alfa Romeo

Country

Italy

Production Started

1956

Production Stopped

1958

Vehicle Type

Bodystyle

Coupe

Number of Doors

2

Number of Seats

2 + 2

Top Speed

112 mph (180 kph)

0-60 mph (0-100 kph)

12 s

Power

66 / 90 / 89 @ 6000 rpm

Torque

118 / 87 @ 4500 rpm

Engine Manufacturer

Alfa Romeo

Engine

Inline 4

Engine Location

Front

Engine Displacement

1290 cc (78.3 cu in)

Valvetrain

DOHC

Valves per Cylinder

2

Bore / Stroke

74 x 75 mm (2.913 x 2.953 in)

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Cooling System

Water

Charging System

Fuel Type

Petrol

Fuel System

Carburator, 2 x Weber

Aspiration

Normal

Fuel Capacity

Drive

Rear

Transmission

M4

Steering

Front Brakes

Rear Brakes

Front Suspension

Rear Suspension

Tyre Dimensions

Chassis

Weight

730 kg (1609 lb)

Length

3980 mm (156.7 in)

Width

1535 mm (60.4 in)

Height

1300 mm (51.2 in)

Wheelbase

2380 mm (93.7 in)