1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia TI Super

Alfa Romeo TI Super, 1963 to 1964

The Alfa Romeo TI Super was the competition variant of the standard Berlina and was unveiled in 1963. Designated Tipo 105.16, it was was fitted with the 00516 1570cc alloy twin-cam 'Nord' engine which was uprated with new cams, twin Weber 45 DCOE 14 carburettors, an electric fuel pump and a competition exhaust system. Light alloy Campagnolo wheels hid disc brakes at each corner, and the inner headlamps were replaced with air intake grilles.

On the front wings, the historic four-leaf clover symbol of Alfa racing returned, and the car was quickly known by its 'Quadrifoglio' nickname. Lightweight panels, bucket seats and special trim shaved 200lbs off the weight of the standard saloon, and the suspension lowered the car, giving it greater poise and improving handling.

1,000 of these sporty Giulia saloons were produced for homologation purposes. All were bianco spino (thorn white) and many were used for their intended purpose as touring car racers, including some that were prepared for Alfa Romeo Works by Autodelta. From Sebring to the Tour de France, the TI Super belied its boxy looks and performed well against other thoroughbred competition.

Today true Alfa Romeo TI Supers are very collectable. Care should be taken as there are many evocations based on standard TI cars, and those with racing provenance should be valued individually. Otherwise, even as rare cars they are relatively simple to maintain due to the great availability of Giulia parts.