Chassis No. AR1012000512

Working without the aid of computers or wind tunnels, Franco Scaglione relied on his intuitive understanding of airflow and aesthetic sensibility to create some of the most striking and efficient automobile shapes of the mid-20th century. His prolific career, spanning more than two decades, saw him leave an indelible mark on the Italian carrozzeria tradition. Notably, Scaglione's influence shaped two iterations of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta: the original Sprint and the avant-garde Sprint Speciale. His creative zenith coincided with a fruitful partnership with Nuccio Bertone, during which he produced some of his most celebrated and forward-thinking designs.

The Sprint Speciale, unveiled at the 1957 Turin Motor Show, embodied concepts first explored in Bertone's BAT (Berlina Aerodynamico Technica) series and Carrozzeria Touring's Disco Volante sports racing cars of the early 1950s. Built on the agile Giulietta chassis, it featured a high-performance 116 horsepower, 1,290 cc Veloce engine with dual Weber carburetors mated to a five-speed transmission. With a svelte curb weight of 1,900 pounds, the Sprint Speciale's aerodynamic profile, low frontal area, and remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.29 enabled it to achieve a top speed of 124 mph – an unprecedented feat for a small-displacement car of its era.

This spectacular Alfa Romeo Sprint Speciale benefits from an upgraded 1,570 cc DOHC Giulia Veloce engine delivering 128 horsepower through twin Weber 40 DCO 3 carburetors and mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The car retains its period-correct alloy finned drum brakes and is fitted with attractive five-stud alloy wheels, contributing to both its period-correct appearance and respectable performance capabilities. The car's current condition speaks to a history of careful stewardship. Its white finish exhibits a patina that bespeaks careful use, with the interior seat upholstery and recently refreshed, well-trimmed carpets telling a similar story.

This Sprint Speciale is a usable example of Scaglione's masterpiece that can be enjoyed immediately or brought up to concours quality. With its upgraded Giulia Veloce engine providing spirited performance and its eligibility for numerous driving events and club gatherings, this Sprint Speciale would be a superb addition to any collection of rare, coachbuilt Italian sports cars.