In 1961, Elio Zagato began a series of aerodynamic experiments on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ, seeking greater top-end speed on fast, sweeping circuits such as Monza and Le Mans. Conducted at sustained speeds – often on the public Autostrada – these tests led to the development of the “Coda Tronca,” or truncated tail, a solution inspired by Prof. Wunibald Kamm’s aerodynamic theories. The revised body reimagined the Sprint Zagato’s original rounded form with a longer, lower nose and an abrupt yet highly effective Kamm tail, reducing drag while preserving stability.

Retaining the SZ’s proven mechanicals, the Coda Tronca achieved a claimed top speed of 125 mph, while offering the agility and durability that had already made the model a formidable competitor. From late 1961, for a year or so, Zagato built approximately 40 examples of the Coda Tronca, thus closing the SZ chapter. Representing the final and most advanced evolution of the racing Giulietta – as well as the direct predecessor to the Giulia TZ – the Coda Tronca emerged as the premier 1300 GT car of the 1962 season. These cars made notable appearances at important venues, including Le Mans, Monza, Nürburgring, and Sebring, cementing the model’s reputation on the world stage.

According to correspondence on file with the Alfa Romeo Centro Documentazione, this Giulietta SZ Coda Tronca, chassis 00196, was completed on February 10, 1962, and originally finished in Azzurro (Light Blue). It was delivered new to the official Alfa Romeo dealer in Lugano, Switzerland, which handled at least 10 SZs.

Little is known of the car’s history until 1977, when it was sold by V. Bollinger of Kirchberg, West Germany, to Peter Herke, a German-born Alfa Romeo mechanic who emigrated to California and founded Europa Motors in Castro Valley. During nearly three decades of ownership, Mr. Herke oversaw an extensive restoration, completed by 2007. Shortly thereafter, the car was acquired by Jeff Hill of Oakland, California, who campaigned it in vintage events, including the Sonoma and Monterey Historics.

Since joining Tommy Trabue’s collection in 2012, the car has seen limited on-track use and has been displayed among an impressive collection of lightweight competition Alfa Romeos. Finished in traditional Italian racing red and prepared for contemporary vintage racing, it is equipped with a purpose-built competition engine, alloy wheels, roll cage, and fuel cell, and is accompanied by a spare engine and a file of supporting documentation.

Rarely offered and produced in exceptionally limited numbers, the Giulietta SZ Coda Tronca ranks today among the most desirable European GT cars of the early 1960s – offering an evocative blend of Alfa Romeo competition pedigree, aerodynamic innovation, and Zagato artistry.