At first glance, the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan doesn’t do much to suggest just how remarkable this small car is. With a lower drag coefficient than a 911 from the period, a robust twin cam, four cylinder engine and a curb weight under 2,300 pounds, this was a lively car. As a result of this performance, these were popular cars with the Carabinieri in Italy. Today, these sporty sedans tend to be a more affordable way into classic Italian car ownership than their more sporting two door counterparts. This Giulia for sale in Nebraska was imported to the US in 2003 after being owned by the same owner in Rome for 30 years.

1969 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 1600

ALFA ROMEO 1969 GIULIA SUPER 1600
TIPO 105.26
VIN AR*889715
Color: Beige Cava

Although Alfa Romeo's sports cars may be better known in the US, the Giulia sedan was far more popular in its day, combining the practicality of a family car with the same chassis and drive trains used in Alfa's sports models. With the Giulia, Alfa Romeo deserves the credit for developing the sports sedan well before BMW conceived the 2002. This Giulia Super is one of the desirable 1600 “Biscione” variants, manufactured only from 1968 to 1971. The 1600 Biscione cars (named for the serpent badge in the roof pillar) incorporated mechanical updates from the 1750 series and had more powerful engines and a higher level of interior and exterior trim than other Giulia models.

889715 a preservation car, registered continuously to the original owner in Rome for 30 years before I bought it through a Dutch dealer and brought it to the United States in 2003. It has been conserved, rather than restored. It still has the original Italian windshield sticker and insurance papers from 1969. To my knowledge the engine, transmission and differential are original, and the paint, interior and trim are conserved in very nice condition. All mechanical and electrical systems (except the electric clock) are in good working order and the car is reliable and a pleasure to drive.

In the 9 years I have owned this car I have maintained its originality and integrity while making necessary repairs and tasteful updates/upgrades to improve practicality, safety and performance. I have replaced worn parts with new factory, NOS, or good-quality reproduction items, whenever possible. It appears the previous owners did the same. The result is a beautiful, drivable vintage car that retains the unique combination of style, performance and practicality the Giulia was designed to provide.

Significant modifications and repairs are listed below. A collection of spare parts and Alfa Romeo factory manuals is available to the interested buyer for an additional price to be negotiated at the time of sale.

Modifications/updates
Marelli-Plex ignition (original Bosch distributor available)
Magnecor ignition wires
Halogen headlights (reproduction of Carello, originals available)
IAP Sport Springs (originals available)
Koni red shock absorbers
Weber 40 DCOE carb conversion (from Solex)

Repairs/restorations
New clutch and clutch hydraulics
New center and rear mufflers and exhaust pipes
Front suspension rebuilt with Lemfoder parts
Front turn signal lenses replaced with reproduction Carello
Reproduction hubcaps (originals available)
Bottom cushion of driver’s seat re-upholstered with original-style material by previous owner
Partial repaint of lower panels by previous owner
Reproduction carpets from Re-Originals. Note: the carpets I was sent were for the wrong car; correct replacements are being made and will be included with the sale.

Known issues
The electric clock does not work
The steering box drips oil when the car sits for a long time.
Rust is minimal for a 43-year old Alfa. No rust is visible on the outside of the car. I know about the following areas: an old, welded repair in the front passenger-side footwell, which seems to be holding up well; two holes about 1/8” in diameter in the spare tire well; small perforations where the left inner fender meets the slanted panel of the driver’s footwell beside the wash/wipe switch.

The asking price of $25,000 is a bit on the high side for Giulias of this vintage, even considering the condition and ownership history. This is creeping into GTV territory and I’m not sure the market is quite there yet on these four door Alfas. Around the $20,000 mark would probably be more reasonable, considering you can find similar, if not as original, Giulias for about $5,000 less on a regular basis.

-Paul