Alfa Romeo’s Bertone-styled Giulietta Sprint debuted in April 1954, powered by a 1.3-liter, all-alloy, twin-cam, four-cylinder engine designed by former Ferrari engineer Giuseppe Busso. The model was an instant success, and to meet demand for a high-performance version, the sporting Veloce model was introduced for 1956. For those seeking even more outright speed and race-winning capability, an alleggerita (lightweight) variant was offered. These purpose-built machines were about 150 pounds lighter than the standard model, thanks to their aluminum doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, headlight bezels, simplified interior, and Plexiglas windows.

According to records on file, this Sprint Veloce Alleggerita, chassis 01648, was built on April 24, 1956 and equipped with engine no. 30018. It was originally delivered to Francesco Serenelli of Santa Maria, a small village in the province of Verona in northeastern Italy. Prior to acquiring this Alfa Romeo, Sig. Serenelli entered a Fiat 1100/103 at the 1000 Miglia in 1954, where he placed 103rd Overall.

Having been produced just four days prior to the start of the 1956 1000 Miglia, the Alleggerita was delivered directly to Brescia and entered by Sig. Serenelli, sans co-driver, with support from Scuderia Cangrande under entry no. 138. Period images on file show the Alleggerita with its alloy bumpers removed and a central driving light fitted to the car’s nose. Sig. Seneralli completed the grueling 1000-mile rally in 14 hours, 55 minutes, and 55 seconds, coming in an impressive 68th Overall and 19th in Class.

Little is known of the Alfa’s subsequent period history, and it does not appear on any further race entries under Sig. Serenelli’s name. By 1986, the car was owned by David Howard of Marion, Indiana, who sold it to William Culbertson of Kettering, Ohio, as documented by a copy of a 1986 Ohio title on file. By 2004, the Alleggerita was acquired by Shinji Horiuchi of Nara, Japan, who acquired a Japan Automobile Federation Historic Technical Passport for the car. Mr. Horiuchi entered the car in the Japan Historic Car Tour in 2004. Tommy Trabue acquired the Alleggerita in 2014 and, together with his SZ and TZ, it has formed the ideal trio of lightweight Alfa Romeo GT machines.

Accompanying the sale is an impressive history file that includes a FIVA Identity Card (dated 2004), copies of period photos, and copies of records related to its 1956 1000 Miglia entry and results.

With its matching-numbers engine and period 1000 Miglia history, this Sprint Veloce Alleggerita ranks among the finest surviving examples of a rare and historically significant Alfa Romeo competition car.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled as 01648.