Finding the remains of what was once a great collection is both exciting and melancholy. Knowing many of us have been in a position where we ran out of time to get a project completed but could always hit “reset” and attempt it at another point is a mindset I’m familiar with, but other enthusiasts simply keep acquiring with no regard to the endgame. This collection of Alfa Romeos is fairly significant, with lots of interesting cars (most all projects) and memorabilia listed here on EstateSales.net. The car above is likely one of just 150 Maratona editions produced, notable for its body kit and silver paint job.
There’s two of these delightful Giulia sedan, and the listing claims this one is a Ti-spec model. There’s two of these on the property, and this is actually the model I’d be aiming for if I were in the market for a project. The twin-cam engine transformed this from a humble sedan into a four-door with serious sporting pedigree, and it reminds us that the BMW 2002 wasn’t the only game in town. The hottest models pushed out over 100 horsepower, which has to be a hoot in a car this compact.
The listing claims this is a Giulietta Sprint Veloce, which is a lightweight version of the popular twin-cam coupe. If that’s the case, this significantly alters the potential sale price, as the Veloce cars command a fair premium over the standard coupe/convertible. I’m not sure how one might ascertain its specifications from a computer monitor, but if you can tell, share via the comments below. There’s quite a range in prices for the Veloce cars, with some of them reaching six figures in outstanding condition with strong provenance. A standard Sprint coupe project, however, routinely sells for under $30,000.
Whoever owned this property also had a thing for race cars (as most Alfa enthusiasts do), and there’s a few former track vehicles on the property, too. This looks like a mid-70s Alfa Romeo GTV, with some tasty period-correct alloy wheels bolted on. There’s no telling what’s under the hood, so you’ll have to make the trip to Sewanee, Tennessee, to check it out in person. While you’re there, be sure to gaze upon the motorcycles, old light-up signage, tools, and other remnants of a once-great collection, and let us know what you come home with.
Quite a collection! Too bad the “collector” left all those cars outside in the elements. I imagine the tinworm has had a field day munching on them….
If I had more money, more space and fewer years on the clock, I’d certainly want to bid on some, though. The Giulias, Milanos and Sprint Coupe all grab me, as they should anyone who has ever driven an Alfa. Granted, none are exactly easy to bring back to top condition, and any of them would put the new owner deeply underwater, but these are cars you don’t take on as “investments.” It’s all about fixing, driving and enjoying.
If I had room on the trailer(s) to haul them away, I think I’d take the open-top Crosley (looks like a Hot Shot), too.