Alfa Romeo 105/115 Series Coupés

Alfa Romeo 105/115 series coupés

Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior, early model
Overview
Manufacturer Alfa Romeo
Production 1963–1977
Assembly Arese, Milan, Italy
Setúbal, Portugal (Movauto)
Rosslyn plant, South Africa
Designer Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone (Sprint, GT, GTV)
Carrozzeria Touring[1] (GTC)
Ercole Spada at Zagato (Junior Zagato)
Body and chassis
Class Sports car
Body style 2-door 2+2 coupé
2-door cabriolet
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related
Powertrain
Engine Alfa Romeo Twin Cam
Transmission 5-speed manual
Chronology
Predecessor Alfa Romeo Giulietta Coupé
Successor Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT, GTV & GTV6

The Alfa Romeo 105 and 115 series coupés were a range of cars made by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1963 until 1977, based on a shortened floorpan from the Giulia saloon. They were the successors to the Giulietta Sprint coupé.

Bodywork

The basic body shape shared by all models was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Bertone. It was one of his first major projects for Bertone, and borrowed heavily from his earlier design for the Alfa Romeo 2000 Sprint/2600 Sprint. The balance of glass and metal, the influence of the shape of the front and rear glass on the shape of the cabin, and the flat grille with incorporated headlamps were groundbreaking styling features for the era.

A limited production (1000 units) convertible was a modification from the standard car by Touring of Milan, offered as a catalogue model by Alfa Romeo called the Giulia Sprint GTC.

A small number of the GT Junior Zagato were also built with a very different, aerodynamic two-seater coupé body designed by Ercole Spada for Zagato of Milan. These too were offered by Alfa Romeo as catalogue models, as the GT 1300 Junior Zagato and later GT 1600 Junior Zagato.

Mechanical features

All models feature the four cylinder, all-light-alloy Alfa Romeo Twin Cam engine in various cubic capacities from 1290 cc to 1962 cc, all with two valves per cylinder. All versions of this engine fitted to the 105 series coupés featured twin carburettors, except for US market 1750 GTV and 2000 GTV cars which were fitted with fuel injection. Competition models featured cylinder heads with twin spark plugs. Common to all models was also a 5-speed manual transmission and disc brakes on all four wheels. The rear suspension uses a beam axle with coil springs. Air conditioning and a limited slip rear differential were optional on the later models.

Models

Version Years of production Units produced[2]
Sprint GT from 1963 to 1966 21,542
Sprint GTC from 1964 to 1966 1,000
Sprint GTV from 1965 to 1968 14,240
1750 GTV from 1968 to 1973 44,269
2000 GTV from 1971 to 1976 37,459
GT 1300 Junior from 1965 to 1977 91,195
GT 1600 Junior from 1972 to 1976 14,299

The 105 series coupés featured the GT (Gran Turismo) model description, which was common to all models in one form or another.

The various models in this range can be considered in two broad categories.

On one hand were the various Gran Turismos (GT) and Gran Turismo Veloces (GTV), (veloce is Italian for "fast"). These were meant to be the most sporting cars in the Alfa Romeo range and sold very well to enthusiastic motorists around the world. The first model available was the Giulia Sprint GT (1963) which evolved into the Giulia Sprint GT Veloce (1965), the 1750 GTV (1968) and the 2000 GTV (1972–1976), with engines increasing in cubic capacity from 1570 cc (Giulia Sprint GT/GTV) through 1779 cc (1750 GTV) to 1962 cc (2000 GTV). A limited production (1000 units) convertible, the Giulia Sprint GTC, was based on the Giulia Sprint GT, modified by Touring of Milan. It was only made over two years from 1964 to 1966.

1972 2000 GTV in a vintage race at Watkins Glen International.

On the other hand, was the GT Junior range, which featured engines with smaller cubic capacities. GT Juniors sold in great numbers to people who wanted a sporting, stylish car that handled well, but either did not require the maximum in engine power, or could not afford the taxation on larger engine capacities in some markets - most notably, Alfa Romeo's home Italian market. Junior models began with the first GT 1300 Junior in 1966. The GT 1300 Junior continued until 1976 with the 1290 cc engine and various modifications incorporating features from the evolution of the GT's and GTV's. From 1972 a GT 1600 Junior model was also available, with the 1570 cc engine.

The 1300 Junior and 1600 Junior also became available with a very different, aerodynamic two-seater coupé body designed by Ercole Spada for Zagato of Milan. These models were the GT 1300 Junior Zagato and GT 1600 Junior Zagato.

Both categories were used to derive GTA ("Allegerita", or "lightened") models, which were specifically intended for competition homologation in their respective engine size classes. The GTA's featured extensive modifications for racing, so they were priced much higher than the standard models and sold in much smaller numbers. Practically all GTA's made were used in competition, where they had a long and successful history in various classes and category. These models included the Giulia Sprint GTA, GTA 1300 Junior, and GTAm (a much evolved version of the GTA built by Autodelta).[3]

Although not commonly thought of as a 105 Series coupé variant, the Alfa Romeo Montreal used a strengthened and slightly modified 105 series floorpan and suspension.

GT and GTV models

Giulia Sprint GT (1963–1965)

Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT

1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT
Overview
Production 1963–1965
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupé
Powertrain
Engine 1.6 L Twin Cam I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,350 mm (92.5 in)[4]
Length 4,080 mm (160.6 in)[5]
Width 1,580 mm (62.2 in)[5]
Height 1,315 mm (51.8 in)[5]
Kerb weight 950 kg (2,094 lb)[4]
Tipo: 105.02, 105.04 (right hand drive). Engine: 00502.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT was the first Giulia sport model introduced, and was manufactured from 1963 to 1965. It was revealed at a press event held at the then newly opened Arese plant on 9 September 1963, and displayed later the same month at the Frankfurt Motor Show.[4] In its original form the Bertone body is known as scalino (step) or "step front", because of the leading edge of the engine compartment lid which sat 1/4 an inch above the nose of the car. The Giulia Sprint GT can be distinguished from the later models by the following features:

Inside the cabin the padded vinyl dashboard was characterised by a concave horizontal fascia, finished in grey anti-glare crackle-effect paint. Four round instruments were inset in the fascia in front of the driver. The larger diameter inner pair were tachometer and speedometer; the outer ones were smaller combination instruments, the left hand one holding oil pressure and fuel level gauges, the right hand one oil and water temperature gauges. The steering wheel was non-dished, with three aluminium spokes, a thin bakelite rim and a centre horn button. Vinyl-covered seats with cloth centres and a fully carpeted floor were standard, while leather upholstery was an extra-cost option.[5] After initially marketing it as a four-seater, Alfa Romeo soon changed its definition of the car to a more realistic 2+2.[5]

The Giulia Sprint GT was fitted with the 1,570 cc displacement version of Alfa Romeo's all-aluminium twin cam inline four (78 mm bore × 82 mm stroke, 6.38 L oil sump, 7.41 L radiator), which had debuted on the 1962 Giulia Berlina. Breathing through two twin-choke Weber 40 DCOE 4 carburettors, on the Sprint GT this engine produced 106 PS DIN (78 kW; 105 hp) or 122 PS SAE gross at 6,000 rpm.[5] Like all subsequent models, the Sprint GT was equipped with an all-synchromesh 5-speed manual transmission. The braking system comprised four Dunlop disc brakes and a vacuum servo.[5] The rear brakes featured an unusual arrangement with the slave cylinders mounted on the axle tubes, operating the calipers by a system of levers and cranks. According to Alfa Romeo the car could reach a top speed of "over 180 km/h (112 mph)"; Italian car magazine Quattroruote observed a top speed of 181.935 km/h (113 mph) in its December 1964 road test.[5]

In total 21,902 Giulia Sprint GT were produced from 1963 to 1965, when the model was superseded by the Giulia Sprint GT Veloce.[6] Of these 2,274 were right hand drive: 1,354 cars fully finished in Arese, and 920 shipped in complete knock-down kit form for foreign assembly.[6]

Giulia GTC (1964–1966)

Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC
Overview
Production 1964–1966
around 1,000 produced[7]
Designer Carrozzeria Touring[1]
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door cabriolet
Powertrain
Engine 1.6 L Twin Cam I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,350 mm (92.5 in)
Length 4,080 mm (160.6 in)[8]
Width 1,580 mm (62.2 in)[8]
Height 1,315 mm (51.8 in)[8]
Kerb weight 905 kg (1,995 lb)[8]
Tipo: 105.25, 105.29 (right hand drive). Engine: 00502.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC was a cabriolet version of the Giulia Sprint GT only offered between 1965 and 1966, and built in around 1,000 examples. The car was based on the coupé's body and parts, maintaining the same specifications and performance, with the cabriolet modification being carried out by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. The cabriolet was introduced to the press (together with the Giulia Super) at the Monza race track on 4 March 1965,[9] and then made its public debut at the March 1965 Geneva Motor Show.[10]

Rear three-quarters view of a 1966 Giulia GTC

Besides the convertible top, distinguishing features are the dashboard finished in black instead of grey crackle paint, and a script reading "Giulia GTC" on the boot lid. The 2+2 seating layout was retained. To restore some of the bodyshell rigidity lost by removing the fixed roof and pillars, Carrozzeria Touring added reinforcement to several areas of the bodyshell.[10] Through the production life of the model, several modifications to the reinforcement applied were made by Touring, apparently in an effort to improve the stiffening achieved. Carrozzeria Touring was in financial trouble when the Giulia GTC was introduced; the company went out of business shortly after production of this model ended.

Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC, production by year[6]
Model 1964 1965 1966 1964–66
Giulia GTC (LHD) 106 548 247 899
Giulia GTC (RHD) — 54 45 99
Total 106 600 292 998

Giulia Sprint GT Veloce (1965–1968)

Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT Veloce
Overview
Production 1965–1968
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupé
Powertrain
Engine 1.6 L Twin Cam I4
Transmission 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Length 4,089 mm (161.0 in)[11]
Width 1,575 mm (62.0 in)[11]
Height 1,321 mm (52.0 in)[11]
Kerb weight 1,012 kg (2,231 lb)[11]
Tipo: 105.36, 105.37 (right hand drive). Engine: 00536.

In 1966 the Giulia Sprint GT was replaced by the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT Veloce, very similar but featuring a number of improvements: a revised engine—slightly more powerful and with more torque—better interior fittings and changes to the exterior trim. Alongside the brand new 1750 Spider Veloce which shared its updated engine the Sprint GT Veloce was introduced at the 36th Geneva Motor Show in March 1966, and then tested by the international specialist press in Gardone on the Garda Lake.[12][13] Production began in 1965 and ended in 1968. The Giulia Sprint GT Veloce can be most easily distinguished from other models by the following features:

Inside the main changes from the Giulia Sprint GT were imitation wood dashboard fascia instead of the previous anti-glare grey finish, front seats revised to a mild "bucket" design, and a dished three aluminium spoke steering wheel, with a black rim and horn buttons through the spokes.

The Veloce's type 00536 engine, identical to the Spider 1600 Duetto's, featured modifications compared to the Giulia Sprint GT's type 00502—such as larger diameter (37 instead of 35 mm) exhaust valves.[13] As a result, it produced 109 PS DIN (80 kW; 108 hp) or 125 PS SAE at 6,000 rpm, an increase of 3 PS DIN (2 kW; 3 hp) over the previous model,[13] and significantly more torque. According to the manufacturer top speed now exceeded 185 km/h (115 mph).[13] Early Giulia Sprint GT Veloces featured the same Dunlop disc brake system as the Giulia Sprint GT, while later cars substituted ATE disc brakes as pioneered on the GT 1300 Junior in 1966. The ATE brakes featured an handbrake system entirely separate from the pedal brakes, using drum brakes incorporated in the rear disc castings.

Though the Sprint GT Veloce's replacement—the 1750 GT Veloce—was introduced in 1967, production continued throughout the year and thirty final cars were completed in 1968.[6] By then total Giulia Sprint GT Veloce production amounted to 14,240 examples.[6] 1,407 of these were right hand drive cars, and 332 right hand drive complete knock-down kits.[6]

1750 GT Veloce (1967–1971)

Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce
Overview
Production 1967–1971
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupé
Powertrain
Engine 1.8 L Twin Cam I4[14]
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,350 mm (92.5 in)[14]
Length 4,089 mm (161.0 in)[14]
Width 1,575 mm (62.0 in)[14]
Height 1,321 mm (52.0 in)[14]
Kerb weight 1,038 kg (2,288 lb)[14]
Tipo: 105.44, 105.45 (right hand drive), 105.51 (USA).
Engine: 00548, 00571 (USA).

The Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce (also known as 1750 GTV) appeared in 1967 along with the 1750 Berlina sedan and 1750 Spider. The same type of engine was used to power all three versions; this rationalisation was a first for Alfa Romeo.

The 1750 GTV replaced the Giulia Sprint GT Veloce and introduced many updates and modifications. Most significantly, the engine capacity was increased to 1779 cc displacement (80 mm bore × 88.5 mm stroke, 6.61l oil capacity, 9.58l radiator capacity). Peak power from the engine was increased to 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp) at 5500 rpm. The stroke was lengthened from 82 to 88.5 mm over the 1600 engine, and a reduced rev limit from 7000 rpm to 6000 rpm. Maximum torque was increased to 186 N·m (137 lb·ft) at 3000 rpm. A higher ratio final drive was fitted (10/41 instead of 9/41) but the same gearbox ratios were retained. The result was that, on paper, the car had only slightly improved performance compared to the Giulia Sprint GT Veloce, but on the road it was much more flexible to drive and it was easier to maintain higher average speeds for fast touring. For the United States market, the 1779 cc engine was fitted with a fuel injection system made by Alfa Romeo subsidiary SPICA, to meet emission control laws that were coming into effect at the time. Fuel injection was also featured on Canadian market cars after 1971. Carburettors were retained for other markets.

The chassis was also significantly modified. Tire size went to 165/14 from 155/15 and wheel size to 5 1/2J x 14 instead of 5J x 15, giving a wider section and slightly smaller rolling diameter. The suspension geometry was also revised, and an anti-roll bar was fitted to the rear suspension. ATE disc brakes were fitted from the outset, but with bigger front discs and calipers than the ones fitted to GT 1300 Juniors and late Giulia Sprint GT Veloces. The changes resulted in significant improvements to the handling and braking, which once again made it easier for the driver to maintain high average speeds for fast touring.

The 1750 GTV also departed significantly from the earlier cars externally. New nose styling eliminated the "stepped" hood of the Giulia Sprint GT, GTC, GTA and early GT 1300 Juniors and incorporated four headlamps. For the 1971 model year, United States market 1750 GTV's also featured larger rear light clusters (there were no 1970 model year Alfas on the US market). Besides the chrome "1750" badge on the bootlid, there was also a round Alfa Romeo badge. Similar Quadrofoglio badges to those on the Giulia Sprint GT Veloce were fitted on C pillars, but the Quadrofoglio was coloured gold instead of green. The car also adopted the higher rear wheelarches first seen on the GT 1300 Junior.

The interior was also much modified over that of earlier cars. There was a new dashboard with large speedometer and tachometer instruments in twin binnacles closer to the driver's line of sight. The instruments were mounted at a more conventional angle, avoiding the reflections caused by the upward angled flat dash of earlier cars. Conversely, auxiliary instruments were moved to angled bezels in the centre console, further from the driver's line of sight than before. The new seats introduced adjustable headrests which merged with the top of the seat when fully down. The window winder levers, the door release levers and the quarterlight vent knobs were also restyled. The remote release for the boot (trunk) lid, located on the inside of the door opening on the B-post just under the door lock striker, was moved from the right hand side of the car to the left hand side. The location of this item was always independent of whether the car was left hand drive or right hand drive.

Early (Series 1) 1750 GTV's featured the same bumpers as the Giulia Sprint GT Veloce, with the front bumper modified to mount the indicator / sidelight units on the top of its corners, or under the bumper on US market cars.

The Series 2 1750 GTV of 1970 introduced other mechanical changes, including a dual circuit braking system (split front and rear, with separate servos). The brake and clutch pedals on left hand drive cars were also of an improved pendant design, instead of the earlier floor-hinged type. On right hand drive cars the floor-hinged pedals were retained, as there was no space for the pedal box behind the carburettors. Externally, the series 2 1750 GTV is identified by new, slimmer bumpers with front and rear overriders. The combined front indicator and sidelight units were now mounted to the front panel instead of the front bumper, except again on the 1971-72 US/Canadian market cars. The interior was slightly modified, with the seats retaining the same basic outline but following a simpler design.

44,269 1750 GTVs were made before their replacement came along.[2]

2000 GT Veloce (1971–1976)

Alfa Romeo 2000 GT Veloce
Overview
Production 1971–1976
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupé
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L Twin Cam I4[15]
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,350 mm (92.5 in)[15]
Length 4,089 mm (161.0 in)[15]
Width 1,575 mm (62.0 in)[15]
Height 1,321 mm (52.0 in)[15]
Kerb weight 1,028 kg (2,266 lb)[15]
Tipo: 105.21, 105.22 (right hand drive), 115.01 (USA).
Engine: 00512, 01500 (USA).

The Alfa Romeo 2000 GT Veloce (also known as 2000 GTV) was introduced in 1971 together with the 2000 Berlina sedan and 2000 Spider. The 2000 range was the replacement for the 1750 range. Once again the engine was rationalized throughout the range. The engine displacement was increased to 1962 cc with a change of the bore and stroke to 84 mm × 88.5 mm. Oil and radiator capacities remained unchanged. The engine produced 132 PS (97 kW; 130 hp) at 5500 rpm with the SPICA fuel injection, which, once again, was only fitted to cars destined for the United States and Canadian markets, with carburetors retained for other markets producing officially the same power.

The interior trim was also changed, with the most notable differences being the introduction of a separate instrument cluster, instead of the gauges installed in the dash panel in earlier cars.

The 2000 GTV is most easily distinguished by its different grille. From 1974 on, this became standard on the GT 1300 Junior and GT 1600 Junior as well.

Externally the 2000 GTV is most easily distinguished by the following features:

From 1974 on, the 105 Series coupé models were rationalized and these external features became common to post-1974 GT 1300 Junior and GT 1600 Junior models, with only few distinguishing features marking the difference between models. The last GTV model year was 1974 for the USA. According to Marco Fazio of Alfa Romeo, the very last 1974 model year USA models were actually continued to be produced in early 1975 and are a very rare find. They could not meet 1975 USA safety and emissions regulations and thus they were brought in as model year 1974 despite a 1975 certificate of origin. See below.

37,459 2000 GTVs were made before production ended.[16]

GT Junior models

GT 1300 Junior (1965–1977)

Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior

1972 GT 1300 Junior with optional turbina wheels.
Overview
Production 1965–1974 (GT 1300 Junior)
1974–1976 (1.3 GT Junior)
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupé
Powertrain
Engine 1.3 L Twin Cam I4
Dimensions
Length 4,080 mm (160.6 in)[17]
Width 1,580 mm (62.2 in)[17]
Height 1,310 mm (51.6 in)[17]
Kerb weight 930 kg (2,050 lb)[17]
Tipo: 105.30, 105.31 (right hand drive).
Engine: 00530 (1965–74), 00530/S (1974 on).

The Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior was the entry model to the Alfa Romeo coupé range. It was introduced in 1965 as the replacement for the 101 series Giulia Sprint 1300, which was the final development of the Giulietta Sprint series.

The GT 1300 Junior was fitted with the 1300 (1290 cc) twin cam engine (74 mm bore × 75 mm stroke), as fitted to the Giulietta series cars, but revised for the 105 series with reduced port sizes and other modifications. The smaller engine was introduced in order to allow buyers to choose an Alfa Romeo coupé while avoiding the higher taxes on the models with larger engine capacity, especially in Alfa Romeo's home Italian market.

The performance was low-end compared to others in its model line, with a total of 89 bhp (66 kW; 90 PS).[18] However, the GT 1300 Junior's top speed of over 100 mph and 0-60 mph time of 12.6 seconds were very good for a fully appointed coupé with an engine of only 1300 cc displacement.

The GT 1300 Junior was in production for over a decade. Throughout this period it was updated by the factory, incorporating many of the same revisions applied to the larger-engined models.

The first GT 1300 Juniors produced were based on the Giulia Sprint GT, with a simpler interior. The major external identifying feature was the black grille with just one horizontal chrome bar. The same 9/41 final drive ratio was maintained, but with a shorter 5th gear ratio of 0.85, instead of 0.79 as on all the other 105 Series coupés.

1968 GT 1300 Junior
Interior of a 1965-1968 GT 1300 Junior

Together with the Giulia 1300 Ti, the GT 1300 Junior pioneered the use of ATE disc brakes as later fitted throughout the 105 series, replacing the Dunlop discs on earlier cars. The first few GT 1300 Juniors lacked a brake servo, and had the low rear wheelarches of the Giulia Sprint GT and Giulia Sprint GTV. From 1967, a servo was fitted as standard, together with higher rear wheelarches as adopted later on the 1750 GTV.

In 1968, concurrently with the replacement of the Giulia Sprint GT Veloce by the 1750 GTV, the GT 1300 Junior was revised with many of the new parts from the 1750 GTV. This included the dashboard, the suspension and the new wheel size of 5½ × 14J instead of 4½ × 15J. This revised GT 1300 Junior, however, retained the early "step-front" body style, which, interestingly, makes it the most mechanically refined production "step-front" model. Another intriguing detail is that, just as on the 1750 GTV, the remote release for the boot (trunk) lid, located on the inside of the door opening on the B-post just under the door lock striker, was moved from the right hand side of the car to the left hand side. The location of this item was always independent of whether the car was left hand drive or right hand drive. This series of GT 1300 Junior was the only model with the step-front bodyshell to have this item mounted on the left hand side. All other step-front models - Giulia Sprint GT, Giulia Sprint GT Veloce, and early GT 1300 Junior with flat dashboard - featured this item on the right hand side.

From 1968 on, Alfa Romeo models for the US market were fitted with fuel injection systems instead of carburettors to comply with emissions control legislation. The only 105 Series models in which the classic twin-cam engine was fitted with fuel injection were the US market 1750 range, and the US market 2000 range which replaced the 1750s in mid-1972. No 105/115 series coupe models with 1300 or 1600cc engines were ever made with fuel injection.

In 1970 the Junior was revised a second time, and received the same nose treatment as the 1750 GTV, without the step but with only two headlights.

For 1972, new wheels featuring smaller hubcaps with exposed wheel nuts like those on the 2000 GTV were fitted. At the same time, the GT 1600 Junior was introduced alongside the GT 1300 Junior. The GT 1300 Junior was discontinued for the right hand drive UK market but continued to be available in other right hand drive markets.

From 1974 the GT1300 Junior and GT1600 Junior were both rationalised into a common range with the 2000 GTV and were rebadged as 1.3 GT Junior and 1.6 GT Junior. See below.

GT 1600 Junior (1972–1976)

Alfa Romeo GT 1600 Junior

1976 GT 1600 Junior.
Overview
Production 1972–1975 (GT 1600 Junior)
1974–1976 (1.6 GT Junior)
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupé
Powertrain
Engine 1.6 L Twin Cam I4
Tipo: 115.03 (1972–74), 105.05 (right hand drive), 115.34 (1974 on).
Engine: 00536 (1972–74), 00526/AS (1974 on).

The Alfa Romeo GT 1600 Junior was introduced in 1972, to plug the gap between the GT 1300 Junior and the larger-engined 2000 GTV. In the UK right-hand-drive market the GT 1300 Junior was dropped, but in many other markers the two models were available as a range. The engine was substantially the same as that of the Giulia Sprint GTV discontinued four years previously, and had the same engine type number. The final drive ratio was again 9/41 as standard on all 105 Series coupés with the 1290 cc and 1570 cc engine.

From 1974 on, the GT 1300 Junior and GT 1600 Junior were rationalised into a common range of models with the 2000 GTV and were rebadged as 1.3 GT Junior and 1.6 GT Junior, sharing most of the interior and exterior features with the larger-engined car. The only exterior differences were no bumper over-riders, lack of C-pillar green serpent badges, small rear light clusters same as pre-'74 Juniors and GT 1300 Junior or GT 1600 Junior badge on the boot. Apart from the engine size, the only mechanical differences were: smaller front brakes, as the Juniors had not adopted the larger units fitted to the 1750 GTV and 2000 GTV from 1968 on, differential ratios (Junior models 4.55:1, 2000 GTV 4.1:1) and 5th gear ratio (GT 1300 Junior 0.85:1, all other Alfa Romeo 105 models 0.79:1).[19]

The GT Junior has a tight suspension and weighed in at just 2,050 pounds (930 kg) for the 1.3 variant. Because of this, the car would often go onto three wheels, lifting the inside front wheel off the road when driven enthusiastically.

Production ended in 1976-77 and totalled 91,964 units of 1.3 lt. Juniors and 13,120 units of the 1.6 lt. Juniors.

Junior Z (1969–72) and 1600 Junior Z (1972–76)

Alfa Romeo Junior Z
Alfa Romeo 1600 Junior Z

Alfa Romeo Junior Z
Overview
Production Junior Z: 1969–1972
1600 Junior Z: 1972–1976
Designer Ercole Spada at Zagato
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupé
Powertrain
Engine Junior Z: 1.3 L Twin Cam I4
1600 Junior Z: 1.6 L Twin Cam I4
Transmission 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,250 mm (88.6 in)
Length Junior Z: 3,900 mm (153.5 in) (Junior Z)
1600 Junior Z: 4,000 mm (157.5 in)
Width 1,550 mm (61.0 in)
Height 1,280 mm (50.4 in)
Kerb weight Junior Z: 920 kg (2,028 lb)
950 kg (2,094 lb) (1600 Junior Z)
Tipo: 105.93 (Junior Z), 115.24 (1600 Junior Z).
Engine: 00530 (Junior Z), 00536.S (1600 Junior Z).

The Alfa Romeo Junior Z was a limited production two-seater coupé with aerodynamic bodywork by Zagato of Milan. The kamm tail wedge-shaped body was designed by Ercole Spada at Zagato.[20] The Junior Z was introduced at the 51st Turin Motor Show of November 1969.[21] Unlike Zagato's earlier, race-oriented and aluminium-bodied Giulietta SZ which had a very active competition history, the Junior Z was not specifically intended for racing and did not see much use in competition. The Junior Z was bodied had a steel bodyshell with an aluminium bonnet and, on the earlier Junior Z, aluminium doorskins. The car was based on the floorpan, driveline and suspension of the Alfa Romeo Spider 1300 Junior. However the floorpan was shortened behind the rear wheels to fit the short rear overhang of the Zagato bodywork. The engine was the same 1,290 cc twin cam with two twin-choke carburettors of the GT 1300 Junior and Spider 1300 Junior. It produced 89 PS DIN (65 kW; 88 hp) or 103 PS SAE at 6,000 rpm, giving the car a top speed of 175 kilometres per hour (109 mph).[21] In the cabin driver and passenger were seated in highly bolstered bucket seats with incorporated headrests. Two large round instruments, tachometer and speedometer, faced the driver; three more auxiliary gauges were in the middle of the Zagato-designed dashboard. The steering wheel was the same two-spoke, plastic rimmed one of the other Junior models. In total 1,117 examples were built, of which 2 were destroyed during production because the bodyshells were not within specification. Production of the Junior Z continued through 1972, and was replaced by the 1.6-litre 1600 Junior Z at the end of the year; although according to the records two more 1.3-litre cars were completed in 1972.

The 1600 Junior Z was launched at the 54th Turin Motor Show in November 1972. In this case the car was based on the unaltered floorpan of the 1600 Spider, so that the standard sized fuel tank could be left in place. As a consequence, at 4 metres long the 1600 Junior Z measured 100 mm (3.9 in) more than the 1300.[22] This can be seen at the back were the sloping roofline runs further back and the back panel is different and lower. The lower part of the rear bumper features a bulge to make room for the spare tire. The 1,570 cc engine with two twin-choke carburettors had an output 109 PS DIN (80 kW; 108 hp) or 125 PS SAE at 6,000 rpm.[22] Top speed rose to 190 kilometres per hour (118 mph).[22] Besides the longer tail, a number of exterior details distinguished the 1600 Junior Z from the previous model: the arched front bumper was bulkier, the fuel filler was moved to the left hand side, the tail lights were larger items sourced from the 2000 Berlina, the door handles had black plastic housings, and the exhaust pipe was down turned.[22] Badging on the tail now read "1600 Z" instead of "Junior Z". Inside the steering wheel was now a wood rimmed one, with horn buttons through the three metal spokes. In total 402 examples of the 1600 were made, the last one being produced in 1973; the cars were then sold until 1975.

GTA models

Giulia Sprint GTA (1965–1969)

Tipo: 105.32 (Alfa Romeo), 105.02/A (IGM homologation), 105.34 (right hand drive).
Engine: 00502/A or 00532/A (identical save for no. prefix.).
Giulia Sprint GTA, factory standard

The Alfa Romeo GTA retained the external form of the Giulia Sprint GT, but was constructed with aluminum external panels replacing the standard steel panels. The 'A' stood for "Alleggerita", Italian for "lightened". The engine was based on that of the standard 1600 cc car with a new, twin-plug head and Weber 45DCOE carburettors. The sump, camshaft cover, timing cover and clutch housing were in lightweight magnesium alloy instead of the standard aluminium alloy. Many other measures were also taken to lighten the car, and tune it for racing. All GTA's had the lower rear wheelarches as fitted to the Giulia Sprint GT's and GTV's, and very early GT 1300 Juniors. The GTA was available from the factory as a high-performance car for the road or racing. Unmodified cars in factory trim have come to be known as "GTA Stradale" but few were sold in this form. Most customers were racers and had them further modified and tuned before delivery by Autodelta, which had become a wholly owned Alfa Romeo subsidiary running its competition department.

GTA 1300 Junior (1968–1975)

Tipo: 105.59. Engine: 00559.

The Alfa Romeo GTA 1300 Junior (Tipo 105.59) was based on the early step-front GT 1300 Junior, incorporating the same modifications as the GTA. Its engine was not based on the standard 1300 cc motor but was instead based on the 1600cc GTA engine with the same bore but a shorter stroke (67.5 instead of 82 mm). Unlike the GTA, the GTA 1300 Junior featured the higher rear wheelarches as first seen on the GT 1300 Junior and later adopted for the 1750 GTV. Once again the GTA 1300 Junior was available as a standard car from Alfa Romeo, but most were modified by Autodelta for racing before delivery. Production of the GTAJ continued through 1975.[23]

GTAm

Alfa Romeo GTAm

The Alfa Romeo 1750 GTAm (later called 2000 GTAm when the 2000 GTV was introduced) appeared in 1969. Unlike the Giulia Sprint GTA and GTA 1300 Junior, The GTAm was not built by Alfa Romeo, was never available from the factory and was never issued its own Tipo number.

The GTAm was initially built by Autodelta and was based on the US version of the 1750 GTV (Tipo 105.51) which was fitted with a SPICA mechanical fuel injection system to meet US emissions regulations. The GTAm used the extra full-throtte power which the injection system could develop for racing. Some GTAm's were converted from European-spec carburettor-induction 1750 GTV's (Tipo 105.44) and retrofitted with the injection system. The chassis are therefore numbered randomly from the ranges assigned to Tipo 105.51 and Tipo 105.44 cars (the chassis numbers do not start with 105.51 or 105.44; the chassis numbers were separate from the Tipo numbers in the 105 and 115 series Alfas). The customer had to either buy a 1750 GTV at the factory or use an existing car. The car would be shipped to Autodelta to be converted to a GTAm (which was available in various levels of tune to suit various rules and classes of competition).

Besides the cars built by Autodelta, some racing teams and private workshops ordered parts from Autodelta and other tuners and assembled the cars themselves on a new or existing bodyshell. Because of this, and of the lack of a specific chassis number series, the total number of GTAm's built is difficult to verify. According to sources, a total of some 40 were built by Autodelta and other racing workshops. A thread on chassis numbers of known GTAm's can be found on the forum of the Alfa Romeo Bulletin board (www.alfabb.com).

As in the GTA and GTA 1300 Junior, the engine had a special cylinder head with twin spark plugs per cylinder in contrast to the standard car's single plugs, but this time the head was to a new design having a much smaller included angle between the valves than in previous Alfa engines. The original 1750 engine block was used, and by inserting a monosleeve instead of four individual cylinder liners, the capacity was enlarged from the standard 1779cc to 1985cc and later to 1999cc. The GTAm (1969–1971) could produce up to 240PS (180 kW; 240 hp).

Unlike the GTA and GTA Junior, in which all the outer body panels were made of aluminium alloy instead of the standard car's steel, the GTAm retained the standard steel body modified with some aluminium and / or plastic parts. Because of an increased minimum weight in 1971 (up from 920 to 940 kg), the GTAm's had less need for aluminium and / or plastic body parts.

There have been two schools of thought about the origin of the "Am" moniker, one explaining Am as standing for "Alleggerita maggiorata" (Italian: lightened enlarged, referring to the lightened body and enlarged cylinder capacity) and the other as standing for "America". Marco Fazio of the Alfa Romeo Documentazione Storico confirmed on the Spettacolo Sportivo in September 2011 that "America" is the official type name.

Notes

  1. 1 2 "Registro Internazionale Touring Superleggera". registrotouringsuperleggera.com. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
  2. 1 2 "Alfa Romeo 105 Coupés". carsfromitaly.net. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
  3. ↑ Fusi, "Numbering of Alfa Romeo Cars from 1910 to 1972"
  4. 1 2 3 Fusi 1978, p. 587–592.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Alfa Romeo "Giulia Sprint GT"". Quattroruote (road test) (in Italian). Editoriale Domus (108): 66–77. December 1964.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Fusi 1978, p. 862–867.
  7. ↑ "1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTC". motorbase.com. Archived from the original on 2 December 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "1964–1966 ALFA ROMEO Giulia Cabriolet 1600 GTC". classicandperformancecar.com. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
  9. ↑ "L'Alfa Romeo ha presentato nuove versioni della "Giulia"" [Alfa Romeo introduced new Giulia versions]. La Stampa (in Italian). 5 March 1965. p. 12. Retrieved 2015-08-01.
  10. 1 2 Fusi 1978, pp. 613–614.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTV". carfolio.com. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
  12. ↑ Rogliatti, Gianni (24 March 1966). "Presentate ai giornalisti le nuove Alfa spider e GTV" [The new Alfa spider and GTV introduced to the press]. La Stampa (in Italian). p. 11. Retrieved 2015-08-09.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Fusi 1978, p. 623–626.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "1967 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV". carfolio.com/car=16478. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "1973 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000". carfolio.com. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
  16. ↑ "Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT/Sprint GT Veloce/GTC". motorbase.com. Archived from the original on 14 February 2007. Retrieved 2007-01-23.
  17. 1 2 3 4 "1966 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300". carfolio.com/37004. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
  18. ↑ "Alfa Bertone GT junior". sno-bertone.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
  19. ↑ "Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT/Sprint GT Veloce/GTC". motorbase.com. Archived from the original on 20 January 2007. Retrieved 2007-01-23.
  20. ↑ Koopmann, Chris. "Ercole Spada". zagato-cars.com. Retrieved 2012-05-24.
  21. 1 2 Fusi 1978, p. 697–700.
  22. 1 2 3 4 Fusi 1978, p. 740–744.
  23. ↑ http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/gta-1965-1975/391826-1975-alfa-romeo-gta-junior.html#post6057138

References

  • Tipler, John. Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe GT and GTA. ISBN 1-903706-47-5. 
  • Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior Instruction Book, Alfa Romeo
  • Alfa Romeo Giulia, GT, Spider Owners Workshop Manual, Autobooks, ISBN 0-85146-128-X
  • D'Amico, Stefano; Tabucchi, Maurizio. Alfa Romeo Production Cars from 1910. Giorgio Nada Editore. ISBN 978-88-7911-408-0. 
  • Marchiano, Michele (November 1986). Le Zagato Fulvia Sport - Junior Z. Libreria dell'Automobile. ISBN 88-7672-013-8. 
  • Style Auto Number nr.23 4/1969, Style Auto Editrice
  • Fusi, Luigi (1978). Alfa Romeo—Tutte le vetture dal 1910—All cars from 1910 (3rd ed.). Milan: Emmeti Grafica editrice. 
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Type 1950s 1960s 1970s
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Small family car Dauphine Alfasud
Compact executive car Giulietta (750/101)
Giulia Giulietta (116)
Executive car 1750 Berlina Alfetta
2000 Berlina Alfetta 2000
1900 2000 2600 Alfa 6
Coupé Giulietta Sprint GT Junior Alfasud Sprint
Giulia Sprint GT/GT Veloce Alfetta GT and GTV
1900 Sprint 2000 Sprint 2600 Sprint
Cabriolet 1900 L Giulia GTC
Spider Giulietta Spider Spider
2000 Spider 2600 Spider
Roadster Gran Sport Quattroruote
Sports car 6C 2500 Montreal
33 Stradale
Racing car TZ GTA
158/159 Tipo 33 177/
179
Off-road Matta
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