Alfa Romeo Gran Sport Quattroruote

History

The Gran Sport was inspired by an article published by Italian car magazine Quattroruote, and was built in collaboration with Milanese coachbuilder Zagato.

The first prototype was introduced in April 1965 at a coachbuilders' motor show at the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile in Turin, while the first production version was unveiled a year later, at the New York Auto Show.

Alfa Romeo supplied a purpose-built bare chassis to Zagato, where the bodies were hand-built and the cars finished. Engine, gearbox and other mechanicals were from the 105-series Giulia TI. The vehicles were sold through Alfa Romeo's dealer network. Alfa Romeo produced 12 chassis in 1965, 52 in 1966, and 29 in 1967.

Specifications

The 1,570 cc Alfa Romeo Twin Cam inline-four engine produced 92 PS at 6,000 rpm, for a top speed of 155 km/h. Transmission, suspension and steering were all carried over from the Giulia: 5-speed gearbox, double wishbone suspension at the front and a solid axle at the rear, coil springs, and rack and pinion steering. On aesthetic grounds 15-inch knock-off wire wheels and drum brakes (front three-shoe and rear two-shoe) were fitted instead of the Giulia's steel wheels and four wheel disc brakes. The body was made of aluminium panels over a tubular framework, after Zagato's traditional construction method. The car was available in two versions: "Normale" and "Extra". As a true roadster, the Gran Sport had removable side curtains and top. There was no boot lid, as a spare wheel was carried at the rear, and the luggage compartment was accessible from behind the seats.

References

Bibliography

References

1. "1966–1968 Alfa Romeo Quattroruote Zagato".
2. Owen, David. (1999). "Alfa Romeo—Always With Passion". Haynes.
3. "Gran Sport Quattroruote".