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Cesana-Sestriere


Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA 1965 & Alfa Romeo Giulia SS 1963

Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA 1965 & Alfa Romeo Giulia SS 1963

 

Turin, 3 July 2018

It is only a few days now to the 37th edition of the Cesana-Sestriere race- Giovanni Agnelli Trophy- or "CE-SE", as it is known in the racing world - first run in 1961 and now one of the key events in the world classic motor sports scene, also valid for the European and Italian Historic Hill Climb Championships. Over 120 drivers will get to rips with the spectacular 10.4 km course, which climbs from 1,300m a.s.l. in Cesana Torinese, to 2,035 in Sestriere, both famous international winter and summer tourism destinations.

FCA Heritage, the Group department dedicated to promoting the historic legacy of FCA's Italian brands, will be at this major event - at which Alfa Romeo is this year's guest of honour - confirming its interest in this constantly growing sector, popular with all segments of contemporary society and a source of added value for the modern automotive industry.More information is available at www.fcaheritage.com

During the event, onlookers will enjoy a close look at two splendid cars - the Giulia GTA (1965) and the Giulia SS (1963) - from the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo in Arese (www.museoalfaromeo.com), which will be taking part as trail-blazers, together with the very latest production cars. There could be no better way of strongly reinforcing the individual brands' unique character on the worldwide scene: a heritage made up of cars and engineers, races and engines, style and innovation, that shaped technological progress and the history of racing during the last century.

 

Last but not least, Stelvio and Giulia cars, the models that embody the new Alfa Romeo generation, will also be on show at the Cesana - Sestriere. On the one hand, the first SUV in the brand's history, expressing the genuine "Alfa spirit" - thrilling driving experience, supreme performance and unforgettable style - in a sport utility.  On the other, the multiple award-winning Giulia, immediately established at its launch in 2016 as the new Alfa Romeo paradigm and a source of inspiration for the future.

 

Giulia Sprint Speciale (1963)

The Giulia Sprint Speciale was an evolution - with 1,600 cc twin camshaft engine - of the Giulietta version of the same name, designed by Franco Scaglione for the Bertone carriage-works on the car's short-wheelbase chassis. It is one of his loveliest creations: long and wide (actually larger than the sedan), the Giulietta Sprint Speciale is an extremely low, streamlined coupé with sleek, curvy lines. The absence of bumpers and its large "shark mouth" radiator immediately gave it dream car status. But this sophisticated design was the outcome of meticulous aerodynamic research, which produced its low nose and distinctive cut-off rear. Performance was very impressive: its 1570 cc longitudinal front engine delivered 113 HP and powered the Giulia SS to a top speed of 191 km/h.

 

Giulia GTA (1965)

Of the Sixties Alfa Romeo models dearest to the hearts of the brand's fans, the Giulia Sprint GTA, undisputed queen of the racing scene, enjoys a very special status. Its line is virtually identical to that of the standard production "GT" cars with bodywork by Bertone: the "A" in the name stands for "Alleggerita", or "Lightweight", pointing to its most significant difference from the standard Sprint GT. The steel bodywork was replaced by ultra-light alloy panels and - thanks to the elimination of the antidrum panels, the paring down of the equipment and the use of 14" magnesium wheels - this cut the car's weight by more than 200 kg, giving a total of 745 kg compared to the 950 kg of the road Sprint GT. The 1570 cc twin camshaft engine was also modified to increase its power to 115 HP, for a top speed of over 185 km/h. The Museum's car still has a road setup, which differs from the Sprint GT in just a few details, including the simplified handles, the lighter badge, the front air inlets, the alloy wheels and the special interior.


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