In the late 1960s the Alfa Romeo 105 series cars were selling well in most of the worlds key car markets. Considering this, Alfa Romeo decided to support their importer and dealer networks outside of Europe, with factory trained mechanics, in specially equipped vehicles.
This Giulia Super Giardinetta started life in 1968 as one of these examples with around 15 being constructed in total and built specially as support vans, otherwise known as a Giardinetta.
To create these variants, Alfa Romeo Giulia Super Sedans were taken from the production line when partially completed and then sent to Carrozzeria Colli in Milan to be modified into vans with very specific storage and equipment requirements.
The cars converted by Carrozzeria Colli are recorded in the Alfa Romeo Archives as being the Giardinetta type, and our example is one of these, as confirmed by the certificate of origin which accompanies the car.
Furthermore, we believe only 6 RHD cars were ever produced from this already exclusive group. 3 for South Africa and the other 3 for Australia.
Colli along with several other Italian Carrozzeria specialised in converting production chassis into wagons or vans for the Italian Military, Police, Fire Departments and even a couple for Autodelta.
The car we have on offer.
This vehicle along with its 2 companions were used by Alfa Romeo Australia and driven by their factory mechanics to train and support the wider Australian Alfa Romeo dealer network during the late 60s and early 70s.
When Alfa Romeo Australia no longer had a use for the vans, they unfortunately removed the specialised Colli fitted toolboxes and equipment before selling the 3 vans to interested dealerships.
Our vehicle went to Brian Foley Alfa Romeo, Parramatta, Sydney, where it was used as the utility runaround for many years. At the time Brian was also the Australian Momo distributor so he fitted the Magnesium Momo Vega wheels which are still seen on the car today.
The current owner purchased the car about 7 years ago while the body was being restored by Zoo Autocraft, who are well known experts with Alfa Romeos and a full record of their work is available to view.
As you would expect the body and paint work are excellent with only the odd chip from occasional use evident. The bright work is perfect except for one small dent in the rear bumper. The underside presents as well as the top and the engine bay is spotless.
The current owner completed the restoration which included all mechanical components being refreshed if possible or replaced. The original engine was replaced by a 2 litre for improved power and torque. A correct 1600 Giulia Super engine will accompany the car if the new owner wishes to convert it back to original specification.
The interior of the car is superb and a nice place to be. The dashboard is like new and is a real feature of the car and everything works as it should. The headlining is in excellent order and the top of the dash is unmarked and again presents wonderfully.
The Nardi steering wheel is non-original but suits the car well as do the leather bucket seats which are incredibly comfortable and look fabulous.
The blue roof is a wrap so can easily be removed to reveal more yellow. To note, the cars were originally painted yellow with a white roof which could easily be achieved by a white wrap. The yellow with blue roof combination was chosen to replicate the Giulia Super Giardinettas used by Autodelta as race support vehicles. Similarly, all the decals are easily removed and were applied by the current owner as he thought Alec Mildren may have presented the car in support of his Alfa Romeo race team had these vans been available to him earlier in the 60s.
A very significant amount of work has been undertaken on this exceptionally rare Alfa Romeo and it would make a wonderful and interesting addition to any collection, especially if combined with the ex-Milden French, Foley, Autodelta built GTA Corsa which we also have for sale.
It is in stunning order throughout, serviced, and ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.