INTRODUCTION

When it first appeared in 1963, the Alfa Romeo Giulia coupé offered a taste of the exotic for a relatively modest outlay. Bertone styling combined with a revvy twin-cam four, five-speed ’box, all-round discs and independent front suspension resulted in a car that was good to look at, fun to drive and laden with plenty of what the romantic might describe as Italian ‘soul’.

The specially lightened GTA and GTAm models were the ultimate versions and proved mightily effective on the circuit. Some 40 years on, these track-honed cars are popular historic saloon car racers – and so values have ventured into the £100k-plus arena.

In typical Alfa style, the Giulia coupé was extensively developed during its long production run. The so-called ‘step-front’ 1960s cars, which have the bonnet leading edge slightly raised above the front grille panel, are the most desirable for their ’60s style; the later facelifted models – now with a flush-fitting bonnet – drive just as well but are rather chintzier inside (below).

But any Giulia coupé is hot property for those looking for cool, desirable transport that’s perfectly capable of cutting a dash in the city, or hot-footing it across the Alps, en route to a romantic assignation.

MARKET VIEW

These cars are in demand, but that doesn’t mean a 105 is beyond reach. A rolling project with an MoT could be yours from £3000, but that’s just the beginning.

Alfaholics’ Max Banks reckons Spiders are worth less than the GTs. ‘All have rocketed, the GTAs especially,’ he says. ‘Nice 1600GTAs have risen to £100k.’

‘If you’re going for a standard steel bodied car, the 1600 Sprint GT Veloce is the gem. A concours car was worth £12,000 five years ago but is now nearer £25,000. Although they are easiest to live with, the 2000GTVs lag behind the early cars.’ For a usable example, budget for £10k-12k, and you end up with a seriously good car.

IN A NUTSHELL

Max Banks, who along with his brother Andrew and father Richard runs Alfaholics, reckons that modified cars are well worth having.

‘Much of the interest we get is from customers looking for bolt-on parts that make the car go faster.’ Ensure that upgrades have not been used to pass the car off as something it isn’t, though.

Obviously rust is an issue, with the sills and inner wings being a particular weak spot, followed by just about anywhere else, even below the rear side windows and rear screen (extremely difficult to repair). Check, too, front crossmember and the chassis members at the rear of the engine bay.

As Max says, ‘Buy a car with the best body you can find. The mechanics are bulletproof, and you can buy everything new.’ However, do look out for head gasket leaks: the usual sign is oil at the rear, exhaust side of the cylinder block. Tired suspension (knocks from worn front bushes, self-steering due to worn rear trailing arm bushes) is also common and early Dunlop brakes can be troublesome.

Electrics and trim are easily replaced. Alfaholics, for instance, produces brand new seat trim inserts in a variety of materials. Cracked dashboard tops are now easily replaced or retrimmed.

Cars from further afield, such as South Africa, are good in terms of rust-free bodies, but they can have other issues (usually heavy mechanical wear and bodged electrics). But whichever car you choose, you’ll love driving it. It’s an Alfa thing…

CONCLUSION

Giulias are fine cars to drive and great to look at. Buying one gains you entry into the smartest places, and if you’re looking at a GTA, track work beckons. Don’t be tempted to buy a really cheap one, as ultimately you’ll end up pouring your hard-earned into putting it right; although this scenario can work in your favour if you’re looking at tailoring a car to your needs.

Trackday cars are going up rapidly, with GTA replicas making smart money. As these open up the competitive possibilities, they currently represent good value for money. Values should rise for the foreseeable future – especially considering that the Zagato-bodied Giulia TZ is already in the stratosphere.

For those who are just looking for a classic to use and enjoy, these coupés represent a great deal of bang for your buck. Make sure you cherish it, get a specialist to tend to it, and you’ll be drawn into a genuine Italian love affair.