Description
The Alfa Romeo GTA 1300 Junior Corsa was a race-prepared version of the GTA 1300 Junior, specifically developed for competition use. Built by Autodelta, Alfa Romeo’s official racing division, the car was designed to excel in the under 1.3-liter class of touring car racing, where it became one of the most dominant and successful race cars of its time.
Based on the standard GTA 1300 Junior, the Corsa version was stripped of all unnecessary weight and further refined for racing. The bodywork was made of Peraluman, a lightweight aluminum alloy, significantly reducing the car’s overall mass. Additional weight savings came from thinner glass windows, lightweight magnesium wheels, and a simplified interior that included only the essential gauges and controls for competition use. Suspension modifications included stiffer springs, reinforced shock absorbers, and an upgraded braking system to handle the demands of high-speed racing.
The heart of the GTA 1300 Junior Corsa was its highly tuned 1,290 cc twin-cam engine. Fitted with a twin-plug cylinder head, larger carburetors, high-lift camshafts, and a competition exhaust system, the engine produced well over 150 horsepower at high revs. Mated to a close-ratio five-speed gearbox and a limited-slip differential, the car delivered exceptional acceleration and responsiveness, making it a formidable opponent on the track.
On the racing circuit, the GTA 1300 Junior Corsa was nearly unbeatable in its class. Competing in events like the European Touring Car Championship, it consistently outperformed larger-displacement rivals due to its superior power-to-weight ratio, nimble handling, and exceptional cornering ability. Autodelta continuously refined the car, introducing aerodynamic enhancements, improved cooling systems, and further chassis tuning to maintain its competitive edge.
Today, the Alfa Romeo GTA 1300 Junior Corsa is regarded as one of the finest racing cars ever produced by the brand. Highly sought after by collectors and historic racing enthusiasts, it remains a symbol of Alfa Romeo’s engineering excellence and racing heritage. Its combination of lightweight construction, high-revving performance, and racing pedigree ensures its place among the most iconic competition cars of its era.