1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ (more pics below 👇)
Zagato’s Ercole Spada sculpted competition-focused bodywork around Alfa Romeo’s nimble Giulietta chassis, creating a berlinetta that weighed just 1,698 pounds (approximately 770 kg).
Aluminum panels replaced steel throughout, wrapping a compact form smaller than the standard Sprint coupe. The rounded design featured beautifully proportioned surfaces that concealed serious racing intentions beneath elegant Italian styling.
The first examples emerged from Zagato’s workshop in late 1959, with the official unveiling taking place at the 1960 Geneva International Motor Show.
Production continued through 1962, yielding approximately 217 of these minimalist racing machines that found homes with amateur racers and hill climb competitors throughout Europe.
A 79-cubic-inch (1.3-liter) twin-cam inline-four with aluminum construction and twin Weber carburetors produced roughly 100 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. Power transferred through a five-speed manual gearbox, enabling the lightweight coupe to reach approximately 120 mph.
Front disc brakes with rear drums came standard, providing stopping power appropriate for competition use.
The SZ dominated the 1.3-liter GT class championship across Europe in both 1962 and 1963, validating its purpose-built design and further establishing Zagato’s reputation for creating successful racing Alfas.
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