1973 Alfa Romeo 1600 Junior Zagato

Highlights of this Alfa Romeo One of 402 1600cc Junior Zagatos produced Formerly displayed at Zagato Factory Collection showroom Documented with ASI Certificate and Badge General History With a robust and colorful history building some of the most capable sports cars, Alfa Romeo has been a leader in establishing many firsts in vehicle design. Given their history and numerous years of partnership with coachbuilders, it was no surprise when Alfa Romeo and Zagato partnered to produce the 1600 Junior Zagato. Offered from 1969-1975, the car was produced by Zagato, under the direction of Ercole Spada, who had already penned numerous other significant designs including the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato and Alfa Romeo TZ1 and TZ2. Working at Zagato, Spadas designs had long been recognized as some of the most advanced for their time, in part because of his obsession with high-speed aerodynamics. Using the Alfa Romeo Giulia as the working platform, the mechanical systems and drivetrain were essentially identical to the Giulia. However, it was the body design and Avant Garde interior features that boldly set the Junior Zagato apart, not just from other Alfa Romeos of the day, but nearly every other car of that period. The Junior Zagato body was sharp and aggressive, with angular details that were way ahead of cars from this era. The expansive glass, spacious interior, and unusual grille treatment were like no other car on the market. The rear hatch could be raised and lowered via an electronic switch on the dash, and the clear plexiglass cover for the front of the car was both futuristic and novel for a production car. Many of these features would be emulated in modern car designs decades later, proving once again the vision behind Spada’s forward thinking. Initially powered by the 1300cc engine, in 1972 the 1600cc engine replaced it, offering more power to an already very capable car. Just 1,500 examples were constructed during the six-year production run, 402 of which were the desirable 1600cc version in the final years of production. Owner History This example is documented with period ACI paperwork and accompanied by an Automotoclub Storico Italiano identity certificate and badge. Though the earliest history has yet to be confirmed, documents accompanying the car support ownership in 1980 and 1998 when it was known to be in Napoli, Italy. During this time, this Alfa Romeo was on display at the Zagato Factory Collection, displayed at the Zagato factory showroom, and served as a support vehicle for Zagato during their participation in the Mille Miglia Storico. By 2017, Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) president, Mark Gessler, had become the owner, followed by Florida collector Leo Schigiel. Cosmetic Overview Today, this Junior Zagato presents in very attractive condition having benefited from a repaint in factory correct white over what appears to be a very well-maintained original car. The finish is glossy and smooth, applied over handsomely finished Zagato coachwork. The polished features, distinct exterior details. and various trim are all in excellent condition, particularly the exceptionally hard to find grille trim, and rare curved plastic fascia. The doors, hood, and rear hatch open and shut with confidence and panel fit is excellent, particularly for hand-built cars of this era. The emblems and Zagato coachwork badges confidently flank both the front fenders and the rear Kamm tail. The familiar painted silver Alfa Romeo slotted wheels are in excellent condition and sit perfectly under the gently flared wheel wells, leaning dynamically forward accentuating the innovative angular design. The black interior is in excellent condition throughout. The front seats have been reupholstered with correct high-quality materials, while the remaining interior appears to be original including the headliner and correct carpeting. The door panels, center console, and beautifully contoured seats present harmoniously. The low-profile bucket seats are in excellent condition with proper foam padding and bolster support. Even the unique fold down headrests are correctly covered with matching materials. The unique dashboard is in excellent condition with correct instrumentation and the 5-speed manual transmission is easily reached at the upper center console. The gauges and controls feature excellent color and contrast, and a correct Alfa Romeo badged wood-rimmed steering wheel is in place. Lifting the rear hatch, the storage area is correctly finished and properly trimmed with matching black carpet, offering space for soft weekend luggage. Additionally, the rear hatch can be electronically raised and lowered via a dash switch, allowing more effective cabin ventilation when cruising at highway speeds. The spare tire is stored underneath the carpeted rear hatch and contains a matching spare tire and jack. The forward hinging hood allows for easy access to the engine compartment. Both the engine and engine compartment are properly presented with correct finishes, original components, and correct hardware. The engine is numbered AR00536.54111, outfitted with desirable twin dual-throat Weber carburetors. The Alfa Romeo twin cam head, correct European air cleaner housing, proper hoses, factory features are all present. The underside of the car is very well sorted, including what appears to be a recently replaced exhaust system and mufflers, a pair of rear axle limit straps, newer Boge front shock absorbers, and very good visual condition to the various alloy castings for the engine and differential. The chassis and various suspension mounts show no evidence of structural compromise and there is no visible evidence of corrosion on the major components or structural chassis members. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a rare, interesting, and highly desirable Alfa Romeo. Italian coachwork, twin cam engine, and 5-speed manual gearbox often make for an impossibly expensive combination in this hobby. And yet the 1600 Junior Zagato can be purchased and readily serviced without mortgaging your home. The growing vintage Alfa Romeo community is quickly realizing the enjoyable traits of these unique performance cars for events, Alfa club gatherings, or simply enjoying the benefits of leisurely cruising through country roads. Included with this car The car is accompanied by the ASI badge, a factory jack, safety triangle and case, and a tool case with assorted tools.