1974 Alfa Romeo 1600 Junior Zagato

We are delighted to be offering for sale a beautiful example of the Junior Zagato. Supplied new to a Belgian doctor in 1974 by the Alfa Romeo dealer in Brussels, the car has remained in the country throughout its life.

The car has covered a modest 89,000kms over 47 years and currently resides with its fourth owner who has loved and cherished it for over five years.

The bodywork was restored by a Zagato specialist a few years ago and there is a restoration book with the car, documenting the work done.

Alfa Romeo’s historic department has confirmed the car’s originality and specification.

On the road the car’s short wheelbase, light weight, low drag, and high-performance mechanical specification provide a uniquely sporting experience.

This ultra-rare, handmade and coachbuilt Alfa will surely make a wonderful addition to any classic car collection.

The Junior Zagato is presented in its original colour, ‘Grigio Metallizo’, and having been fully restored quite recently, the car is even more stunning to behold in the flesh than any pictures can do justice.

The bodyshop charged with the work clearly knew what they were doing as the paintwork positively pops.

We note a very small area of flaking paint to the lower edge of the rear bumper and small traces of surface corrosion to the bumper itself on the areas where it adjoins the rear wings. Minor details.

Chromework we suspect is original and some parts have worn better than others. The fastidious might want to replate the exterior door handles, for example. We would leave well alone and allow the car to tell its story.

The wheels have doubtless been repainted at some point and they are generally sound. We can spot an odd chip and mark here and there. Tyres are a mixture of Uniroyal and Pirelli and boast ample tread.

Badging is all present and correct and we love the dainty Zagato Milano badges, a delightful touch.

The Alfa’s interior is in excellent unrestored condition. In pole position is the tactile Hellebore wooden steering wheel, nicely worn in and boasting a delightful patina.

Black bucket seats, special lightweight Zagato offerings, up front are designed to hold you tight when getting a shift on and they are in generally good condition, as are the door cards.

The dash houses a comprehensive array of Jaeger instrumentation and a period radio.

Carpets are a little worn in places, and yes there are small areas of damage to the vinyl in places such as the transmission tunnel.

However, the overall effect is quite stunning, and we would be inclined to leave well alone and just settle into those lovely seats, fire up the peppy motor, snick the stubby gear lever into first and just drive!

Our seller informs us that the tailgate no longer rises electrically, so a helping hand is now required.

We always include pictures of a car’s underside and that is the case here. Prepare to be stunned and amazed! The condition is truly superb, the car unlikely to have ever been driven in the rain since its restoration.

There’s lots of shiny new components to admire too, such as the exhaust and rebuilt suspension system.

Lift the lightweight bonnet and another wonderful sight will greet you. Yes, the engine compartment is beautifully prepared and is what we like to see with any older classic car. It all points to careful and considered ownership.

The engine fitted is a genuine Alfa unit from 1974 but not the original one. The corresponding block is still present and will be included in the sale should the new owner wish to reinstate it.

We also gather from our seller that the gearbox and transmission have both been fully restored.

This lovely Alfa Romeo has been the subject of much expenditure in recent years. First up was the full body restoration, done to a high standard in our opinion.

Next up was the refurbishment of the gearbox and transmission, done to ensure the Alfa drives as well as it looks. Our seller assures us that it does just that.

The car has been loved, cherished and as far as we can tell is period correct in every detail.

All car enthusiasts should own an Alfa Romeo at some point in their driving career. The sale of this car offers a unique opportunity not only to own one, but an ultra-rare one at that.

Presented in superb condition, we can see the car attracting a huge amount of interest.

So, if you fancy loving and cherishing this Junior Zagato, we would urge you to get bidding right away.

We expect the car to sell for between €45,000 - €55,000.

Inspection is always encouraged, with this particular car located in Lens, Belgium. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.