1973 | Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 1.6

It might have been VW who founded and established the GTI formula, but their car arrived approx. 15 years after Alfa Romeo introduced the Giulia. When presented as a successor for the popular Giulietta in 1962, it was a true technical tour de force. Only few people know that the Giulia in fact was one of the first cars to be developed using a wind tunnel, which resulted in an unheard Cw of only 0.34. It set a new record for a sedan, matched the values of a sportscar like Porsche 911 and was far better than the Jaguar E-Type (0.44). Even the GT version of the Giulia, like the 1750 GT Veloce had a Cw of 0.38. In order to reduce wind resistance, the designers of Alfa Romeo incorporated many technical details in the body such as the sharp cut tail, rounded wind screens, stabilizing lines along the side and not least the integrated (although small) rear spoiler in the roof.

The car is the epitome of our understanding of a GTI. A compact family car equipped with a powerful engine, efficient brakes and not to forget – excellent road manners. All packed in a discreet body where only the knowledgeable could tell, that this car would be a serious match for even so-called sport cars. It was not a coincidence that the Gulia was very popular with the different brands of the Italian police forces back in the Sixties and Seventies. Can you imagine a mafia movie without the appearance of a dark blue Carabinieri police car at full speed?

This beautiful Giulia Super – in the most sought-after version – we found in Italy some years ago. In 2011 it underwent a complete restoration including a total disassembly, sanding to bare metal and high-quality painting – even to the underside – in the original color Blu Olandese (Dutch blue).

The interior is a chapter in itself as it was tailormade in beige leather, the cabin was given extra sound deadening materials. Also the dashboard was refurbished, including all instruments, which went to the instrument workshop for renovation and calibration. The dashboard – which is the most beautiful version with the large chrome dials – is further delighted with a (refurbished) Becker Europa radio.

Technically it has also been significantly upgraded, including a newly refurbished 2-liter engine and gearbox, as well with a matching 2-liter high ratio rear axle with LSD. The wheels are a quite rare and very period-typical Cromodora design. Result is a car with the proper sporty edge that suits the design so well.

Need we say that the car drives (at least) as well as it looks? It is a true Gentleman express that can easily surprise other drivers on the road, driving through curves with some fresh speed. Always stored indoor and only used in the summer, it looks just as good today as when it was new – or maybe even better. A very competent and delicious combination car, that really make you smile when driving it.