Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

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Description

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint, introduced in 1954, marked a pivotal moment in automotive history as one of the first true Italian sports coupés designed for both the enthusiast driver and the everyday commuter. Styled by Franco Scaglione at Bertone, the Sprint was a masterpiece of design, blending aerodynamic efficiency with elegant, timeless lines. Its sleek fastback profile, curvaceous body, and distinctive front grille captured the spirit of post-war Italian automotive artistry, signaling Alfa Romeo’s transition into producing sporty, accessible cars for a broader market.

At the heart of the Giulietta Sprint was a 1.3-liter (1,290 cc) inline-four twin-cam engine, a technological marvel for its time. This aluminum alloy engine featured hemispherical combustion chambers and twin overhead camshafts, derived from Alfa Romeo’s racing expertise. Initially producing around 65 horsepower, the Sprint’s power output grew with later versions, such as the Sprint Veloce, reaching up to 90 horsepower. This lightweight, high-revving engine allowed the Giulietta Sprint to achieve impressive performance figures, with a top speed of around 165 km/h (102 mph) and brisk acceleration that made it a joy to drive on winding roads and open highways alike.

The Giulietta Sprint’s chassis was equally advanced, featuring a monocoque construction that provided both rigidity and weight savings. Its suspension setup included independent front suspension with coil springs, wishbones, and a live rear axle supported by coil springs and trailing arms. This arrangement delivered sharp handling, excellent road feedback, and a surprisingly comfortable ride for a sports coupé of its era. The Sprint’s precise steering and balanced weight distribution made it agile and responsive, characteristics that endeared it to spirited drivers and racing enthusiasts.

Inside the cabin, the Giulietta Sprint offered a blend of minimalist sportiness and Italian flair. The dashboard was simple yet stylish, with clear, round gauges set in chrome bezels, providing essential information at a glance. The three-spoke steering wheel, thin-rimmed and elegant, offered a direct connection to the road. Bucket seats with supportive bolstering kept the driver and passenger firmly in place during spirited driving, while high-quality materials like leather and polished metal trim added a touch of luxury. Despite its compact dimensions, the Sprint provided a comfortable environment for two passengers, with a small rear bench suitable for occasional use or additional luggage space.

The Giulietta Sprint was more than just a beautiful car—it had a strong motorsport pedigree. It quickly found success in events such as the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, and various touring car championships, where its lightweight construction, nimble handling, and robust engine proved highly competitive. The Sprint Veloce variant, with its more powerful engine, lighter body panels, and tuned suspension, became a favorite among amateur racers and helped solidify Alfa Romeo’s reputation in the world of performance driving.

Over its production run, the Giulietta Sprint evolved with various mechanical and aesthetic updates. Later models featured improved braking systems, upgraded interiors, and subtle design tweaks, including larger tail lights and different grille designs. Despite these changes, the car maintained its core identity as a lightweight, driver-focused coupé.

Today, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint is revered as an icon of mid-century automotive design and engineering. Its influence can be seen in the lineage of Alfa Romeo sports cars that followed, from the Giulia Sprint to modern-day models. Collectors and enthusiasts value the Sprint for its blend of performance, beauty, and historical significance. It represents an era when driving was as much about passion and emotion as it was about reaching a destination—a philosophy that Alfa Romeo continues to embody.

Additional information

Manufacturer

Alfa Romeo

Country

Italy

Production Started

1954

Production Stopped

1956

Vehicle Type

Bodystyle

Coupe

Number of Doors

2

Number of Seats

2 + 2

Top Speed

99 mph (160 kph)

0-60 mph (0-100 kph)

Power

48 / 65 / 64 @ 6000 rpm

Torque

108 / 80 @ 4000 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

8:1

Cooling System

Water

Charging System

Fuel Type

Petrol

Fuel System

Carburator, 1 x Solex

Aspiration

Normal

Fuel Capacity

Drive

Rear

Transmission

M4

Steering

Front Brakes

Rear Brakes

Front Suspension

Rear Suspension

Tyre Dimensions

Chassis

Weight

880 kg (1940 lb)

Length

3980 mm (156.7 in)

Width

1535 mm (60.4 in)

Height

1320 mm (52 in)

Wheelbase

2380 mm (93.7 in)