The Finest “Alleggerita In The World
1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce Alleggerita (Lightweight) Coupe.
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Bertone
Chassis No. AR 1493 03559
Engine No. 1315 30279
One of less than 200 built
One of less than 40 in existence
The Finest Example In the world
Matching Numbers
Eligible for all prestigious vintage events including the Mille Miglia
the First of the Giulietta’s, the Bertone-styled Giulietta Sprint coupé debuted at the Turin Motor Show in April 1954 powered by a 1.3-litre, all-alloy version of Alfa’s classic twin-cam four designed by one-time Ferrari engineer Giuseppe Busso.
The early Giulietta Sprint Veloce’s, now commonly known as lightweights’ differ considerably from the ‘normal Sprint and were built in limited numbers in 1956 and 1957 to satisfy the demands for increased performance by customers wanting to compete in motor sport events. A weight saving was achieved by using aluminum for the hood, trunk lid, and door skins, and was also used for bumpers, and some exterior, and interior trim. Plexiglas was used for the side and rear windows. Interior changes included lightweight seat frames, different door panels, and no rear seats.
The engine produced 90bhp as compared to 65bhp in the ‘normal’ sprint due to higher compression, different pistons and camshafts, two Weber 40 DCO3 carburetors including a competition exhaust system, and a magnesium air box with different intake and filter arrangements. These cars soon proved unbeatable in their class in motor sport events worldwide, including the Mille Miglia, Tour de France, Targa Florio, Coppa Dolimiti, and the Alpine Rally.
History / Restoration
The car was sold on January 21 1957 to Mr. Denis de Graffenried Villars, a cousin of the well-known Maserati Grand Prix privateer Emmanuel ‘Toulo’ de Graffenried. He campaigned the Giulietta successfully for ten years in numerous rallies, hill climbs and European Mountain Championship events, mainly in Switzerland and France. In 1967, the car was sold to Benjamin Muller, who also campaigned the car in various events within Europe.
The car was put in storage in 1973 and rediscovered in Switzerland some 33 years later. The third owner did a sympathetic restoration on the car and kept it for 8 years. the car was then purchased by World Renowned Restoration expert, and Concours D’ Elegance Pebble Beach Judge “Ron Hein” .
Ron Hein imported the car into the USA, and upon inspection performed an extensive complete Nut, and Bolt restoration on the car which was concluded in 2020. The restoration included a total Engine Rebuild, Gearbox Rebuild, and Rear Differential rebuild. In addition to bead blasting, meticulous attention was spent on the paint, and body which reflects its exquisite condition.
The No Expense Spared 100pt restoration presents the car as it appeared when acquired by Mr. De Graffenried Villars in 1957 with the original body color of “bianco Spagna”(Spanish white), with red/black interior. The attention, and detail from such a Fastidious restorer makes this the Finest Example in the world.
The car comes with a nicely presented documented file of history that includes the original user manual, actual period photographs, the original sales invoice, 1957 Certificate of Origin, and F.I.A. Homologation document.
