ALFA ROMEO 1600 GT Junior ZAGATO 1973.
Price on request.
The 1973 Alfa Romeo 1600 GT Junior Zagato is one of the rarest and most sought-after models from the brand, produced in very limited numbers. While the bodywork is similar to the 1300 version, the Zagato model features a distinctively unique body shell, with more streamlined lines and specific design details that make it instantly recognizable. This model is a true rarity in the world of classic cars.
First registered on July 23, 1973, the car was originally owned by a resident of Catania and still retains its original black plates and green registration booklet from the era. It has since passed through the hands of three more owners, all residing in Catania, which allowed it to keep the original plates without needing to be replaced due to a change of province.
In 2005, when new regulations allowed the retention of original plates even in the case of a provincial change, the car was acquired by a collector from Brescia, who in 2009 carried out a conservative restoration to bring the vehicle back to its original condition.
Over the years, the car has obtained several important certifications that confirm its value and historical significance:
2011: Fiche ACI-CSAI for regular historic cars
2013: ASI Gold Plate homologation
2019: ASI Historical Relevance Certificate
In addition to the original documents and certifications, the car is also accompanied by the original owner’s manual. Regularly subjected to mandatory biennial technical checks, the car is in perfect working condition, ready to delight another collector who desires to enrich their garage with this rare model.
Alfa Romeo 1600 GT Junior Zagato 1973 – Detailed Characteristics
The 1973 Alfa Romeo 1600 GT Junior Zagato represents a blend of iconic Italian design and high-performance automotive engineering, designed to meet aesthetic, functional, and innovative needs of the time. This model is one of the rarest and most prestigious versions ever produced by Alfa Romeo, thanks to the collaboration with the Zagato body shop, known for its aerodynamic lines and distinctive design. Here is a detailed look at its main features:
Design and Bodywork
The bodywork of the Alfa Romeo 1600 GT Junior Zagato features sleek, dynamic lines that distinguish it from the standard 1300 version. The design developed by Zagato features a lighter, sportier body shell, aimed at improving aerodynamics and reducing vehicle weight, thus increasing performance.
Notable design characteristics include:
The Front End: A short nose and sharp lines give the car an aggressive, sporty look.
Headlights: Round headlights, typical for cars of the era, are housed in a single unit, enhancing the technical and sporty appearance.
Side Lines: The fluid and well-proportioned side lines are enhanced by a low profile and a tapered rear, giving the impression of speed and lightness.
The Roof: The rounded roof shape and the unique design of the front fender contribute to the car’s recognition as a Zagato model.
Engine and Performance
The Alfa Romeo 1600 GT Junior Zagato from 1973 is equipped with a 4-cylinder inline engine of 1570 cm³ (1.6 liters), offering a great balance between power and drivability. This engine generates around 112 horsepower, enabling the car to reach a top speed of about 185 km/h, a notable performance for its class and era.
The transmission is a 5-speed manual, allowing for smooth and precise driving in line with the car’s sporty nature. Thanks to these features, the 1600 GT Junior Zagato proves to be agile on the road, with excellent responsiveness to the driver’s input.
Handling and Suspension
The Zagato model is designed for excellent maneuverability, with independent front suspension with coil springs and anti-roll bars, while the rear features a rigid axle with coil springs. This setup ensures a balanced driving behavior and good road grip, especially appreciated during sporty driving and tight corners. The chassis is rigid and offers excellent stability even at high speeds.
Interior and Comfort
Despite its sporty focus, the Alfa Romeo 1600 GT Junior Zagato 1973 also offers a degree of comfort in its interior. The seats are upholstered in high-quality leather or fabric, and the dashboard, typical of Alfa Romeo, is well designed, featuring a complete and easy-to-read set of instruments. The three-spoke steering wheel is compact and provides good driving feedback.
The cockpit is simple and functional, with attention to detail and high-quality materials. The driving position is low, typical of a sports car, offering a full experience of the dynamic driving sensation that this vehicle provides.
Zagato Bodywork
The Zagato bodywork is renowned for using lightweight materials and focusing on reducing the overall weight of the vehicle to achieve greater performance. In the 1600 GT Junior Zagato, the use of aluminum in some parts of the body and the adoption of advanced technical solutions for its time make the car structurally strong yet remarkably agile. Additionally, the craftsmanship of the Zagato bodywork is reflected in the precision of the assembly and the attention to detail.
Limited Edition and Rarity
The Alfa Romeo 1600 GT Junior Zagato was produced in extremely limited numbers, making it a true rarity among collectors. It is estimated that only about 1,000 units were made, making this model highly sought-after among enthusiasts and classic car collectors. The combination of sporty performance and exclusive design, along with its limited production, has turned the 1600 GT Junior Zagato into a cult classic among Italian historical cars.
Certifications and Historical Relevance
As mentioned, the car has obtained several significant certifications that confirm its authenticity and historical relevance, including the ASI Gold Plate, the ACI-CSAI Fiche for regular historic cars, and the ASI Historical Relevance Certificate. These recognitions not only increase the value of the vehicle but also demonstrate the model’s historical importance in the Italian automotive landscape.
In summary, the Alfa Romeo 1600 GT Junior Zagato 1973 is a perfect blend of design, performance, and rarity. It is a car that fascinates not only for its elegant and sporty lines but also for its history and importance among classic Italian cars. An example that will undoubtedly attract the attention of any true classic car enthusiast.
