Throughout the years, Alfa Romeo has resorted to a number of different measures to power its range-topping offerings. There was the 2000 series, where the 4-cylinder engine was enlarged to a 1975cc. The Alfa 6 featured an all-new V6 design, while the Montreal's V8 was loosely based on two Alfa Nord 4-cylinder engines. Today even, Alfa specs a V6 version of the Ferrari F154 V8 in its Giulia Quadrifoglio. The 2600 featured today went with a seemingly logical option - an Alfa Nord 4-cylinder with two cylinders stitched on.
Under the hood of the Bertone-built 2600 Sprint, the 2600 engine produced a respectable 145hp, propelling the car to a top speed of 120mph. Keep in mind that at this time, a Maserati Sebring featured a 3.5L straight-6 making 232hp, topping out at 137mph. The more comfort-minded Alfa, offered at a fraction of the cost of the Maserati, stacked up well, then. With disc brakes at all four corners, it was also up to the task of coming back down from impressive speeds.
Year: 1963
Model: Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint
Engine: 2.6L straight-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 38,347
Price: $49,900
Location: Saint Ann, MO
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint
JUST IN FROM CALIFORNIA
RARE & DESIRABLE 2600 SPRINT COUPE
ELEGANT BERTONE BODYWORK
ONE OF 2,856 BUILT
RECENTLY RELEASED FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION IN THE NETHERLANDS
BELIEVED TO BE 38,347 ACTUAL MILES
ORIGINAL CARELLO HEADLAMPS
BEAUTIFUL AND DESIRABLE COLOR COMBINATION
WONDERFULLY ORIGINAL INTERIOR
RECENTLY SERVICED
PERFORMS WONDERFULLY
A COLLECTOR’S DREAM!
OPTIONS INCLUDE:POWER WINDOWS
POWER DISC BRAKES
400MM WHEELS
PERIOD MOTOROLA RADIO
This particular example seems to be in great condition. The interior is claimed to be original, and still shows very well. The air intake, valve cover, and crossover pipe all seem to be refinished, leading us to suspect that the engine has been gone through - a benefit in our eyes. Exterior trim and paintwork all appear very nice in photos, as does the undercarriage. Evidence of undercoating and a resprayed gas tank would have us curious to see some before photographs, but the work seems to be neat and thorough.
We like what this coupe represents. Though it was the range-topper for Alfa Romeo at the time, Sprint Zagato notwithstanding, it was a more modest automobile in the class of Italian cars on offer at the time. With all of the ingredients of a classic sports tourer, it checks off a lot of boxes for us. Think of it as an economy Lamborghini 350 GT, or a 7/8 scale Maserati Sebring, and it starts to make sense. Add in the relative availability of Alfa Romeo repair parts, as well as Alfa's knack for mass-producing cars, and the deal is even sweater. We're inclined to say that, all things considered, this 2600 Sprint represents a nice automotive value. Forget the market speculation - just get this thing out on some long trips!
-Graham