Rare Zagato-Designed Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ Looking For New Home

It’s one of the most desirable cars in Alfa Romeo’s history, a light and lithe little race car that was literally born by accident. And now, a rare 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ with racing provenance is up for sale with Gooding & Company.

Funny thing is, the SZ would never have come to fruition were it not for the ham-fisted driving of one Dore Leto di Priolo at the 1956 Mille Miglia in Italy, where he crashed his Giulietta Sprint Veloce heavily and wrecked it. Undaunted, di Priolo took his Alfa to Elio Zagato, the famed coachmaker, for a rebuild. But instead of restoring it to its former body, Zagato transformed the Giulietta with a lighter and more aerodynamic shape. The new car, now named the SVZ, proved faster in races, and soon other Giulietta owners were lining up at Zagato for the magical transformation.

Eventually, Alfa Romeo got wind of the SVZ’s success on track, and contracted Zagato for a limited run of factory-sanctioned race cars known as the Giulietta SZ. On top of the lighter body, the SZ also had plexiglass windows, basic seats and just three gauges in the dash, all in the name of lightness.

This particular model, number 33 of just 200 built, was originally grey and purchased by Rinaldo Parmigiani of Italy, who raced the SZ until 1961. The car was sold on, repainted red and fitted with a 1750 GT Veloce engine, and after its time with a few more owners, eventually found its way to the U.S., even making an appearance at the 1980 Monterey Historic Automobile Races.

Number 33 now resides in Texas, where it has remained hidden from the public for more than 30 years. Its mechanicals might need attention, but both the chassis and body are in excellent condition, and it remains a beautiful example of one of the most remarkable Alfa Romeos ever built. If none of that resonates with you, first, check your pulse as there might be something wrong, and second, the asking price of $495,000 might also convey the significance of this Giulietta SZ.

*Images courtesy of Gooding & Company. You might also want to check out one of our earlier videos on Alfa’s Giulietta SZ HERE