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1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ ‘Codatronca’

1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ ‘Codatronca’

1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ ‘Codatronca’

The last 30 Sprint Zagatos in the 200 car production run featured the ‘Coda Tronca’ bodywork was an updated version of Alfa Romeo’s racing Giulietta with a slimmer, more aerodynamic body by Zagato.
The entire body was much longer, and was designed to penetrate the air better. Detail changes included a cut-off Kamm tail, narrower front air intake, a lower roof and the use of disc brakes up front.

The entire body was much longer, and was designed to penetrate the air better. Detail changes included a cut-off Kamm tail, narrower front air intake, a lower roof and the use of disc brakes up front.

Both SZ’s were based on the shorter chassis of the Giulietta Spider combined with the mechanicals of the racier Sprint Veloce. Franco Scaglione designed the SZ body in Bertone’s studio, while the aluminum panels were beat out by hand at Zagato’s workshop.

Because of its small size, and aluminum bodywork, the SZ was much faster than its steel-bodied production counterparts. Furthermore, the car used a space frame chassis, which was totally unlike the production Giulietta. Zagato also used perspex side windows and a relatively sparse interior to help reduce weight.

By 1959 the SZ’s replacement the Tubulore Zagato (TZ) was well underway. After extensive development the car was finally launched in 1963.

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
type Racing Car
built at Italy
predeccesor 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ
succeccesor 1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ
engine Inline-4
position Front Longitduinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl
displacement 1290 cc / 78.7 in³
bore 73.91 mm / 2.91 in
stroke 74.9 mm / 2.95 in
compression 9.70:1
power 74.6 kw / 100 bhp @ 6000 rpm
specific output 77.52 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 116.69 bhp per tonne
torque 112.53 nm / 83.0 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
driven wheels RWD
front brakes Drums
rear brakes Drums
steering Wrom & Sector
curb weight 857 kg / 1889 lbs
wheelbase 2248 mm / 88.5 in
front track 1290 mm / 50.8 in
rear track 1270 mm / 50.0 in
length 3848 mm / 151.5 in
width 1529 mm / 60.2 in
height 1232 mm / 48.5 in
transmission 5-Speed Manual
gear ratios 3.26:1, 1.98:1, 1.36:1, 1.00:1, 0.854:1
final drive 4.56:1
top speed ~193.1 kph / 120.0 mph
0 – 60 mph ~11.0 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile ~17.0 seconds

Auction Sales History

1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ ‘Codatronca’

 

1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Zagato ‘Coda Tronca’ AR10126*00184 – did not sell for €257,500 One of only 30 SZ “Coda Tronca” examples built. Lightweight Zagato bodywork. Autotecnica Conrero engine. Known ownership beginning in Lugano, Switzerland. Shown at Villa d’Este (2004). Eligible for many prestigious events.
Auction Source: RM 2011 Villa d’Este Auction