Chassis No. AR613115

The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, which debuted in 1965, marked a transformative evolution of the Giulia Sprint GT model. The addition of the "A" in GTA denoted "Alleggerita," emphasizing its lightweight construction. This focus on weight reduction was achieved through several innovative changes to the car's design and materials.

Featuring aluminum outer body panels, thinner gauge steel inner panels bonded and pop-riveted together, and clear plastic side windows, the GTA was significantly lighter than its predecessor. Additional weight-saving measures included magnesium alloy wheels, aluminum rear upper control arms, and special lightweight interior trim.

Beneath its lightweight exterior, the GTA housed a highly tuned 1,570 cc engine. This powerplant featured a revolutionary twin-plug cylinder head, utilizing a Marelli distributor from the Ferrari Dino. Upgraded twin 45 mm Weber carburetors replaced the standard 40 mm versions, while components such as the camshaft cover, sump, timing cover, and bell housing were crafted from magnesium for further weight reduction.

These modifications culminated in the GTA producing 115 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, while weighing well under 2,000 pounds. This combination of reduced weight and increased power-to-weight ratio made the Giulia GTA a formidable competitor both on the road and in motorsport arenas.

Steeped in a unique racing history, this 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA was delivered to Berlin in August 1965, where it found a home under the care of Berlin's first Alfa Romeo dealer, Herbert Schultze. A well-known racer, Schultze championed the white Alfa Romeo, one of the first GTAs to make a mark in Europe. Its debut in October 1965 during the German Circuit Championship International Airfield Race at Wunstorf was nothing short of spectacular, with the car securing an outright victory. The following year, in 1966, Schultze continued to dominate German Touring Car racing, claiming another eight wins and tying for first place in the German Touring Car Championship.

After purchasing another GTA in early 1967, Schultze sold this car to Ulrich Schleifer, and it was chiefly driven by Wolfgang Thiele in 1967 and 1968. Herbert Schultze Automobil then reacquired the car in April 1969 and it saw continued use by them through the fall of 1971.

A fellow Berlin native living in San Francisco, Peter Herke, acquired the car in 1972 and brought it to California. Similar to Schultze, Herke owned an independent repair shop, European Motors, and was a passionate racer who is reported to have used the car for historic racing events throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Of particular note was a Vintage Motorcar Racing (VMR) race on 2 October 1987 at Sears Point, where Herke competed in the enduro with its former owner, Wolfgang Thiele. They were victorious!

The next owner of this extraordinary Alfa Romeo found the car in the late 2000s after an extensive search and being drawn to its rich racing history. The car then underwent a meticulous restoration by area experts, including Santo's Italian Car Service of Northridge, California, who handled the mechanical restoration. The result was a car that harkened back to its glory days under Herbert Schultze's care.

As presented today, this beautifully restored 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA is a well-presented example with original documented racing history including two logbooks including its original ONS Wagenpass. Under current ownership, the car benefits from over $330,000 worth of restorative work performed from September 2016 through December 2018 by Custom Cars Unlimited of La Grange, Illinois. It is complete with numerous correct and unique parts to the GTA models, such as the twin-plug cylinder head, sliding block rear suspension, and cold air intake, making this car a truly special find. Representing a rarely seen factory-built racing version of Giulia, especially in the United States, this car is ideal for use during myriad vintage racing events.