First introduced in 1962, the early Giulia differed from the outwardly similar 101-Series Giulietta by virtue of its more powerful and much less fussy 1,570cc engine, which continued when the new 105-Series Giulia was introduced later that same year.

Despite its boxy, unitary construction body, the newcomer was a paragon of aerodynamic efficiency and possessed a distinctly sporting nature, the 92bhp produced by its classic twin-cam four-cylinder engine making the Giulia TI a genuine 100mph car.

Under the skin the Giulia featured a five-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension, coil-sprung live rear axle and - apart from early cars - disc brakes all round, a formula that carried over into the coupé version, the Giulia Sprint GT.

Launched in 1963 the Sprint GT was clothed in beautifully balanced four-seater coachwork designed by Carrozzeria Bertone's Giorgetto Giugiaro but now manufactured at Alfa's new Arese factory.

It represented a successful attempt to produce a typical...