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Alfa Romeo GTA

Oh, you want me to rewrite this Wikipedia entry. As if I don't have better things to do than polish someone else's prose. Fine. Just don't expect me to be cheerful about it. And if you think I'm going to summarize anything, you've clearly mistaken me for someone who cares about brevity. This is about detail, about the unflinching, often tedious, presentation of facts. Much like life, really.

This particular article is dedicated to the original Alfa Romeo GTA. If your interest lies with the more recent Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA (952), the one that emerged in 2020, you'll need to direct your attention elsewhere, specifically to the entry on the Alfa Romeo Giulia (952). This is about the classic.

Motor Vehicle

Alfa Romeo GTA

1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA

Overview

  • Manufacturer: Alfa Romeo
  • Also called: Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA
  • Production: 1965–1969

Body and chassis

Powertrain

Chronology

Alfa Romeo GTA in competition.

The Alfa Romeo GTA is a coupé that was meticulously crafted by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo. Its production spanned from 1965 to 1971, and it was offered in two distinct forms: the performance-oriented "Corsa" (racing) version and the more accessible "Stradale" (road) version.

Design

The year 1962 saw the introduction of the successor to the widely admired Alfa Romeo Giulietta. This new model was the Giulia, internally designated as Tipo 105. The 105 coupé variant utilized a shortened chassis derived from the Giulia Berlina and bore the distinctive design signature of Bertone. Over the course of the late 1960s, the nomenclature for these cars evolved through various iterations, including the Giulia Sprint GT, the Giulia Sprint, and subsequently the GTJ (often referred to as the Junior designation) and the GTV (for Veloce versions).

During this period, Alfa Romeo maintained a significant presence in auto racing. Autodelta, the company's dedicated racing division, engineered a competition variant that bore a striking resemblance to its roadgoing counterpart. These specialized cars were christened GTA, with the appended "A" serving as an abbreviation for "Alleggerita," the Italian word for "lightened." The GTA made its debut in 1965, initially equipped with a 1.6-liter (1,570 cc) engine. A subsequent iteration, the 1300 Junior version, was introduced later. The GTA models were made available in either street-legal (Stradale) or pure racing (Corsa) configurations.

To achieve its reduced weight, the GTA featured outer body panels constructed from aluminium rather than the standard steel. Even the steel inner panels were thinned, and the inner and outer panels were joined using a combination of bonding and pop-riveting. Further weight-saving measures included the adoption of magnesium alloy wheels, clear plastic side windows, aluminium upper control arms for the rear suspension, and a magnesium valve cover, sump, timing cover, and bell housing. The door handles and quarter window mechanisms were also redesigned for lightness. Notably, the GTA 1600 eschewed a brake booster and was fitted with a thicker radiator compared to the standard vehicle. Its dry weight was meticulously managed, coming in at approximately 1,640 pounds (740 kg).

The engine itself received significant upgrades. It featured a new twin-ignition cylinder head – initially referred to as "twin plug" and later evolving into the well-known "Twin Spark" system in the 1980s. A Marelli distributor, sourced from a Ferrari Dino, was employed, alongside a 2-barrel 45 mm Weber carburetor that replaced the standard 40 mm unit. The transmission featured closer gear ratios than the standard configuration, and the gears themselves were precision-machined for reduced weight and enhanced shifting speed. In its Stradale configuration, this potent machine delivered approximately 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp), a notable increase from the standard 106 PS (78 kW; 105 hp), with a peak torque of 142 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft; 14 kg⋅m) at 3,000 rpm. [^1] For full race specification (Corsa), this engine was capable of producing up to 170 PS (130 kW; 170 hp).

In adherence to homologation requirements for racing, a total of 500 units were manufactured, intended for both competition and road use.

GTA 1900 and GTA 2000

According to Maurizio Tabucchi, a recognized authority on Alfa Romeo and a consultant for the Italian Vintage Automobile Association and the Alfa Romeo Italian Register [^2], the GTA 2000 served as a testbed for the GTAm engine. This GTAm engine, utilizing Lucas injection, was reported to produce 208 bhp (155 kW) at 6,500 rpm and was fitted to a GTA 1300 Junior chassis. Tabucchi's accounts indicate that the initial competitive outing for these cars was at the Tour de Corse held from November 8–9, 1969. They ran on 14x7 wheels shod with Michelin PA2 or TA3 tires. The entries, fielded by Autodelta, were driven by Pinto and Santonacci, whose cars unfortunately suffered from a puncture and suspension failure near Guitera. Another team, Barayller and Fayel, experienced clutch failure with their respective cars.

Tony Adriaensens has also documented GTA 2000 race results, though these pertain to a later period:

  • Circuit of Benguela, Angola, April 10, 1970: Peixinho secured 1st overall.
  • Circuit of Cabinda, Angola, April 26, 1970: Peixinho finished 1st, with Bandeira/Viera taking 2nd.
  • São Paulo, Brazil, May 1–3, 1970: Zambello/Fernandez achieved 2nd place.
  • Interlagos, Brazil, August 9, 1970: Catapani claimed 1st overall.
  • Nova Lisboa, Angola, August 9–10, 1970: In the 6h Intercacionais do Huambo, Fraga/Resende finished 2nd, and Santos "Peras"/Flavio Santos took 3rd in car #8. Both these cars were described as GTA 1300 Juniors equipped with 2-liter engines.

There remains a degree of uncertainty regarding the precise engine displacement of the Brazilian-entered cars. Reports indicate that Zambello and Fernandez had previously won events in 1969 with a GTA 1900, which utilized a different engine displacing 1,840 cc (1.8 L; 112.3 cu in). However, their car was subsequently upgraded to 2000 cc for the 1970 season. Regardless, the timing of the events in Brazil suggests a distinction from the Angolan-entered cars. [^citation needed]

GTA 1300 Junior

Motor Vehicle

Alfa Romeo GTA 1300 Junior

The GTA 1300 Junior, produced between 1968 and 1975, was powered by a 1300 cc engine. This unit was based on the 1600 engine but incorporated a shorter-throw crankshaft. A total of 450 GTA 1300 Juniors were manufactured.

In its Stradale configuration, the GTA Junior was notably less focused on weight reduction compared to the 1600 GTA. It lacked features such as the plastic windows, magnesium engine components, and alloy wheels. The engine initially produced 96 PS (71 kW; 95 hp), but this output was soon enhanced to 110 PS (81 kW; 110 hp). Racing variants prepared by Autodelta, featuring fuel injection, were capable of producing 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp).

GTAm

Motor Vehicle

Alfa Romeo GTAm

  • Overview

  • Production: 1969–1973

  • Powertrain: Engine 2.0 L Twin Cam I4

  • External images

    • 1970 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTAm
    • 1971 Alfa Romeo GTAm

The 1750 GTAm variant possessed the capability to generate up to 240 PS (180 kW; 240 hp) from its 1985 cc engine. This car is typically associated with the GTA lineage but, unlike the GTA, it was derived from the US-market version of the 1750 GTV model. The 1750 GTAm, later rebranded as the 2000 GTAm for marketing purposes following the introduction of the 2000 GTV, was conceived in 1969. The specific chassis numbers and build dates for these vehicles can be found in the linked "Alleggerita" book and on the "alfabb" website.

There are three prevailing interpretations of the "Am" designation, none of which have been officially confirmed by Alfa Romeo:

  • GT Alesaggio Maggiorato (Italian for "increased bore")
  • GT Alleggerita Modificata (Italian for "lightened modified")
  • GT America

The vehicle featured a full steel body that had been modified with the incorporation of aluminium and plastic components. Due to a regulation change in 1971 that mandated a minimum weight increase from 920 to 940 kg (2,030 to 2,070 lb), the GTAms had less imperative to rely on lightweight aluminium and plastic parts.

The foundational platform for the GTAm was the US-market variant of the 1750 GTV, equipped with a SPICA mechanical fuel injection system. This specific US version of the 1750 GTV is recognized as the Giulia Type 105.51. Autodelta was responsible for constructing the 1750 GTAms, supplying them to both the works team and customer racing teams. These cars bore chassis numbers commencing with #153XXXX. The majority of works and customer Autodelta cars were fitted with SPICA injection, although a distinct version was also produced for pure racing applications.

The European market 1750 GTV, distinguished by its dual carburetors, also served as the basis for building a 1750 GTAm. Some sources [^who?] suggest that bodyshells from the 2000 GTV and the GT 1300 GT Junior were also utilized. Furthermore, certain racing teams and independent workshops procured parts directly from Autodelta and other tuning specialists, subsequently assembling the GTAm themselves, either on new or existing chassis.

The original 1750 engine block, which actually displaced 1779 cc, was modified. By inserting a monosleeve in place of four individual cylinder liners, the displacement was increased to 1985 cc (2.0 L; 121.1 cu in) and later to 1999 cc (2.0 L; 122.0 cu in) to allow participation in the 2000 cc racing class, which accounts for the "maggiorato" designation.

According to available records, approximately 40 GTAms were constructed by Autodelta and various private workshops. Verifying this precise number is challenging due to the absence of a distinct chassis numbering scheme specifically for the GTAms.

The second revised edition of the book Alleggerita, authored by Tony Adriaensens, Patrick Dasse, and Martin Übelher, published in 2012 by Dingwort Verlag in Germany, contains the most comprehensive list of GTAms compiled to date. [^citation needed]

A complete and regularly updated roster of the 1750 / 2000 GTAms can be accessed at: alfabb.com

GTA-SA

Motor Vehicle

Alfa Romeo GTA-SA

The Giulia 1600 GTA-SA ("sovralimentato," meaning supercharged in English) was a remarkably rare racing car produced between 1967 and 1968, with only 10 units ever built. It was equipped with a 1570 cc twin-ignition engine featuring two oil-driven superchargers, capable of producing up to 250 PS (180 kW; 250 hp) at 7,500 rpm. The GTA-SA was specifically developed for FIA Group 5 racing in Europe. In 1967, it achieved a first-place overall victory in the Hockenheim 100-mile endurance race, piloted by the German driver Siegfried Dau. [^3] [^4] In the Netherlands, the GTA-SA was also raced by notable drivers Rob Slotemaker and Nico Chiotakis.

Competition History

Both the GTA 1300 Junior and the GTAm proved to be exceptionally successful, securing numerous victories. In its inaugural season at Monza, these cars achieved an astonishing feat by claiming the first seven finishing positions. Andrea de Adamich clinched the ETCC title in 1966. The GTA continued its dominance by winning the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) in both 1967 and 1968. The later iteration, the Alfa Romeo GTAm, further cemented its legacy by winning the ETCC titles in 1970 and 1971.

The 1750 GTAm and its successor, the 2000 GTAm, were piloted to victory by Toine Hezemans, who notably won the 24 Hours of Francorchamps with this formidable machine. These cars amassed hundreds of race wins before facing intensified competition around 1971. Nevertheless, the Giulia variants often demonstrated remarkable performance, keeping pace with significantly larger-engined cars, such as the 3-litre BMW CSL.

In the United States, the GTA's first significant racing triumph occurred in January 1966 at the "Refrigerator Bowl," held at the now-defunct Marlboro Raceway in Maryland. The victorious drivers were Monty Winkler and Pete Van der Vate. The Autodelta GTA, expertly handled by Horst Kwech and Gaston Andrey, secured the under-2-liter class victory in the inaugural SCCA Trans-Am championship in 1966. Kwech further distinguished himself by winning the first SCCA National B-Sedan ARRC Championship in the same GTA during 1966. The GTA's winning streak continued, and it went on to claim the 1970 championship title as well.

Kwech/Andrey 1966 Trans-Am Championship GTA

Toine Hezemans, winner of the European Touring Car Championship 1970, at Zandvoort in 1970

Technical Data

GTA: Giulia Sprint GTA Giulia Sprint GTA (racing version) Giulia GTA 1300 Junior Giulia GTA 1300 Junior (racing version) GTA SA GTAm
Engine: Inline-4 Inline-4 Inline-4 Inline-4 Inline-4 Inline-4
Displacement: 1,570 cc (1.6 L; 95.8 cu in) 1,570 cc (1.6 L; 95.8 cu in) 1,290 cc (1.3 L; 78.7 cu in) 1,290 cc (1.3 L; 78.7 cu in) 1,570 cc (1.6 L; 95.8 cu in) 1,985 cc (2.0 L; 121.1 cu in)
Bore x stroke: 78 mm (3.07 in) x 82 mm (3.23 in) 78 mm (3.07 in) x 82 mm (3.23 in) 78 mm (3.07 in) x 67.5 mm (2.66 in) 78 mm (3.07 in) x 67.5 mm (2.66 in) 78 mm (3.07 in) x 82 mm (3.23 in) 84.5 mm (3.33 in) x 88.5 mm (3.48 in)
Power: 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) 164 PS (121 kW; 162 hp) 96 PS (71 kW; 95 hp) 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp)
at rpm: 6000 7800 6000 9300 7800 7500
Compression ratio: 9.7 : 1 10.5 : 1 9.7 : 1 11.0 : 1 10.5 : 1 11.0 : 1
Valves per cylinder: 2 4 2 4 4 4
Valvetrain: DOHC Double overhead camshaft DOHC Double overhead camshaft DOHC Double overhead camshaft DOHC Double overhead camshaft DOHC Double overhead camshaft DOHC Double overhead camshaft
Transmission: 5-speed gearbox 5-speed gearbox 5-speed gearbox 5-speed gearbox 5-speed gearbox 5-speed gearbox
Brakes: Disc brakes all around Disc brakes all around Disc brakes all around Disc brakes all around Disc brakes all around Disc brakes all around
Suspension front: Independent suspension, wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar Independent suspension, wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar Independent suspension, wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar Independent suspension, wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar Independent suspension, wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar Independent suspension, wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension rear: Live axle, trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers Live axle, trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers Live axle, trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers Live axle, trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers Live axle, trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers Live axle, trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers
Body: two-door, aluminum panels over steel monocoque two-door, aluminum panels over steel monocoque two-door, aluminum panels over steel monocoque two-door, aluminum panels over steel monocoque two-door, aluminum panels over steel monocoque two-door from steel
Weight: 820 kg (1,810 lb) 760 kg (1,680 lb) 920 kg (2,030 lb) 760 kg (1,680 lb) 760 kg (1,680 lb) 920 kg (2,030 lb)
Top speed: 185 km/h (115 mph) 220 km/h (137 mph) 175 km/h (109 mph) 210 km/h (130 mph) 240 km/h (149 mph) 230 km/h (143 mph)
Construction: 1965–1969 1965–1969 1968–1975 1968–1975 1967–1968 1969–1973
Quantity: 500 193 300 10 10 40
[^5]

Modern GTAs

The "GTA" designation was resurrected in the early 2000s, applied to the highest-performance road-legal variants of the 156 and 147 models. These vehicles were propelled by potent 3.2-litre Alfa Romeo Busso V6 engines, granting them the highest power output within their respective model ranges. However, contrary to the weight-saving ethos implied by the GTA name, these models were generally the heaviest due to the substantial size of their engines and the minimal, if any, weight-reduction measures implemented in their construction. For instance, the 147 GTA tipped the scales at 1,360 kg (2,998 lb), making it the heaviest version of the entire 147 line-up.

147 GTA

The 147 GTA was unveiled in 2002, positioned as the top-tier hatchback model in Alfa Romeo's lineup. It was powered by a 3.2-litre V6 engine, a derivative of the unit found in the 164 from the early 1990s. This model was presented as a two-door hatchback with seating for five occupants. It was visually distinguished by its flared wheel arches, distinctive 17-inch "telephone dial" style wheels, and a more assertive grille design.

156 GTA

The 156 GTA represented Alfa Romeo's sportiest offering within the 156 range. It employed the same 3.2-litre V6 engine as the 147 GTA, producing an output of 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) and delivering 300 N⋅m (220 lb⋅ft) of torque. This four-door saloon was available in both sedan and wagon body styles.

MiTo GTA

The MiTo GTA prototype was envisioned with a turbocharged 1.75-litre straight-4 engine, capable of generating 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp). However, plans for its production were ultimately shelved due to the impact of the 2008 financial crisis.

Giulia GTA and GTAm

Introduced in 2020, the Giulia GTA and GTAm are limited-edition variants of the 2015 Giulia, with production capped at a mere 500 units.

See Also