1973 Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior

The Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato was in production from 1969 to 1972, when it was renamed the 1600 Zagato. This model continued to 1976. It is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe styled by Ercole Spada at Zagato.The Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato was launched in 1969, as a more expensive, lightweight sister model to the existing 105/115-series GT Junior. The GT Junior had been launched 6 years earlier and was a successful model.

Zagato had a history of producing more sporting derivatives of Alfa GTs, notably the Giulietta Sprint Zagato of 1960. The changes to the Junior Zagato were mostly cosmetic; a new and striking body based around the Giulia Spider floorpan, though the 1300 uses a shorter version with a smaller fuel tank.

The Zagato was launched as a short-body 1300 in 1969; unlike other previous collaborations between Alfa Romeo and Zagato, this car was intended more for road use than for racing. The additional 800,000 lire bought you a slightly shorter, lighter, and far more exclusive variant of the standard GT Junior. Driver and passenger had sculpted bucket seats unique to the model, but otherwise much of the interior was also shared with the standard car. Unsurprisingly, few were sold -– just 1,117 over a three year period.

In 1972, the Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato was upgraded in line with the standard 105 series GT Junior. The car now sported a 1600cc engine -– and to increase parts commonality and allow the car to retain the Spider’s standard fuel tank, the rear overhang was now four inches longer.

A total of 1,402 1600 Zagatos were built until the end of 1973, though these cars remained unsold for several years and cars were still being registered 3 years later.

The Alfa Romeo 1600 Zagato was discontinued in 1976. It was not directly replaced, though the Alfasud Sprint replaced the standard GT Junior upon which the Zagato was based.

The Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato shared its drivetrains with the 105-series Junior models. Initially, the car used a 1300 twin-cam engine, with a 1600 twin cam taking over later. Both used a five-speed manual gearbox. Both derivatives use a pair of twin-choke carburettors.

Like the standard 105-series, the Zagato is a joy to drive, with good, light steering and eager, revvy engines. Those who have driven a standard car will notice that the Zagato is slightly stiffer, and slightly sharper by dint of weight distribution and size. The gearbox is sharp, with a good light clutch too.

Mechanically, it’s all shared with the standard 105-series GT Junior, including the exhaust, propshaft, gearbox, and the lusty Alfa Romeo twin cam. Parts for this engine aren’t in short supply if you visit Alfa Romeo specialists, so maintaining your Zagato shouldn’t be difficult. Body and trim parts will be harder to source, though.

The biggest issues you should encounter will be slightly dodgy electrics -– check all the earths thoroughly -– and rot. While the alloy doors and bonnet will be fine, check the wings, floorpan and bulkhead for any signs of corrosion.

All Junior Zagatos are worth significantly more than the standard 105-series GT. There is no significant difference in value between the 1300 and 1600 – the 1300 retains more original purity but the 1600 is faster and more practical, given its larger fuel tank.

The only true rival would be the Lancia Fulvia Zagato, though the standard 105-series GT Junior offers the same driving experience at a reduced price. We’d also look at the Fiat 124 sport coupe.