1971 | Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato GT 1300
Fantastic color combination and very original JZ
Fantastic color combination and very original JZ
Fantastic color combination and very original JZ
Fantastic color combination and very original JZ
By the end of the 60s, Alfa Romeo’s 105 Series was well established on the market, with the family models Giulia and Berlina, the open Spider and finally the GT models designed by Bertone. All based on the same technical platform with delights such as the “North” engine in aluminum with double overhead camshafts, 5-speed gearbox and disc brakes on all wheels. However, Alfa Romeo’s marketing department believed that there was a market for a younger audience who wanted an (even) sportier and compact variant. Based on these considerations, CEO Giovanni Luraghi visited Zagato’s stand at the Turin Motor Show in 1967. Together with Gianni and Elio Zagato, they agreed to propose a very special variant of the GT model with focus on a compact and aerodynamic design, with a strong and rigid body – all in order to improve the already excellent driving characteristics. The task was given to Ercole Spada (Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, Giulietta SZ/TZ, Giulia TZ1 and TZ2 and many other spectacular models), and the result was a car completely in the spirit of Zagato. Distinctive and special, perhaps not exactly beautiful, but pictures alone doesn’t do it. The car must be experienced in reality, in order to be truly appreciate, with all the elegant and quirky details in the bodywork and interior, as well as the knife sharp driving characteristics. Based on a shortened version of the Spider, the Junior Zagato present itself in its own rights. Both exterior and interior are completely distinctively its own, and especially the dashboard and seats are quite fantastic. Sales started in February 1970 and a total of just 1108 examples of the Junior Z were produced until 1972. After that, the 1600 Junior Z was presented, but was only on sale for 3 years and was produced in 402 copies. So from the very beginning it was a rare and exclusive car, which also could be seen from the pricing at the very top end of Alfa Romeo’s model range.
This example here was delivered new in Verona in February 1971. Owned by the same Danish enthusiast since 2005, where he collected it in Torino. Since then, it has received a high quality repaint and lightly restored. The color is absolutely fantastic, the Blu Medio color suits the little car so well. On the road the car feels really fresh and precise, with very sharp steering and a lively and eager engine. It’s surprising how efficient Alfa’s little 1300 engine performs, a true pleasure to drive on the country roads. This is a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of Italian automotive history, so beautiful to look at, quite rare and at the same time provides a lot of driving pleasure.
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