Bring a Trailer NO RESERVE auction in progress: California car from new, restored from bare metal by Lloyd Buck, with suspension by Bob Mello,1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT Veloce “Step Nose” (auction ends June 14th) Chassis Number – AR*245922*Engine Number – AR00536*07135*Exterior Color - GreenInterior Color – Caramel Engine Type – 1600cc DOHC four-cylinder with twin Weber Carburetors Gearbox – 5-speed manualCurrent Miles – 93,611 TMUGeneral HistoryConsidered perhaps one of the best Bertone-designed sport coupes, the tidy greenhouse, low but roomy profile, and clean body lines made the 105 series Alfa Romeo coupe one of the most successful cars in the Alfa Romeo lineup. Built from 1963 -1975 before finally conceding to an all-new design, the charming, hunkered down front-engine, rear drive sport coupe offered seating for four adults and spirited performance. Although the design shared many mechanical features with the Giulietta, the new unibody/monocoque platform was very innovative and lightweight. Live rear axle, disc brakes in all corners, dual overhead cam, and 5-speed gearbox, all resulted in a very effective driving combination.When first built, the early body design featured a unique hood detail along the leading edge - a slight “step” down where the forward edge of the front fenders met the hood line. Although this feature was removed from the standard offering (retained in the 1300 Junior), the 1967 models continued this feature. In 1965 the Sprint GT “Veloce” model was offered with a range of improvements which included the 1600cc engine, twin carburetors, bigger oil pan, spirited camshafts, and different intake and exhaust, all of which greatly improved performance. Exterior changes included stainless steel bumpers, Veloce script on the trunk, Alfa clover leaf emblems on the C-posts, three-bar elongated grill trim, and a 7 bar Alfa-crest grill trim (6 bar on non-Veloce models). Owner HistoryAccording to the Alfa Romeo Classiche Certificato Di Origine, this rare factory “Veloce” step-nose example was built July 11, 1966, finished in Verde Muschio with Skai color Cucio interior. The car was shipped to Newark, NJ for North American sale, arriving shortly thereafter when sold to the first owner by Berkeley, CA agents Griswold Company where it has remained since delivered new. The earliest service receipt accompanying the car is dated 1971 by Griswold Company with mileage recorded at 25,105. In June 1976, the same owner commissioned extensive suspension work performed by well-known Alfa Romeo specialist Bob Mello. A service invoice dated June 23, 1976, from Eddie Neff’s, Berkeley, CA totals over $1,300 including a heavy-duty sway bar, new wheels, front links, upper arms, and front suspension overhaul. By the 1980s, the car was under second ownership, purchased by master metalsmith Lloyd Buck. Shortly after his purchase, Buck stripped the car to bare metal and restored it to factory specifications and correct colors. Buck showed the car in local concours events, placing second at the Concours de Lafayette in 1986. The car remained under the same family ownership, sustained by the current owner, Lloyd’s son, spanning 40+ years of single-family ownership. Consistent with long-term California ownership, the car still retains the original black and gold license plate TMV 016. From 2019-2022 the mechanical systems have been extensively refurbished using specialized parts from Alfa Romeo experts including Centerline International. All systems were addressed including brakes and fuel components, soft and hard lines, as well as numerous hardware pieces, gaskets, rubber, and other details to bring the car to proper running order. A new radiator was sourced, new Koni sport shocks installed, and clutch and engine work performed as needed. During the mechanical services performed on the car, a valve job was performed but the engine remained in the car, as such, the original engine not only remains with the car, but has never been removed. Cosmetic OverviewToday this `stepnose` presents as a very cohesive restoration with a handsome combination of older restoration and recent mechanical freshening. The attractive Bertone design is finished in a correct shade of green with excellent exterior preparation, high gloss, and good coverage attributed to the exceptional bare metal restoration performed by Llyod Buck. The chrome is in excellent condition with very nice polish on the stainless-steel bumpers. Glass and trim are in excellent condition as well including both front and rear rubber window rubber. The wheels are correctly refinished in satin silver with beautiful center caps and larger profile 205/60R14 contemporary radial tires. Importantly, the 14” wheels were specifically installed to deliver proper visual balance in harmony with the slightly lowered suspension. The body panel fit is straight and true with consistent panel gaps at all openings reflective of a sound original body and long-term California ownership. The door handles are in excellent condition with smooth operation when opened and crisp latching when shut. The distinctive seven-bar Alfa grill is in excellent condition, flanked by the three-bar intake trim overlaying the correctly painted flat black grill mesh, each of which are exclusive features of the Veloce model. Various trim, emblems, and details throughout the exterior are beautifully finished and complete the car to a very pleasing level. The interior is a handsome balance of original and properly redone components. The original front seats and door panels are in excellent condition, slightly hued and gently relaxed, though very appropriate for the general feel of the interior. The rear seat back material was carefully matched and replaced earlier in the restoration. The carpeting has been more recently replaced with correct type and proper fit. The headliner has been replaced using correctly sourced material from a known supplier sourced during the 1980s restoration. The dash pad and wood panel insert appears original with sections of factory laminate having lifted due to age. The instruments appear to be original to the car and remain in excellent condition. A modern AM/FM cassette stereo is installed along with a set of rear package shelf speakers. A competition style seat belt is installed for the driver and a fire extinguisher fit to the rear of the driver’s seat. The trunk area is clean and structurally sound with a matching spare wheel and older tire, a correct jack, and a black floor mat covering the trunk floor. There is no evidence of structural corrosion in the trunk area. The engine compartment has been very nicely prepared with attention to correct original features, excellent detailing, and appropriate finishes applied to original components. The engine is stamped AR00536*07135* which is consistent with this series car and, given that it is believed to have never been removed from the car, likely the matching number unit delivered with the car. The restoration features original style components, correct hoses and hardware, and a correct cast aluminum intake plenum which feeds to dual twin-throat Weber carburetors. A new modern battery (October 2022) is installed. The gloss black twin cam engine cover and a correct FISPA air cleaner unit are handsome touches to the tidy engine compartment. The underside is in very good condition with no evidence of structural compromise, no immediately visible signs of structural corrosion, and sound suspension mounting points. Suspension, rear axle straps, correct exhaust, and assorted cast alloy engine and transmission components are in excellent condition. Included with this carThe car is accompanied by a copy of the Alfa Romeo Certificate of Origin, photos of the bare metal restoration, service records dating to 1971, a car cover and storage bag, six spare wheel-covers, misc. small spare parts, two spare door handles, two spare side view mirrors, a spare tachometer, two spare tail lights (one with chrome bezel), a spare dashboard, weatherstrip, a roll of wood veneer, and two car show plaques.