1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ 'Coda Tronca'

Introduced in 1960, the Giulietta Sprint Zagato – or SZ – was a dual-purpose competition machine in the spirit of earlier Alfa Romeo models like the 1900C SSZ and Sprint Veloce Alleggerita. Inspired by a limited series of rebodied Sprint Veloces that Zagato had built for privateer racers in the late 1950s, the SZ was constructed on the short-wheelbase Giulietta Spider platform and equipped with a high-performance tipo 00120 engine, five-speed gearbox, finned aluminum drum brakes, and a large-capacity fuel tank. In typical Zagato fashion, the SZ’s coachwork was minimal to the extreme, featuring lightweight aluminum panels, Plexiglas windows, and tube-frame bucket seats.

Designated by type number 101.26, the Giulietta SZ went on to dominate the 1300 GT class in endurance events, circuit races, and hill climbs. Wins were innumerable and the car developed a reputation as a giant-killer.

In all, just 200 Giulietta SZs were built, including approximately 40 examples of the updated “Coda Tronca” variant. Featuring an aerodynamically effective long-nose, Kamm tail design, these late-production SZs were specially developed for high-speed circuits like 1000 Kilometers of Monza and 24 Hours of Le Mans. The final evolution of the racing Giulietta and direct predecessor to the Giulia TZ, the SZ was the premier small-displacement GT car of the early 1960s and now ranks among the top tier of collectible Alfa Romeos.

According to Alfa Romeo Centro Storico, this SZ Coda Tronca, chassis 00184, was completed in March 1962, originally finished in white with black upholstery. Delivered later that month to the official Alfa Romeo dealer in Lugano, Switzerland, the SZ was sold new to Zurich-based car dealer and racing driver Karl Foitek.

Registered in Zurich as “ZH 44465” and fitted with Amadori cast alloy wheels, 00184 made its debut with Squadra Foitek in April at the airfield races in Aspern, Vienna, where it placed 3rd in Class. Following an unsuccessful outing at the Nürburgring 1000 Km in May, Foitek prepared the SZ for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it was officially entered by the Milan-based Scuderia Sant Ambroeus, headed by Eugenio Dragoni and Elio Zagato. In preparation for the French endurance classic, the SZ was repainted silver and fitted with a large external fuel filler, Campagnolo wheels, and driving lights. Piloted by Foitek and Italian co-driver Ricciardo Ricci, 00184 retired in the 22nd hour after completing 225 laps.

Foitek continued to campaign his Coda Tronca throughout 1962, capturing class wins in the Trophée d’Auvergne and Rheinland-Pfalz Preis. The following year, the SZ was sold to Swiss racer Gebhard Lippuner, who re-registered it in Zurich as “ZH 2688.” Between July 1963 and May 1965, Lippuner raced 00184, often under the Squadra Foitek banner, at major European venues including Monza, Norisring, Nürburgring, Solitude, and Zolder.

Following its racing career, the Alfa Romeo remained in Switzerland, passing from long-term owner Arno Mark to Michael Storer in 1986. Three years later, Rudy Pas acquired the SZ and commissioned an Italian restoration, with bodywork by Autocostruzioni SD and a full mechanical rebuild by Autotecnica Conrero. After completion, the Alfa Romeo was displayed in the “Celebration of Zagato” class at Villa d’Este and competed in the Bologna-Raticosa Hill Climb.

Dutch car collector Dr. Paul Schouwenberg acquired the SZ in 2007 and, in correspondence on file, describes Coda Tronca as “a scaled down version of the Ferrari 275 GTB/C with similar feelings of exhilaration and excitement.” After a few years in Ron Hein’s California-based collection, the SZ returned to Europe, where it was actively campaigned in historic races, including the 2018 Le Mans Classic.

Since joining Ken Roath’s collection, the SZ has been refinished in its Le Mans livery and displayed among other thoroughbred Alfa Romeos. Included with the sale is a spare 750-series Giulietta engine (no. AR1315.05459), rear axle, tool kit, and jack, as well as an extensive history file that contains period photographs, detailed race records, restoration photos, invoices, correspondence, and copies of the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans entry forms – even original ephemera from Gebhard Lippuner’s ownership, including his crash helmet.

Rarely offered for public sale and exclusive in numbers, the Giulietta SZ is among the most desirable postwar Alfa Romeos and one of the most exceptional all-around GT cars of the early 1960s. This rare “Coda Tronca” model, with its significant European racing history, known provenance, and exceptional documentation, is surely one of the finest examples to be found anywhere.

Eligible for numerous events, thrilling to drive, and aesthetically satisfying, this Giulietta SZ offers the quintessential Alfa Romeo experience in a lightweight Zagato-bodied package.