Marque: Alfa Romeo - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
Alfa Romeo
In 1910 this famous company was named A.L.F.A (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili) and produced its first model, the 24 HP. As WW1 broke out, businessman Nicola Romeo who specialised in making pumps and compressors for the Army – took the company over in 1915, so the name ‘Romeo’ was added to the original ‘Alfa’, thus creating one of the most evocative brands of the last 100 years. The…
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1962-1978 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon estate, two-door coupé and cabriolet (Spider) - Engine:
Twin overhead camshaft in-line four-cylinder 1.3: 1290cc 78-89bhp; 1.6:1570cc 92-112bhp; 1.8: 1779cc 110bhp; 2.0: 1962cc 125bhp - 0-60 mph:
12.5-10sec - Top Speed:
103-114mph (GT); 124mph (2000 GT Veloce) - MPG:
27.1mpg
PAST: Replacing the Giulietta was the highly capable Giulia, with a similar engine and drivetrain, but upgraded. A new, more powerful Ti was soon introduced, with an additional 20bhp. Over the years, range was rationalised, performance upped, and styling evolved. Bertone coupe was also sold in lightweight GTA. Coachbuilder Touring modified the coupé, strengthening the chassis, and producing a topless Giulia (from 1964). Combining the Giulia GT body with the 1750 Saloon engine resulted in the iconic 1750 GT Veloce.
PERSENT: A popular pick and the epitome of sporting Alfas during the 1960s. Good performance and clean handling, practical and with a wide model choice although condition counts more than price here.
FUTURE: Always a healthy market for these. Coupe and cabrios command most. Estates are almost non-existent.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1954-1965 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon estate (Giardinetta) two-door coupé and cabriolet - Engine:
Overhead-camshaft in-line four-cylinder 1290cc 50bhp (Ti 60bhp Sprint Veloce 75bhp SZ 90bhp) - 0-60 mph:
Saloon 15+ sec; SZ 11 sec - Top Speed:
Saloon 88mph; SZ 120mph - MPG:
29 mpg
PAST: A truly legendary Alfa, and one of the most famous of all.Work started in 1952, the hugely popular Bertone coupe arrived in 1954, preceding the saloon version by ayear. A Ti version in ‘57 sported twin carbs. Sprint Veloce was created with competition in mind, Zagato’s Giulietta SZ (‘Sprint by Zagato’) was specifically designed for GT racing and had a lightweight alloy body. Pininfarina’s short wheelbase, two-seater Spider (1955-1961) was a something else again.
PRESENT: Another lovely 50s Alfa offering fairly spirited performance and real character although that column shift takes getting used to. Coupes/cabrios are sexiest, saloons are the most practical.
FUTURE: Still good value – especially ordinary saloons – but all rot like mad and restorations will be very expensive. Try importing one from sunnier climes instead.
