The 2600 Sprint really defined the executive driver’s car for Alfa Romeo. Built between 1964 and 1967 only 6,999 were made making it quite a rare sight and desirable model.
This larger grand touring coupé could seat four adults in comfort over long journeys at high speeds thanks to the wide power and torque band of the 2584cc six-cylinder engine. With a 5-speed gearbox and all-round disc brakes it was perfect to drive long distances at speed and in comfort.
The design is the result of Giorgetto Giugiaro’s first major project as head designer for Carrozzeria Bertone and is arguably one of the most influential designs in the history of automotive styling.
As confirmed by Alfa Romeo this example was manufactured on June 30th, 1964, and sold in March 1966 in Feltre, Belluno in Northern Italy. Interestingly we know the car was registered in Melbourne in 1969. At some point it has had a RHD conversion and given the time between production, sale and then early arrival in Australia we believe this conversion was likely completed at the factory.
The car is finished in its correct original light grey, AR722 with red leather interior.
After spending most of its life in Melbourne the car was bought in 1998 by the previous owner who undertook a full and extensive restoration which was completed in 2001. This was conducted by marque experts to the highest of quality. After some 16 years of ownership the car was then acquired by the current owner in 2014 and the car moved to QLD. Over the years the car has been maintained to the highest level with key work including a rebuild of the steering box, work to rear suspension, overhaul of the original brake booster, fitment of a new and correct Bendix fuel pump, 123 electronic distributor, replacement of engine/gearbox mounts and overhaul of the clutch master and slave cylinder.
Absolutely everything functions as it should making this a very desirable example of a 2600 Sprint.
As you would expect the engine and gearbox both perform faultlessly with no issues with the synchro’s. Over the last few years, the car has been driven on fair weather days and to ensure it drives perfectly with recent mechanical work done to ensure it runs as expected including the rebuild of its original Solex carbs. The interior is excellent with the red leather is in near perfect order with only minor signs of drying and fade on the drivers bolster which could be easily treated.
The dash is like new as is the timber veneer which show a glorious deep lacquer finish. Unusually the steering wheel is perfect without cracking. The electric windows are working correctly, and the headlining is in superb order, and the window chrome is spot on. The interior of this car really is a lovely place to be. A period correct ‘Becker’ radio has been fitted with a jack plug allowing connection to a phone.
The wheels are in excellent order and the although the hubcaps are original, they are very good. All the bright work is perfect without even a scratch present anywhere. The badges are like new.
The engine bay is clean and tidy with even the correct under bonnet insulation in place. Given the rarity of this feature, it is a sign of how good this car is. In the boot there is the correct mat, tool kit and jack.
The paint although applied some years ago is generally very good. There is one area of cracking under the lip of the boot, but this is not easily visible. There are no dents or scratches of any significance, and the panel gaps are excellent.
Out on the road this car really is a gentlemen’s express and is incredibly quiet and comfortable to drive as it works through the gears with the 2.6 litre engine providing plenty of ‘go’ whilst delivering an intoxicating engine note.
The car comes with its original keys, and a collection of original and rare sales documents including, instruction manual, parts catalogue and sales brochures. The owner has also collated several folders of technical information illustrating how well this car has been kept.
Compared to its contemporaries from Maserati and Ferrari this represents something of a bargain and particularly one that is so original. A wonderful driving Alfa Romeo with a fantastic history.
