1972 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 GT Junior

There are few shapes more instantly evocative of 1960s Italian motoring than Alfa Romeo's 105-series coupé. Styled by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone, the GT had proper proportions & wonderfully slim pillars with the lively character for which Alfa Romeo had become famous.

The GT Junior brought that same formula to a wider audience and, decades later, remains one of the most charming ways into a classic Alfa.

Our car has come to us directly from a very long term owner, who bought her in the late 1970's when she was only a few years old

He lived then in South Africa and kept there for many years, until he moved over to London in 2000

From whence he then took her to his home in Portugal!!

So for 50 years he has cherished this cracking 1600 Junior

He had her stripped and repainted in Portugal and also had the interior retrimmed in tan leather, carpets and all that as well

He has serviced all through his ownership and since she's been cared for by the same enthusiastic and notably fastidious owner who was capable to carry out all servicing and maintaining as and when it was required - a good thing! Nothing lingered, and that continuity is evident throughout the car today.

The interior is beautifully preserved, with the light, delicate feeling that makes these cars such pleasant place to spend time. Above, a Webasto sunroof that fills the cabin with bright light and makes her a joy on a warm day.

Mechanically, she is sweet as a nut as you'd expect from her long term owner. The engine fires readily and runs as sweetly as one could hope, with the crisp, eager character that the GT Junior are so well admired for. Combined with the light steering, compact dimensions and wonderfully balanced chassis, it is a reminder of why these small Alfa coupés have always been so rewarding to drive.

A most will know the 1600 Junior is the last version of the Junior, with the largest engine (previously they were 1300cc) so the power and feel is more akin to the 1750GTV, which as we all know, is possibly the sweet version of all - perhaps though the 1600 Junior has been overlooked as the feel of the cracker is almost the same to use

SO excellent value for money in todays market, against a similar 1750GTV and in such great colours too

More than anything, our GT Junior feels as though it has been properly loved. Rather than simply restored for presentation. Her long-term ownership, careful Portuguese life, immaculate interior and delightful mechanical condition make her an especially attractive example of one of Alfa Romeo's most enduring designs.