Cool Coupé: 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint – Sold?
March 10, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.
Sift through our growing history of Craigslist “Classifinds” GuysWithRides.com featured to date and you’ll find the overwhelming majority of Alfas have been of the Spider Veloce variety. Today we’re calling attention to a ride out of the ordinary in the form of this driver-quality 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint originally listed in February 2022 on Craigslist in Potomac, Maryland (Washington, DC). The seller notes his Alfa is a “transition” coupé, meaning it is an earlier 750 series car featuring later 101-series trim details. The seller notes his Alfa features a bigger 1600cc engine from a later model. Unique to this example is the factory-installed Rockwell-Golde manual sunroof.
Currently offered for $39,000, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has his Alfa priced between this guide’s #2 “Excellent” estimate of $38,800 and its #1 “Concours” appraisal of $56,400. A more accurate assessment can be found in the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool that reveals the seller’s ask falls below this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $44,900.
Italian automaker Alfa Romeo built the Giulietta in two series (750 followed by 101) between 1954 and 1965. Alfa Romeo offered the car in several body styles which included a 2+2 coupé, four-door sedan, wagon, and spider variants. The 2+2 was Alfa Romeo’s first successful foray into the 1.3-liter class. From 1954 to 1965 a total of 177,690 Giuliettas were made.
A new version of the Giulietta Berlina debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1959. Mechanical changes were limited to shifting the fuel pump from the cylinder head to a lower position below the distributor, and moving the previously exposed fuel filler cap from the tail to the right rear wing, under a flap. The bodywork showed a revised front end, with more rounded wings, recessed headlights, and new grilles with chrome frames and two horizontal bars. The rear also showed changes, with new larger tail lights on vestigial fins, which replaced the earlier rounded rear wings. The interior was much more organized and upholstered in new cloth material; the redesigned dashboard included a strip speedometer flanked by two round bezels. During 1959 the type designation for all models was changed from 750 and 753 to 101.
The Petrolicious YouTube channel provides this modern-day overview of a similar 1955 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint:
If you’re looking for a driver-quality vintage Alfa you can enjoy driving rather than simply admiring in your garage, this 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint might be the car for you.
Here’s the seller’s description:
“1959 Alfa Romeo Sprint. VIN 1493.08885. This is a nice example of a “transition” European Spec car and was first sold in Germany by NSU Werk (which later became Audi). Features a one-of-a-kind inbuilt, manual Rockwell-Golde sunroof (very much like you see on old Porsches and Karmann Ghias.) The engine is from a late model 101 Series car as it is a 1600 cc rather than the original 1300 which came with the car.
This is indeed a 750 series car, however, it sports the “cheese grater” eyebrows of the later 101 series cars. Features a perfect period-correct headliner and totally period-correct gray seats and door skins. In spite of pictures, now antifreeze stained carpet will need replacing.
Radiator re-cored; gas tank relined with “Renu” system. Rare radio blanking plate.
In spite of the wonderful appearance, this car was painted in aubergine lacquer approximately 30 years ago and shows signs of crazing and chipping so will need a repaint in the future. However, it is a wonderful “ten-footer” and shows well. Chrome is without pitting, however should probably be replated when the car is repainted for perfection.
No rust, except some surface on the bottom of rocker panels (rockers NOT rusted through; they are open type and easily accessed.), good Toyo tires; plenty of tread. The engine was second hand so I do not know the history, but pulls strong. Weber 38 series 2 bbl. carb with original air cleaner. Windshield wipers are working (now.)
This is a car that you could drive immediately until you decide to repaint it. You are invited to come test drive this car or send a proxy to do the same.
Call or text. I cannot respond through Craigslist
NO CURBSTONERS!”
Show or go: what would you do with this 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint? Comment below and let us know!
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