Introduced in 1954, the Giulietta marked a pivotal moment for Alfa Romeo, embodying the ethos of ‘small car, big performance’ that would define the brand. The overwhelming demand for this model prompted Alfa Romeo to reassess its production strategy, transitioning towards becoming a high-volume manufacturer.
A year later, in 1955, the Giulietta Spider debuted, utilizing a modified Sprint Coupe chassis and adorned with a Pinin Farina-designed body (later known as Pininfarina). This elegant two-seat Spider, commissioned by New York importer Max Hoffman, capitalized on the popularity of compact sports cars in America.
Powered by a spirited all-alloy 1.3-liter twin-cam four engine, the Giulietta Spider boasted impressive performance, reaching nearly 100 mph. Its steel unibody chassis, weighing less than 1,900 lbs, further enhanced its agility. The design, unmistakably Pinin Farina, exuded elegance and athleticism.
However, enthusiasts seeking even greater performance spurred the introduction of the Giulietta Sprint and Spider Veloce in 1956. Equipped with high-performance engines and tweaked bodywork, these models featured enhancements such as high-crown pistons, raising the compression ratio to 9.1:1, paired with twin-choke Weber carburetors and aggressive camshaft profiles. The result was a 15% increase in power output, elevating the top speed to 115 mph and delivering sharper responsiveness. With just 2,796 Giulietta Spider Veloces produced, they remain highly coveted among collectors today.
Source: Bonhams
