Lot details
- #750100 delivered new in France by SOFAR
- Clear history – previously owned by Tom Mittler
- Beautiful restoration done in USA by specialists
- Still bearing its hidden internal number stamping #182
- Coming from an important French collection
“Tubolare Zagato”: these are two words that are enough to make any motorsport enthusiast exhilarate with passion. They refer to the Giulia TZ, the most iconic Alfa Romeo coupe of the 1960s, which was actively present at circuits and rallies as well as building a track record worthy of the greatest. Designed under the leadership of Giuseppe Busso and Orazio Satta and with the aim of responding to increased fierce competition (notably from the Lotus Elite which dominated the Alfa SZ), it included some radical innovation, such as the multi-tubular chassis combining high rigidity and limited weight. Additionally, it had an independent rear suspension, another point which made it stand out from other Giulia versions. It was fitted with the classic 4-cylinder twin-cam engine of 1,570 cc with single ignition and two carburettors, meticulously prepared by the factory or by private workshops, such as Virgilio Conrero, who was one of the most skilled specialists. For the bodywork of this mechanical marvel, Alfa Romeo logically turned to Zagato, whose aluminium bodies placed on a refined steel structure were characterised by their lightness and their streamlined design. The TZ was no exception and the pencil of the talented Ercole Spada gave birth to a true aesthetic masterpiece; the slender front part continued into a sleek ceiling naturally opening onto a “Kamm” cut-off perfectly integrated with the whole structure. Thanks to its shape and performance, the TZ was also known as “Little GTO”, a nickname that is in no way impersonated.
As the first Giulia truly designed for racing (the SVZ and SZ were “only” evolutions of the production version), it was registrable on the road and enabled many private racing drivers to shine in rallies as well as on track in all categories, in European countries and in the United States. Its production was limited to 112 examples (plus 12 plastic-bodied TZ2 versions) and it is therefore a particularly rare model.
According to the Alfa Romeo archives department, this particular TZ left the factory on the 15th March 1965 before being sold on the 18th March to the “Société Française Alfa Romeo” (SOFAR) in Paris. The French distributor’s plate “6 Avenue de Messine 8e arr. de Paris” is also clearly present in the engine bay, displaying the chassis number 750100 and the engine number 18638. Like the majority of TZ examples, it has a red livery with black interior.
The first 15 years of its existence were in Corsica, before being exported to the United States in 1987. It went into the hands of European Auto Sales, followed by Richard Crump and was purchased in March 1996 by Tom Mittler, a major Ferrari collector who owned important cars such as the 250MM, California and Berlinetta SWB to name a few. The latter carried out a mechanical and bodywork restoration on this car using the best specialists like Kleeves Company, while retaining as many aluminium elements as possible, both on the tubular structure as well as the bodywork. Furthermore, it retains today its original “hidden” factory number; the internal manufacturing number (No 812) was in fact spotted on various panels, such as the windshield’s surrounding chrome or the transmission tunnel, among others. The file also includes very accurately all the work carried out and the multiple exchanges and invoices between Mike Kleeves and the owner. A copy of the file is available to potential buyers. In December 2004, it was sold by Mittler to John Weinberger who took part in rallies and club racing in the United States. In October 2007, it was offered at “The Sportscar Auction” organised as part of the Geneva Classics in Geneva. It was presented there as a temporary import, with its American registration and it is there that the current owner (French collector based in Eure) acquired it. He imported the car in France and used it during historic events such as the Tour de France Auto in 2011.
This car appeared on the cover of the September 2009 issue of Classic & Sports Car (French version) and inside, a great 12-page feature was devoted to it. It was written by Jose Rosinski, racing driver and famous Sport Auto journalist who himself raced at the wheel of the Alfa SZ in 1961 and 1962. And clearly, the TZ did make quite an impression on him, stating: “Right away, you have that impression of lightness and agility which dominates. We couldn’t feel any sluggishness in the TZ’s handling, the car is instantly responsive driving-wise and follows any movement from our fingers and our eyes.”
The car is fitted with a GTA type AR 0532A twin-ignition engine and its performance of around 165 hp is combined with its light 700 kg weight. A complete spare single ignition engine will also be delivered with the car, which is stamped with the number 0511-00092. Two spare fibreglass bonnets and 4 new magnesium rims are also included, as well as its important file which documents its clear history.
It is presented in very good condition in its red colour with magnesium rims. Intelligently done while respecting the authenticity of this TZ, the restoration was carried out in the United States and has stood the test of time remarkably well. The excellent mechanic Franck Opderbeck regularly worked on the car, specifically on various work related to the braking system as well as the servicing. Photos of internal numbers are also available to interested parties.
It is rare that an Alfa Romeo TZ1 of this quality comes onto the market. Having retained its authenticity without any significant modifications, it will certainly appeal to enthusiasts and collectors of this type of rare, exclusive and historic machine, which is as much at home on a special rally stage as it is on the lawn of a concours d'élégance.
Please note that the car is sold without the French technical inspection.
