The 1950s witnessed a flourishing era of Italian coachbuilding, with carrozzerie catering to a diverse clientele, from individuals to major automakers. Among these collaborations, the partnership between Zagato and Alfa Romeo stood out, tracing its roots back to the iconic 6C and 8C sports cars of the 1930s.
In the late 1950s, Zagato received a unique request from a private owner who sought lightweight bodywork for his crashed Alfa Romeo Tipo 750 Giulietta Sprint Veloce, intended for racing. The resulting transformation elevated the Giulietta’s performance, attracting enough attention for the “SVZ” to evolve into a sanctioned, limited-run racing car, enjoying considerable success.
In 1960, the logical successor to the SVZ emerged as the SZ (Sprint Zagato). Built on a short-wheelbase chassis of the refined Bertone-skinned Giulietta SS, the SZ epitomized the pinnacle of the Giulietta lineage. Zagato’s signature minimalist design featured sleek lines and understated embellishments, complemented by a lightweight alloy body, uprated brakes, a 5-speed gearbox, and the high-performance tipo AR00120 engine.
Initially produced in a limited quantity of 100 to meet homologation requirements, the SZ ultimately saw double that number produced, including revised “Coda Tronca” models. Renowned for their agility and performance, SZs continue to captivate vintage racers, collectors, and enthusiasts worldwide, preserving their legacy as formidable competitors on both track and road.
Source: Bonhams
