Classic Alfa Romeos are renowned for two things. The first is that many are powered by peppy little engines that punch above their weight. However, it is their propensity to rust that some people find worrying. This 1961 Giulietta Normale features plenty of the former and none of the latter. It is a tidy and solid driver with engine upgrades designed to enhance the motoring experience. It needs a new home and an owner willing to lift its presentation to a higher level. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Malibu, California. You could drive it home by handing them $38,500. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for using a finely tuned classic radar to spot this Italian gem.
My first impressions of this Alfa are positive. Its Dark Blue paint shines nicely, with no signs of panel damage or other issues. The seller is candid about its overall condition, recommending a repaint to achieve better presentation. However, the lack of significant flaws or bare metal means this could happen as time and circumstances allow. With the country rapidly heading towards warm weather, the buyer may enjoy the Alfa untouched, saving its restoration as a winter project. One battle many owners face with classic Alfas is rust. It can consume these classics in record time, but life in a dry climate appears to have left this car rust-free. The glass looks excellent, while the exterior trim and chrome are free from corrosion or other issues. The only significant change I would make to this Giulietta’s exterior would be to the GTA Veloce wheels. The current color doesn’t compliment the car’s paint shade, and I would probably consider something more appropriate. Of course, the new owner could also bolt on some aftermarket wheels if they weren’t focused on originality.
The Alfas interior is a surprise because it is another aspect of these cars prone to deterioration. Warm weather and harsh UV rays can exact a high toll, and it is common to see floors littered with crumbling plastic. This car avoided that fate, and its interior has no apparent needs. The Black seatcovers look excellent, with the same true of the remaining upholstered surfaces. The dash and headliner are spotless, and the gauges feature clear lenses. There are no aftermarket additions, but the interior carries the hallmarks of a driver’s car. There are no luxury appointments like air conditioning or power windows, and the new owner won’t even receive a radio. There is scope to add one, but I’d probably rather listen to the tune being sung by the engine than anything plying the airwaves.
The seller doesn’t supply engine photos, but they provide plenty of information on its mechanical specifications. The Giulietta Normale usually features a 1,290cc twin-cam four that sends 61hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. That combination doesn’t equate to lightning performance, but with a curb weight of 1,940 lbs, it would normally cope with the cut and thrust of city traffic while cruising effortlessly all day at highway speeds. The story is slightly better with this Giulietta because its engine received more aggressive camshafts and headers designed for the Veloce version. It inhales deeply via dual Weber downdraft carburetors, which should put 100hp within this classic’s reach and push the top speed beyond 100mph. The seller improved things further by adding electronic ignition, new Pirelli tires, a new braking system from end to end, and an external oil radiator and filter to keep this baby running cool. While they don’t expressly state it, the impression is that this Alfa is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
With a bit of TLC, this 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Normale could present at an exceptional level. Its apparent lack of rust means the process should be straightforward. The seller’s price may seem high, but it appears justified. With a fresh coat of paint, recent sales results suggest a value of $50,000 should be within reach. However, with no pressing needs, the new owner could enjoy this classic immediately before committing to any restoration work. It has been on the market for less than a day, and while I don’t believe the current owner will have potential buyers beating a path to their door, I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home fairly quickly.
Had not my brother had a roadster, I never would have known what fantastic cars these were. I don’t mean to constantly correct the author, he does an exceptional job. I swear, if you know nothing about whatever he is writing up, you’ll be an expert by the end. I think these had a 5 speed, and the motor is a marvel to behold in itself. These, and my brothers, have a unique triple shoe brake, that will put you through the windshield. Every bit as good as disc. I think the market has faded some, for a spell every one of these was 6 figures, it seemed.
Now, to put things in a bit of perspective, the ’59 V dub,,oops, I mean, Porsche, or this unbelievable car? I all but guarantee, the 1st time the new owner runs it though the gears, twin cams a singin’ away, be well worth it.
Veloce’s are worth close to 6 figures, this is what is referred to as a Normale. It is attractively priced, but not ridiculously cheap. Prices on these have definitely not got soft, just the opposite.
This one likely has the 2 shoe setup not the 3. I cant guarantee that I am just basing it on my 61 which has a 2 shoe set up. But you are correct the combination of light weight and big finned aluminum drums works very well.
I don’t think this car will last long at this price.
Caveat Emptor!! The rust on the shift lever and a lack of any underhood or underside photos is a huge red flag on this one. An in person inspection is definitely called for….
There’s no such thing as an “Alpha” Romeo. ALFA Romeo on the other hand is the oldest continuous automobile manufacturer in the world and deserves all the recognition and respect the winner of a world championship racing series and award winning styling and designs deserves.
Never got used to an emblem showing a dragon swallowing a man. It may be good luck to some but I’m not taking any chances!
Had I not just bought another Italian coupe, I would be on my way to Malibu this morning with a cashier’s check. If the bottom side is as good as the top, the car would be mine.The years 1960-61 were a transition period from the1300cc to the 1600cc and from a 4-spd to a 5-spd, with different brakes thrown in there, too. Most of this car looks original, and the Webers and other work are a huge bonus.
The “Alpha” spelling tells me this is probably being sold by someone who knows little about it, maybe an estate sale. These cars have always been bargains yet amazingly fun to drive and inexpensive to own. Have driven my ’65 Giulia Spider for 40,000 miles and done a rolling restoration. The coupe’s styling is unsurpassed, and the active Alfa community makes finding parts and service easy.
Folks, this could be a “no-brainer.”
Most of the time these are the best looking and driving cars on the planet. If I was asking the price for this one I’d sure at least clean the interior and get the rust off the gear shift lever. Probably no engine shots due to looking worse than the dashboard area.
@Howard A., I don’t recall Volkswagen having 19 wins at LeMans, I’m guessing you’ve never owned a 356. – Matt
The tail lights reminded me of the Henry J…
Owner says it’s a 1600cc and a 4-spd.
Needs a close inspection, great cars. If Alfas of this era have downward price correction, so will everything else.
very sharp…like the her blue colour..very earth tone…best body style …