BUYER’S GUIDE

Alfa Romeo Giulietta review

From sporty saloons and sensuous Spiders, the Giulietta is Alfa Romeo at its romantic best…

What is the Alfa Romeo Giulietta?

A hugely important car for post-war Italy, and indeed its wider car industry, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is best known for its glamorous Sprint coupés and Spider convertibles, but also includes everything from regular saloons to ultra exotic coachbuilt racing cars, too. All share the same foundations of modern unitary construction, a revvy 1.3-litre twin-cam four-cylinder engine and, varyingly, bodywork from some of the most legendary names in Italian car design including Bertone, Pininfarina and Zagato.

Whichever you choose, you’re getting a pitch-perfect expression of 50s Italian design cool, racing pedigree, sporty handling and a sense of the exotic no contemporary rival could match.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta usually refers to the Type 750 and Type 101 cars built from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s, and was the model that helped turn Alfa Romeo from a low-volume specialist into a more mainstream manufacturer.

The Giulietta range included the Berlina saloon, Sprint coupé, Spider, Sprint Speciale and rare Zagato-bodied SZ, all of which used Alfa’s twin-cam four-cylinder engine, giving the Giulietta a level of sophistication and driver appeal which still stands out today. The Giulietta is desirable because it combines elegance, motorsport character and usable performance.

The warning is simple: body condition is everything. Mechanically they’re generally robust when properly maintained, but corrosion and poor restoration work can make a cheap car very expensive.

This guide will give you a guide on where to look for rust and other issues when viewing a Giulietta you might be interested in buying.

Corrosive Areas

Anything metal!

Specifically, floorpan, boot floor, wings

Sills and jacking points also critical

When was the Alfa Romeo Giulietta produced?

The classic Alfa Romeo Giulietta Type 750 and 101 range was produced from 1954 to 1965, and built primarily in Italy.

Berlina production was centred at Alfa Romeo’s Portello factory in Milan, while coachbuilt models involved specialists including Bertone, Pininfarina and Zagato. Some assembly also took place outside Italy, but for buyers the key concern is not build location; it is originality, structure and restoration quality.

It wouldn’t be a ‘50s Alfa Romeo without some quirks, the combination of conventional accelerator pedal and floor-hinged brake and clutch taking some getting used to. But while power outputs, weights, wheelbases and more vary across the various Giulietta derivatives, certain common themes are consistent.

The 1.3-litre motor punches way above its weight with its revvy, gutsy power delivery, while the sharp steering, decent brakes and classic rear-biased balance are all geared to putting a grin on your face.

The ambience of a Berlina saloon with its bench seat, column shift and strip speedo is obviously going to be somewhat different from the claustrophobic confines of a screaming, twin-carb SZ, but you can take your pick from anything along that spectrum according to what you want.

Whatever the bodystyle, Alfa Romeo’s sporting heart beats strongly in any Giulietta and, for all its 50s origins, the performance and handling delight to this day.

What changes were made to Alfa Romeo Giulietta over the years?

The Giulietta evolved from a compact sporting Alfa into a broad family of saloons, coupés, and convertibles.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint coupé launched the range in 1954, and was followed by the Giulietta Berlina saloon and Alfa Romeo Giulietta Pininfarina Spider in 1955. These were soon followed by performance versions, with the Sprint Veloce and Spider Veloce bringing more power, lighter gross weight, and greater appeal for racing.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale added aerodynamic bodywork and a more exotic character, while the Zagato SZ became the serious privateer racer of the family.

In 1959, Alfa moved from the early 750-series designation to the later 101-series cars. Detail changes included revisions to trim, engines, dashboard layouts and lighting. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Berlina TI became an important sporting saloon, while later cars gained improved drivability and more mature detailing.

From 1962, the related Giulia models began replacing parts of the Giulietta range, using a larger 1600cc engine and, in some cases, a five-speed gearbox.The classic Alfa Romeo Giulietta Type 750 and 101 range was produced from 1954 to 1965, and built primarily in Italy.

If you’re looking to invest in an Alfa Romeo Giulietta, then early cars are prized for purity, Veloces for performance, Spiders for style and usability, and SZs for rarity and competition history.

What are the common problems with Alfa Romeo Giulietta?

Rust is the major concern, as is so often the case with classic cars. These are monocoque Italian classics from the 1950s and 1960s, so corrosion and poor repairs are the biggest risks.
Be sure to check the sills, floors, inner arches, boot floor, lower wings, door bottoms, bulkhead and suspension mounting areas carefully.

Mechanically, the twin-cam engine is strong when maintained, but buyers should check for overheating, oil leaks, poor oil pressure, worn timing chains, carburettor issues and tired cooling systems. Gearboxes can be worn, synchromesh can be weak, and rear axles or suspension components may need expensive attention. Trim, glass, correct brightwork and model-specific parts can be difficult or costly to replace.

A car with missing details may cost far more to finish than expected. With any vehicle this valuable and sought-after, an honest seller with nothing to hide should have no problem with you poking around under and inside the vehicle, so make sure that you take your time to inspect all of these potential problem areas.

Checklist

First Giulietta to market was actually the Sprint coupé in 1954, the Berlina saloon following the next year with the Spider
All Giuliettas (bar the final editions of Spider and Sprint) use the same 1,290cc aluminium block, aluminium head DOHC engine in various states of tune, though engine swaps from later cars not unheard of
Unitary body, independent front suspension and live rear axle with trailing links common to all, wheelbases varying according to body type
Spider created in 1955 at the behest of legendary American importer Max Hoffman, choosing the Pininfarina design for production
Aerodynamically styled Sprint Speciale coupé based on shorter Spider wheelbase and intended as race model before evolving into a more luxurious coupé
Ti version of Berlina used twin-choke carburettor for more power, while Veloce versions of Sprint and Spider use twin-carb set-up for meaningful increase in performance
Significant facelift in 1959 for all Giuliettas saw model designation change from Tipo 750 to Tipo 101; rolling overlap in production can cause confusion
Second facelift in 1961 introduced more changes, including more fin-like rear wings, new instruments and revised grille
Post 1961 facelift Ti saloon had separate front seats in front of the standard bench arrangement
Zagato SZ originally built as a one-off commission out of a wrecked race car by Zagato; its pace was such it eventually became the default privateer race car, now very desirable
Engines and transmissions generally considered robust when well cared for – check for usual signs of overheating, fluid leaks, etc
Bodywork inevitably a weak point, and corrosion can strike anywhere but check sills, floor pan, inner arches and boot floor in particular
Originality important for the more collectable models but can be hard to prove
Engines in later Tipo 101 cars considered more robust

What should people look for when buying an Alfa Romeo Giulietta?

It’s recommended that you buy on structure, originality, and restoration quality when shopping for a Giulietta. Inspect the underside, sills, floors, arches, boot floor, and suspension mounts thoroughly. Look for evidence of proper metal repairs rather than filler and fresh paint.

Check that the car is what it claims to be, especially with Veloce, Sprint Speciale, and SZ models. The chassis numbers, engine numbers, body details, and history all definitely matter. Mechanically, check oil pressure, cooling, smoke, leaks, gearbox synchros, brakes, steering and suspension.

The engine should feel eager, not tired or noisy. Also check whether trim, glass, hood frames and brightwork are complete, because missing parts can be expensive. A specialist inspection is strongly recommended before purchase, especially if you’ve not owned a Giulietta before.

How easy is it to get hold of parts for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta?

You’ll find it reasonably easy to get hold of any parts you might need through Alfa specialists, clubs and reproduction suppliers, especially if you’re used to sourcing parts for classic cars.
Mechanical service parts are generally easier than body panels, trim, brightwork, glass and Veloce-specific components.

A complete, correct car which you can see won’t need any work done to it is worth paying more for as a result.

How does it drive?

It wouldn’t be a ‘50s Alfa Romeo without some quirks, the combination of conventional accelerator pedal and floor-hinged brake and clutch taking some getting used to. But while power outputs, weights, wheelbases and more vary across the various Giulietta derivatives, certain common themes are consistent. The 1.3-litre motor punches way above its weight with its revvy, gutsy power delivery, while the sharp steering, decent brakes and classic rear-biased balance are all geared to putting a grin on your face.

The ambience of a Berlina saloon with its bench seat, column shift and strip speedo is obviously going to be somewhat different from the claustrophobic confines of a screaming, twin-carb SZ, but you can take your pick from anything along that spectrum according to what you want. Whatever the bodystyle, Alfa Romeo’s sporting heart beats strongly in any Giulietta and, for all its 50s origins, the performance and handling delight to this day.

How much does it cost to insure an Alfa Romeo Giulietta?

The cost of insuring your Giulietta will depend on the driver, value, annual mileage, how it’s stored, and how it’s used, as well as other factors. The model will also have an impact on the cost, as standard Berlina may be very different to a Spider Veloce or SZ. Specialist insurance from experts like Goodwood Classic Solutions is recommended to ensure that your Alfa is properly protected.

We can offer classic car insurance for a whole range of Alfa Romeo models from just £105 per year. The Giulietta is definitely a classic which needs proper classic car insurance to ensure that it’s properly protected.

We understand that your Alfa Romeo Giulietta is rare, valuable, historically significant, and expensive to repair correctly, which is why we take getting you the correct insurance for it so seriously.

How do the condition, modifications and use affect Alfa Romeo Giulietta insurance premiums?

The condition of your Giulietta has a major effect on the price you’ll pay to insure it. A well-restored, documented car is easier to value and insure correctly than a rusty, incomplete, or poorly repaired car. Higher-value cars may need photographs, valuation evidence or specialist appraisal. Modifications must be declared when taking out your insurance policy, to avoid any problems further down the line if you ever find that you need to make a claim.

Goodwood Classic Solutions offers modification cover on a huge range of our policies, so insuring a modified Giulietta won’t be a problem, you just need to mention the modifications when you speak to our team of experts.

How your Giulietta will be used will also impact your insurance costs, as a vehicle used occasionally for shows, weekends and club events will usually be treated differently from one used for commuting or more regular road mileage.

Secure garaging, trackers and immobilisers can help, especially on particularly valuable Spider, Veloce, Sprint Speciale or SZ models.

Is specialist classic car insurance a good idea for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta?

Yes, specialist classic car insurance cover is usually the best fit for an Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The Giulietta’s value depends heavily on condition, originality and history, so an agreed value policy is important.
This ensures that you’ll be paid out the true value of your specific Giulietta if it’s even written off.

What’s bad?

It’s a 1950s car, and an Alfa Romeo at that. So, life with a Giulietta of any type will inevitably have its complications. Their nature will vary according to the version you go for, but for any bodyshape corrosion will be the biggest concern, and buying with the head rather than the heart (not always easy with an Alfa) will be of utmost importance given the cost and complexity of rectifying any hidden horrors. You would hope that any that has lived this long will have had the kind of restoration to keep it going, but rust can strike anywhere and parts and panels can be hard to find. So, take your time, get to know the trusted specialists, ingratiate yourself with the community around the model you’re after and do your due diligence before committing. For the rarer and more collectable versions, originality and provenance will become increasingly important but also more difficult to establish. Again, taking your time and doing your research over any purchase will help avoid the worst pitfalls.

Who is Alfa Romeo Giulietta recommended for?

The Giulietta is ideal for enthusiasts who want a beautiful, historically important Italian classic and are prepared to buy carefully. It suits owners who value originality, engineering and proper maintenance. It is not ideal for anyone wanting cheap restoration, easy parts sourcing or low-effort daily use.

Which model to choose?

By the standards of ‘50s saloons, the Giulietta Berlina is faster and funkier than most but, while potentially more affordable to buy, won’t cost you any less to restore or run than any other. The Ti’s sports saloon performance appeals, but if you’re pouring your heart, soul and cash into an old Alfa, a Sprint or Spider feels a more exciting return on the considerable investment of all of the above. The Sprint Speciale is an acquired taste and much more exotic, but a fabulous example of aero-informed ‘50s styling that will win style points all day long. An SZ would be lovely, but we’re in the realms of serious collector cars now and it’s a raw machine for driving on the road. Given the huge price range, the Giulietta operates over with feet vaguely on the ground and with an eye to a version to enjoy, our money would probably go on the undisputedly gorgeous Sprint or Spider, preferably in feistier twin-carb Veloce trim.

Specifications – Spider

Engine

1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol

Power

65PS (48kW) @ 6,300rpm

Torque

107Nm (79lb ft) @ 4,000rpm

Transmission

Four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

Kerb weight

860kg

0-62mph

N/A

Top speed

96mph

Production dates

1954-1965 (all Giulietta variants)