This, coupled with the fact that the GTV 2000 was lighter than its predecessors, brought the top speed to almost 125mph impressive for its day. In 1972, a bored-out version of the 1750 engine raised capacity to 1962cc, and the 2000 GTV range was born. The twin headlamps (the outer ones were the larger) were part of a revised front grille treatment. This new version boasted a hydraulic clutch and a rear anti-roll bar. The emission-mad USA market demanded a Spica indirect fuel injection system to meet the stringent law requirements, whilst the European markets were very happy with the usual throaty twin-carburettor set up. The new GTV 1750 was now capable of 120mph, and the power output grew to 118bhp for vivid performance. Naturally this unit was also adopted for the GTV too, in 1967. Despite having only 89bhp and moderate performance it was to be one of the most commercially successful Alfa Romeos of all times – big is not always better!However,when the trusty 1570cc engine was enlarged to 1779cc a new version, Giulia 1750, was born. Only one horizontal bar adorned the radiator grille, but it had a fi ve-speed, fully synchronised gearbox. In 1966, in the best Alfa Romeo tradition, a Junior version joined the range, with its twin-cam, twin-barrel carburettors, 1290cc engine. In little more than two years, almost 14,000 cars were made, and only slightly over ten per cent of those were destined for right-hand-drive countries.
The extra premium did not deter keen drivers, as the production fi gures show.
Enthusiasts soon learnt how to recognise the Alfa Giulia GT Veloce, or Alfa GTV as it became known, by the three horizontal chromed bars, which linked the central ‘scudetto’ (badge) to the front headlamps, and vertical sidelights – where the indicators were housed. Eventually, something had to be done to improve the latter’s engine performance: specifi cally, a modifi ed head an inlet manifold did the trick. For three years, then, Alfa Romeo allowed a tuned saloon version (the Ti Super) to outperform a GT coupe. The Giulia Sprint GT was as fast as the old Giulietta Sprint Veloce. So, the Sprint magic continued in the Giulia range, originally with a Giulia Sprint GT, in its 1570cc guise, albeit with a second twinchoke carburettor, which meant a 10bhp hike in power from the Giulia saloon to 106bhp. At the time, it was taking up to a quarter of the Giulietta sales.
Launched back in 1963, the Giulietta Sprint, with its sleek coupe body and four seats, plus more power than its saloon sister and an affordable price tag, was always destined to be a winner. So, get one, and this includes the overlooked saloons while you can afford to! History Today there’s a massive gap between them – in the Italian’s favour – but prices have been sneaking up of late and the bargain buys are becoming fewer. The car didn’t come cheap, mind, and in its day a GTV (as the car became better known) was E-type dear. are now taken for granted, but Alfa was offering the whole lot half a century ago. Today, twin cam engines, fi ve-speed transmissions, sophisticated suspensions, all round disc brakes etc. Alfa’s GTV is one the greatest coupes of all time, as well as one of Alfa’s fi nest designs. Yes, they impress and irritate all at the same time but, for the price, no other carmaker offers so much passion or prestige – or the need for dedication on your part. They say that you’re not a true car enthusiast until you’ve owned an Alfa Romeo.