1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale
One of automotive history’s most aerodynamically advanced production designs emerged from Carrozzeria Bertone’s experimental BAT (Berlina Aerodinamica Tecnica) studies of the mid-1950s. The Sprint Speciale achieved a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.28, putting it on par with purpose-built racing cars of its era.
Bertone crafted distinctive bodywork featuring a dramatically domed roofline and gracefully peaked fenders, built on a shortened Giulietta sedan floorpan. A small Plexiglas air deflector mounted ahead of the windshield enhanced both aerodynamics and appearance, echoing contemporary Italian competition cars.
The 1,290cc all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder engine, equipped with twin Weber side-draft carburetors, produced around 100 horsepower in road-going trim. Combined with the sleek bodywork, this allowed the Sprint Speciale to reach nearly 125 mph, significantly outperforming its conventionally-bodied Giulietta siblings.
A total of 1,366 examples were produced between 1959 and 1966, making it one of Alfa Romeo’s rarer sports cars from the period.
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