Among the most celebrated lightweight Alfa Romeos of the early 1960s, the Giulietta Sprint Zagato “Coda Tronca” represents the pinnacle of Zagato’s competition-driven evolution of the Giulietta platform. With fewer than 50 examples produced in this ultimate configuration, these cars are widely regarded as some of the most desirable postwar Alfa Romeos.

This particular example was completed on February 19, 1962 and delivered new to Switzerland. By the late 1970s, it had entered one of the world’s most important collections of competition and sports cars—the Rosso Bianco Collection in Aschaffenburg, Germany—under the stewardship of noted collector Peter Kaus. It would remain there for decades before being acquired by its current owner over 20 years ago.

During its time in the Rosso Bianco Collection, the car underwent restoration work that included stripping the lightweight aluminum body to bare metal, addressing prior repairs, and refinishing the car in red. In 2005, now presented in silver, the car achieved a significant milestone—First in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Not long after, it was refinished in its current and highly attractive beige over green color scheme, a combination that complements the car’s sculptural Zagato coachwork.

The “Coda Tronca” designation refers to the car’s distinctive Kamm-tail rear design—an aerodynamic solution developed to improve high-speed stability while maintaining the Giulietta SZ’s lightweight ethos. Combined with its shortened wheelbase and hand-formed aluminum body, the result is a purposeful yet elegant competition car with unmistakable presence.

Details such as covered headlights, a bullet-style side mirror, and minimal overhangs emphasize its aerodynamic intent. The car rides on 15-inch Borrani wire wheels fitted with period-correct Pirelli Cinturato CA67 tires, while finned aluminum drum brakes provide stopping power at all four corners.

Inside, the cabin reflects Zagato’s lightweight philosophy, featuring distinctive tubular-frame seats with pronounced side supports, trimmed in green. The interior is both purposeful and refined, with a black dashboard, IPRA heater, and coordinated trim throughout. Light wear to the driver’s seat is consistent with careful use over time.
Instrumentation is classic Alfa Romeo, with Veglia gauges including a central 8,000-rpm tachometer incorporating an oil pressure gauge, complemented by a 220 km/h speedometer and additional readouts. The odometer was reset during refurbishment in the mid-2000s and now shows approximately 9,000 kilometers, of which roughly 1,000 have been added under current ownership.

Power comes from a replacement 1.6-liter twin-cam inline-four, equipped with dual Weber 40 DCOE carburetors and paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The drivetrain delivers the responsive, free-revving character for which these cars are renowned.

Further details include a trunk-mounted fuel filler and a matching spare wheel.

Accompanying the car is correspondence from the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo, confirming its production date, original delivery destination, and factory color—an important validation of its history and authenticity.

A rare opportunity to acquire one of Zagato’s most iconic creations, this SZ “Coda Tronca” combines significant provenance, concours recognition, and enduring design in a single, highly collectible package