Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1600

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Launched in 1963, the 105 Series Giulia GT Coupe was the long-awaited replacement for the gorgeous but dated 101 Series Giulietta Sprint. 

It was styled in just two months by a virtually unknown 22-year-old who worked on it in the evenings during his national service. That man was Giorgetto Giugiaro, on contract to Bertone, who went on to become one of the most famous car designers of all time. The balance of glass and metal, soft curves and sharp edges broke new ground in car design and proved highly influential. Rightly regarded as an all-time classic, the Giulia Coupe was to remain in production very little altered until 1976.

The 1600 GT Junior came out in 1972 and was intended to plug the gap between the 1300 GT and the 2000 GTV. It was powered by a quick-revving 1,570cc twin-cam four that produced 110bhp and 115lb/ft of torque, and gave it a top speed of 115mph. The underpinnings were taken straight from the new Giulia Ti sporting saloon, sharing the same five-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension, coil-sprung live rear axle and all round disc brakes. Overall it made for a delightful package that offered a seductive blend of performance, handling and style.

This particular GT Junior has had just three owners from new and has covered only 43,100 miles to date. As the original bill of sale confirms, it was bought new by a Mr FG Ashton from The Glebe Garage of Leicester on 29th June 1976 for the sum of £3,472 (and 58p!). This included the options of retractable seat belts and an Endrust treatment (which may partially explain the good state of preservation).

The car was to remain in Mr Ashton’s ownership for the next 34 years but was only lightly used throughout that time, clocking up just 32,600 miles by 1988 (as shown in the original service book which is stamped six times up to that date) and 41,279 miles by 2002 (as shown by an old MOT). When Mr Ashton passed away the car was to remain in dry storage at the family home until 2010.

It was then acquired by someone who only kept it for five months before selling it to the current owner in August 2010. A retired race engineer and rally driver of some note, he has carefully maintained the car ever since and the total mileage has now only risen to around 43,100. In addition to the 1976 bill of sale, it comes with its original handbook and service book, various bills for routine maintenance plus the original toolkit and wheel changing kit.

In highly original condition throughout with attractive Avorio paintwork, a lovely cream cloth interior and solid underneath, it is MOTd until August and is sure to attract lots of admirers wherever it goes.