1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super Torpedo

The Alfa Romeo Giulia was introduced on 27 June 1962 at the Monza racing circuit, marking a further stage in the company's transformation into a large-scale manufacturer. Developed under the direction of Orazio Satta Puliga, the new Tipo 105 saloon succeeded the Giulietta Berlina, retaining its basic mechanical philosophy while introducing a completely redesigned body, improved performance and greater interior space. Its launch also coincided with the expansion of Alfa Romeo's manufacturing activities, including the development of the new Arese plant, intended to supplement and eventually replace the historic Portello facilities. The original Giulia TI was powered by a 1,570 cc four-cylinder engine, developed from the Giulietta's light-alloy twin-cam unit. Producing 92 hp, it was coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels. The suspension combined independent front wheels with a rigid rear axle, while the braking system, initially employing drums, was subsequently upgraded to four-wheel discs. The Giulia's distinctive angular body was also the result of careful aerodynamic development, contributing to performance that compared favourably with contemporary saloons of similar displacement. The range progressively expanded with the introduction of the Giulia TI Super in 1963, the 1300 models from 1964 and the Giulia Super in 1965. The latter became one of the most successful versions, combining improved equipment with increased engine performance. Further developments and revisions followed throughout production, which continued until 1978. Alongside the saloon, Alfa Romeo developed an extensive family of sporting derivatives. The first Giulia Sprint and Spider models retained the established Giulietta-derived bodies, while the entirely new Giulia Sprint GT, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Bertone, was introduced in 1963. The coupé range subsequently evolved through the GT Veloce and GT Junior models, while the Pininfarina-designed Spider introduced in 1966 established a new and particularly long-lived branch of the family. The same mechanical architecture also provided the basis for the later 1750 and 2000 series. Competition remained an essential part of the Giulia programme. In addition to the racing versions of the saloon and the lightweight Giulia Sprint GTA developed with Autodelta, Alfa Romeo introduced the Giulia TZ in 1963, followed by the more extensively developed TZ2 in 1964. Both models were specifically conceived for competition.

The popular Super version with the twin carburettor 1.6 litre engine had a top speed of over 170 km/h. 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) took about 12 seconds. Tipo 105.26 was introduced in 1965. It transferred the technology from the racing TI Super to a road car, to make the most successful Giulia saloon. 1,570 cc engine with two double-barrels Weber 40DCOE carburettors for a milder, but torquier tune than the TI Super - 98 hp at 5500 rpm. New dashboard with two large round instruments (speedo and tacho) and clock. Sportier steering wheel with three aluminium spokes and centre horn push, similar to that of the Ti Super, later changed for one with the horn pushes in the spokes. All-around disc brakes with servo were fitted as standard from the outset. The serpent crest of the Sforza family appears in a badge on the C-pillar and is a distinguishing feature of the Super.

This particular car is one of only two cars commissioned by Alfa Romeo to Carrozzeria Colli. The Torpedo body set up by the Colli, stretched on the floor of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 1965, was designed for the use of representation in special occasions of visits to the factory of Alfa Romeo. In 1966 during a visit to the Alfa Romeo factory in Arese, the President of the Republic Giuseppe Saragat traveled between the various departments and workers on board the Giulia Torpedo. The car does not have doors, so the large seats are easily accessible and there is an easily removable slim hard top. It is not known which of the two cars was used by the President Saragat; one of the two cars is kept at the Alfa Romeo Museum.