1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ “Coda Tronca”

Description 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ “Coda Tronca” Chassis No. – AR10126.00188 Engine No. – AR0120*01643* Once the prototype had achieved Zagato’s vision, construction commenced using hand fabrication using a Giulietta Spider chassis, 00120 twin-cam engines, and close ratio 5-speed transmissions. The most desirable of these would become the later series variants featuring the dramatic Kamm tail eventually emerging as an iconic profile defining the innovative and daring 1950s era of Alfa Romeos. With approximately 40 constructed, the Kamm tail was not only beautiful, it was highly effective at stabilizing the car at high speeds where aerodynamics saved fuel and improved speeds particularly racing at Le Mans and Monza. Not only were the final series SZ “Coda Tronca” defining for the era, they laid the groundwork for the successor, the Giulia TZ. In the hands of skilled privateers these exceptional cars achieved win after win at prestigious international venues including hill climbs, endurance races, and circuit events running in the 1.3 Liter GT class. Recorded in Alfa Romeo factory records, this car, chassis AR10126.00188, was completed February 10, 1962, finished in Metallic Grey and is recorded as the first SZ to be fitted with front disc brakes and the engine AR00120*01643* was originally built to full race specifications with the latest updates including Conrero camshafts, allowing it to rev freely to 8,000 rpm. After the car was completed, it was delivered to the first owner, Rafael Lochen Izaguirre, via the official Alfa Romeo distributor in Lugano, Switzerland. As is the case with hand built sports cars, early ownership history remains partially recorded, though it is believed that the car was raced in hill climbs and rallies in Switzerland from 1963-1966. In 1970, the Coda Tronca was purchased by Henri Jacques Eugène Vuarraz, proprietor of a garage specializing in Alfa Romeo repairs located in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. At that time, in addition to the SZ, Vuarraz had amassed an impressive collection of Zagato-bodied Alfa Romeos, including an SVZ, another SZ, and a TZ. During his ownership, Vuarraz refinished the car in red, freshened the mechanicals and enjoyed it as a road car, even managing a few motoring holidays with his family. As decades passed, Vuarraz continued to enjoy his Alfa Romeo collection until 1999 when, after a remarkable 30 years of ownership, he sold the Coda Tronca, inclusive of a deal involving his other Zagato-bodied cars assigned to an Italian dealer. While still in Italy, a restoration was completed by the esteemed Carrozzeria Galbiati of Milan. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship including former Zagato fabrication personnel familiar with lightweight alloy panel construction techniques, the restoration included refinishing the car in its present silver over black color scheme, as it was first constructed when it left the factory in 1962. In 2004, the Coda Tronca became part of the well-regarded collection of Fred van Lingen, a Dutch Alfa Romeo collector who not only showed the car, but also boldly entered it in several historic events. In 2008, the car was exported to North America and sold to Manny del Arroz, Diablo, CA and later to Alfa Romeo enthusiast Tom Stegman, Cincinnati, OH and subsequently joining the Robert Cole collection. Today, having benefited from decades of knowledgeable stewardship and consummate care, this beautifully presented Coda Tronca retains its correct tipo 00120 engine, beautifully finished in the original colors when delivered new. One of approximately 40 examples built, this Coda Tronca represents the ultimate evolution of the Giulietta and remains one of the most rewarding postwar Alfa Romeos to own and drive. Eligible for the world’s foremost touring events, concours, and historic competitions, this Coda Tronca offers an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of Zagato’s most enduring creations – one that can be driven with confidence just as intended when crafted by master Italian coachbuilders. Beautifully restored to correct specifications, the silver finish is subtle and refined, enhancing the low and sinewy profile, highlighting both the curvaceous fender line and crisply tapered Kamm Tail. The exquisite Zagato coachwork is both dramatic and functional with unique features delicately highlighting the engaging silhouette. Minimal chrome details and polished aluminum window trim surrounding the clear Plexiglas and flush windscreen convey the lightweight build theme as originally constructed. The dramatically lowered Carello headlights are positioned below the fender line, while the finely shaped grille line and distinctive Kamm Tail rear end blend effortlessly with the overall body proportions. Even the distinctive Alfa Romeo grille is uniquely positioned low on the front fascia also below the headlight line. The correctly finished silver ventilated solid wheels further enhance the low profile body design. All finishing touches including emblems, mirrors, latches, and door handles have been faithfully restored. The combined beauty and presence of this elegant and innovative Alfa Romeo is impressive considering that most advanced design ideas often struggle to capture both beauty and functionality – yet the Coda Tronca does so from every view. Approaching the door handle to access the interior, the dramatic profile is further evident in the low door, window sill, and gracefully tapered roof line continuing all the way back to the rear of the car. The door opens easily and the contoured seats invite you into what is surprisingly a roomy cockpit. Although the interior materials have gently aged since the restoration was completed, the relaxed feeling adds to the comfort of the cabin and matches the racing lineage. The bucket seats are comfortable, and the driver’s seat is outfitted with a competition vintage style 4” lap belt with an aluminum gooseneck clasp. The seats offer beneficial side support with considerable ro