1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ
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Vehicle Description

1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ $375,000

1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ Coda Tronca

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ Coda Tronca represents the ultimate evolution of Alfa Romeo s lightweight Giulietta-based competition cars, combining Zagato s innovative aluminum coachwork with the marque s celebrated twin-cam engineering. Conceived for competition, the SZ employed a lightweight Giulietta Spider chassis, Plexiglas glazing, hand-formed alloy bodywork, and a high-revving 1.3-liter engine. The later Coda Tronca introduced Zagato s distinctive Kamm tail, improving high-speed stability while creating one of the most iconic Alfa Romeo profiles of the era. With approximately 40 examples built, these remarkable cars achieved considerable success in international hill climbs, rallies, endurance races, and circuit competition.

According to Alfa Romeo factory records, chassis AR10126.00188 was completed on February 10, 1962, finished in Metallic Grey and distinguished as the first SZ equipped with front disc brakes. Its correct AR0012001643 engine was built to full race specification and fitted with Conrero camshafts, enabling it to rev to approximately 8,000 rpm. Delivered new through Alfa Romeo s official distributor in Lugano, Switzerland, the car is believed to have competed in Swiss hill climbs and rallies during the mid-1960s.

In 1970, the SZ was acquired by Henri Jacques Eug ne Vuarraz, proprietor of an Alfa Romeo specialist garage in Neuch tel and an accomplished collector of Zagato-bodied Alfa Romeos. During nearly three decades of ownership, Vuarraz maintained the car mechanically, refinished it in red, and enjoyed it as both a sporting road car and touring automobile. In 1999, following approximately 30 years of ownership, he sold the SZ as part of a transaction involving several of his Zagato-bodied Alfa Romeos.

The car was subsequently restored in Milan by the respected Carrozzeria Galbiati, whose craftsmen included former Zagato personnel familiar with traditional lightweight alloy construction. The restoration returned the SZ to its original silver-over-black presentation. In 2004, it joined the collection of Dutch Alfa Romeo enthusiast Fred van Lingen, who exhibited and campaigned the car in historic events. Exported to North America in 2008, it subsequently passed through the collections of Manny del Arroz, Tom Stegman, and Robert Cole.

Today, chassis AR10126.00188 presents in beautifully restored condition while retaining its correct tipo 00120 engine and original factory color scheme. Its understated silver finish accentuates the extraordinarily low Zagato silhouette, highlighted by the curving fenders, lowered Carello headlights, Plexiglas glazing, polished aluminum trim, and unmistakable Kamm tail. The competition-inspired black interior features contoured bucket seats, period-style competition lap belt, three Veglia instruments, and a simple, purposeful cockpit.

The engine compartment remains equally faithful to the car s sporting origins, featuring twin 40 DCOE2 Weber carburetors, polished alloy cam covers, and the correct period airbox. Throughout the engine bay, undercarriage, and trunk, the restoration favors authenticity and purposeful presentation over excessive cosmetic detailing.

Behind the wheel, the SZ delivers precisely the experience its competition pedigree promises: immediate throttle response, a sonorous high-revving twin-cam engine, nimble handling, excellent visibility, and an intimate connection between driver and machine.

One of approximately 40 Coda Tronca examples produced, this exceptionally significant Alfa Romeo offers an outstanding combination of rarity, Zagato coachwork, documented provenance, competition pedigree, and usability. Eligible for major concours, historic racing, and touring events, chassis AR10126.00188 presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most celebrated and influential Alfa Romeo sports cars of the postwar era.