1973 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 ‘Rallye’ Type 105. This legendary Italian sports saloon combines timeless design with exhilarating performance, making it a must-have for any car enthusiast or collector. One of only fifty commissioned by Alfa Romeo South Africa in a limited edition run with only 10 believed to be remaining. This particular vehicle has been subject to a ground up restoration to (almost) original specification.
In December 1972, Alfa Romeo South Africa released the 1600 rallye. This locally developed more powerful 1600cc version of the 1300 super, using the 1300s single headlight body shell. The car was largely ready for competition and was only planned to be built in limited numbers. From factory, they were fitted with racing style rear view mirrors, rally lamps, fully adjustable seats, and a limited slip differential. Claimed power output was 125 horsepower.
The engine in this specific car has been upgraded to a 2000 unit for additional torque and power, whilst remaining the original ‘oil bath’ air filters which often got replaced. The 2000cc engine is from a Berlin 1600 super body. It is also said that only 50 of these cars were produced, but nowhere was any record keep of these cars. Being mated to a five speed manual transmission, the car drives tremendously and sounds superb.
The styling was quite straight forward, but with a great amount of detail. The engine bay, cabin and boot were all square shaped. But the grill, the rooflines and details on the bonnet and boot made for an integrated design from bumper to bumper. Thanks to Alfa Romeo using a wind tunnel during its development, the Giulia was very aerodynamic with a very low drag coefficient. The eye catching red paint suits the car really well and helps show off its stunning lines.
The Giulia was manufactured in Italy and assembled by Alfa Romeo in South Africa at a plant at Booysens in Johannesburg in 1972. This Alfa was later restored in Africa and imported to the UK in 2016, where it has had one owner since. Showing 33,000 miles, the car has been well looked after by various Alfa Romeo specialists since being in the uk. In 2022, the engine was rebuilt along with a fresh oil service, new carburettors and more.
The interior features original vintage black leather seats, complete with original dash and gauges, 1600 Rallye badges, wooden and leather dashboard, leather door cards with original door nets, wooden centre console and rear centre armrest. The interior has been kept well preserved which really enhances the aesthetic appeal of the car.
Accompanying the car is extensive amounts of history from when the car was in Africa and when the vehicle was imported. Other paperwork includes previous invoices, fact sheets, wiring diagrams, V5 and more. Spare parts included in the sale include original wheels, camshafts, instrument clusters, carburettors and more.
The overall condition is excellent. Driving a classic Alfa Romeo brings a sense of nostalgia and connects drivers to automotive history. Many enthusiasts appreciate the engineering, craftsmanship, and stories that accompany them. Being behind the wheel of a classic Alfa can evoke memories of a different era, making each drive feel special and significant. This Giulia provides a rich and engaging driving experience that enthusiasts cherish. Whether for the thrill of the road or the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts, it will remain a beloved choice for those who appreciate the art of driving.
