Without Reserve
Chassis: AR775883
Engine: AR00559.01071
A Rare and Desirable Aluminum-Bodied Coupe
An Early Example of One of Just 450 Built
Restored and Prepared for Vintage Motor Sports Events
Race-Specification Engine Producing an Estimated 135 BHP
A Potent and Delightful Alfa Romeo for Road or Track Events Worldwide
1,290 CC DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin Weber 45 DCOE Carburetors
Estimated 135 BHP at 7,400 RPM
5-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Front Independent-Wishbone Suspension with Coil Springs
Rear Live Axle with Trailing Arms and Coil Springs
The 1960s saw a second golden age in the competition history of Alfa Romeo. Models such as the SZ, TZ, and TZ2, along with the Tipo 33 sports racing prototypes, made Alfa Romeo a potent force on the world’s circuits. The exciting production racing classes were not ignored either, with the 105-series Giulia Sprint GT providing the base for a highly tuned racing version – the GTA. The “A” stood for alleggerita, or “lightened.”
The GTAs that were destined for racing were carefully prepared under Autodelta, Alfa Romeo’s in-house competition department, run by engineer Carlo Chiti. The GTA was successful in Europe and the US, winning numerous championships and class victories. Developed over nearly a decade, several GTA variants were produced, and for 1968, Alfa Romeo released a smaller-displacement variant of the GTA called the GTA 1300 Junior. While the overall presentation was similar, the Junior was not offered with many of the same exotic modifications found on the 1600 cc variant, including the various magnesium components. Regardless, these potent and lightweight coupes found many suitors, and approximately 450 Juniors were produced between 1968 and 1975, including the early example offered here.
This GTA 1300 Junior, chassis 775883, was sold new in Siena, Italy, and documents on file indicate it remained in Italy through numerous owners until being purchased by Florida-based collector Leo Schigiel in 2016 from Stefano Alberti of Rome. During previous ownership the Alfa had received numerous tasteful competition-focused modifications, which were documented in a 2016 article in Elaborare Classic magazine on file. These revisions include a rebuilt twin-plug engine understood to produce an impressive 135 hp at 7,500 rpm, and pull to an 8,000 rpm redline.
Under Mr. Schigiel’s care, the GTA was sent to Alfa Romeo specialist Paolo Bergia in Pinerolo, Italy, for significant sorting and service, as documented by receipts on file totaling over €9,000. This work included a rebuild of the suspension and brakes, as well as a new water pump, hoses, belts, throttle linkage parts, and carburetor mounts, as well as assorted maintenance. The resulting GTA Junior is very well-presented, as were the vast majority of cars in Mr. Schigiel’s impressive collection of Italian icons.
Boasting an alluring combination of rarity, Italian style, and race-bred specification, this Alfa Romeo GTA 1300 Junior will surely offer thrills to any new owner. Whether entered in serious competition, or enjoyed for its exciting and dynamic road manners, this thoroughbred will undoubtedly excite all who encounter it and offer a very supportive argument for the legend of the GTA.
