Lot 235 - 1972 Alfa Romeo 1600 GT Junior

The Alfa Romeo 1600GT Junior was introduced in 1972 to plug the gap between the GT1300 Junior and the larger-engined 2000 GTV. In the UK righthand drive market, the 1300GT Junior was dropped but in many other markets, the two models were available as a range. The engine was substantially the same as that of the Giulia Sprint GTV discontinued four years previously and had the same engine type number. The final drive ratio was again 9/41 as standard on all 105 Series coupés with the 1290cc and 1570cc engine. From 1974 on, the 1300GT Junior and 1600GT Junior were rationalised into a common range of models with the 2000 GTV and were rebadged as 1.3 GT Junior and 1.6 GT Junior, sharing most of the interior and exterior features with the larger-engined car. The only exterior differences were no bumper overriders, lack of C-pillar green serpent badges, small rear light clusters same as pre 1974 Juniors and GT1300 Junior or GT1600 Junior badge on the boot. Apart from the engine size, the only mechanical differences were: smaller front brakes, as the Juniors had not adopted the larger units fitted to the 1750 GTV and 2000 GTV and from 1968 on, differential ratios. 

This three owner lefthand drive 1600GT Junior was delivered new to Italy in 1972. Presented in the extremely rare colour of Faggio (dark burgundy/red, Alfa colour code AR 516) with a beige leather interior that has worn well. Showing just over 53,500 kilometres on the clock (33,250 miles approx.) and with old MoT’s dating from when the car was imported in 1989. The dry climate of Italy had treated this little Alfa well, the result of which is an Alfa Romeo that the vendor assures us is almost entirely original. When purchased by its second owner the car was subject to a sympathetic restoration, as a result, the car benefitted from being repainted along with the gearbox being replaced and engine reconditioned to retain the overall quality of the car. Four new tyres were fitted last year and the driver’s seat re-upholstered in original beige leatherette in 2018 at a cost of £900. 

Having been imported to the UK about 30 years ago this rare 1600GT has been in a private collection ever since. Offered with UK registration and a current MoT test certificate expiring in July 2019. This is an opportunity to purchase a rare and largely original lefthand drive 1600 Junior which is ready to be enjoyed at a very competitive price.