The Giulietta was a major departure for Alfa Romeo. In the years before and just after the Second World War, Alfa had built its reputation on large and luxurious performance cars. With the Giulietta, however, the company switched to a formula of small, nimble sports cars. Unexpectedly successful, Alfa built on the Giulietta and its successor, the Giulia, for decades, building legions of fans for its crisp, sharp engine performance and the alacrity of its simple but effective chassis.

First created as a special series awarded as prizes in an Italian national lottery, the Giulietta Sprint coupe amazed its lucky winners with its performance and handling. Alfa rushed the Bertone-bodied Sprint into series production, followed by the Berlina four-door saloon and Pininfarina's Spider in 1955. Renowned for their incredible responsiveness, and the eager performance of their 1,290 cc twin cam aluminium alloy engines, they were as rewarding to drive as many larger or more expensive automobiles of the day, and frequently took the measure of more expensive and exotic cars on race tracks.

This 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta presents well with all of its original trim and features. The vendor advises it was sitting in a garage for several decades before being recomissioned earlier this year. There is evidence it may have been repainted in its lifetime but other than that looks very original for its 53 years.

According to a document supplied by the vendor from Automobilismo Storico Alfa Romeo, this car was manufactured on 16th September 1961 and sold to Alfa Romeo Inc. in Newark, New Jersey on 28th September 1961 in its original Red colour. The car is now registered as a 1962 car in the UK.

After sitting for decades, properly stored in a garage, the vendor informs this little Giulietta has been given new tyres, a complete overhaul on the brakes and handbrake system with new wheel cylinders, brake shoes, hoses, cables, fluid, etc. The fuel system has been overhauled with new lines, filters and pump. The carburettor was rebuilt, the distributor replaced with a new one, and all the fluids and filters replaced. New door, window and boot seals were fitted as well as a full new exhaust (sourced from Classic Alfa).

We are advised it runs very well and fires up immediately. The roof looks sound, the spare tyre is present and even includes the original driver's handbook that came with the car in 1961. All trim is present and this is probably one of the most original cars with even the wiring harness untouched and original. Original radio is present and it even lights up. The speedometer is currently showing a mileage of 89,051 unwarranted miles. The car is supplied with a full V5C and a current MoT that expires on 25/06/14.

Ready to use and drive or strip down to do a nut and bolt restoration, this is a real honest car with a lovely patina as she sits. To find such an old and original Alfa with all its features that has not already been restored is a real treat.