Beschreibung:

•Rare Zagato-bodied Alfa Romeo •Desirable 1st Series model •Original colour scheme One of the oldest and most respected of automotive design firms, Zagato was founded in Milan in 1919 by Ugo Zagato, who used techniques learned in the wartime aeronautics industry to create a series of lightweight competition cars. Alfa Romeo immediately realised the potential of Zagato's designs and thus commenced a fruitful collaboration that lasts to this day. Some of the 20th Century's most beautiful cars have been Zagato-bodied Alfa Romeos. The creator of some of Carrozzeria Zagato's most memorable designs of the post-WW2 period - arguably its most productive - was Ercole Spada. Spada introduced the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ's sawn-off tail and was also responsible for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and 2600 SZs and the Junior Z, the latter being one of the last models developed under the stewardship of company founder, Ugo Zagato. Based on the mechanicals of the 105-Series Giulia saloon, the Junior Z was introduced for 1970 in '1300' form before being upgraded with the 1,570cc engine in 1972. Lighter than the production models from which it was derived, despite – unusually for a Zagato design – having steel body panels rather than aluminium, the Junior Z was compact, nimble, aerodynamically efficient and fast. The 1,290cc twin-cam four producing 89bhp at 6,000rpm, enough to propel the sleek Z to a top speed of around 175km/h (109mph). The 1300 continued in production until October 1972, by which time 1,108 had been produced - enough to enable homologation in FIA Appendix J Group 3 - while a further 402 examples of the '1600' version were built up to 1975. All were left-hand drive. According to documentation (on file) supplied by the Centro Documentazione Alfa Romeo, this stunning car left the factory on 3rd April 1970 and was subsequently sold to its first owner in Brescia, Northern Italy only ten days later. The original colour scheme was Champagne metallic (code AR 118) with black vinyl interior, a combination that the car still wears today. The Zagato remained in Brescia with two further owners until 2011. It is reported that Alfa was restored at some point by renowned Italian restorer KCA. No restoration records come with the car, but it is beautifully presented in its stunning original colour combination, and it is obvious that great care had been taken to maintain its originality. In the latter respect, it is worthwhile noting that the car still features the original wheels, steering wheel, and correct Plexiglas screen that forms part of the front grille/headlights assembly (all of which are parts unique to this model). As is often the case, the first series represents the model in its purest form; an early example with the more sprightly 1.3 litre engine, this car will surely provide pleasurable driving as well as aesthetic enjoyment for its new owner. Accompanying documentation consists of the original Italian libretto (de-registered) as well as a cancelled Certificato di Proprietà and an ASI certificate. These charming Alfa Romeos, styled by arguably one of the greatest names in automotive design, rarely come to the market, and this example is worthy of consideration by any Alfa Romeo enthusiast.