Of Course You Need An Alfa Romeo Giula Super Cop Car

Photography Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

If you’re reading this, you’re probably a sucker for vintage Alfa Romeos—how could anyone not be? If you’re an Alfisti, you probably already know the Giulia Super has a drag coefficient of .34—equal to a Ferrari F430! That nugget still kind of baffles me, considering how boxy the charmingly-proportioned Type 105 sedan is.

When it debuted in 1963, its twin-cam inline-four cranked out 110 horsepower, and boy, does it sing a sweet song while doing so. Stuffed into a nimble, lightweight, and aerodynamic package—with ample room for four—the Giulia Super makes a capable getaway car, which also makes it an equally good choice to chase down the baddies in. Why do vintage Italian cars make such cool police cruisers, anyway?

Behold: the only “cop car” I’ve actually wanted to ride in. I’d spend a night in the drunk-tank just to be cuffed-and-stuffed in the back of this pale green patroller—just look at that adorable intimidating blue light on the roof!

Truth is: I want this car almost as bad as I don’t want to get charged with “Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer”.

Fitted with an era-appropriate siren and roof-mounted light, this Giulia Super is ready for duty. The cabin is even equipped with a period correct dash mounted radio—for calling in “187s” and whatnot. Proudly declaring on the flanks in white paint, this “Polizia Squadra Volante” is finished in an earthy green tone—a welcome change from the typical 105 color palette.

When classic sport sedans are brought up in conversation, the BMW 2002 is promptly voiced, but it was the Giulia Super that really marked the beginning—bringing the “family-hauling racecar” concept to the road. With a tall greenhouse, the cabin comfortably seats four, making criminal transport a non-issue.

So, what’s the story? Why is this Giulia wearing a police uniform? Turns out, it’s a Hollywood star—well, not exactly Hollywood. The car was featured in a number of Italian films, most notably Marco Tullio Giordana’s police drama titled Story of a Massacre. After retiring from the spotlight, it exchanged ownership and received a thorough restoration. Thankfully, the owner did the car justice and resurrected the veteran peacekeeper back to its former patrol car glory.

My suggestion? Bid, buy, and roll into the local A.R.O.C. meet with ticketbook in hand. You’re sure to be the only Giulia Super ready for a (relatively) high-speed chase!

History

– Italian film prop car (Marco Tullio Giordana’s Story of a Massacre)
– Restored to Polizia specifications

Specifications

~110 horsepower, 1,570 cc DOHC four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, solid-axle rear suspension with trailing lower radius arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bar, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,500 mm.

Vehicle information

Chassis no.: AR337918

Valuation

Auction house: RM Sotheby’s
Estimate: (No Reserve)
Price realized: Auction on January 29