Alfa Romeo’s 2000/2600 family of saloons, spiders and coupés have never quite captured the imagination in the way the smaller 101 and 105-Series Giulias and Giuliettas have done but are now finally being recognised as serious classics in their own right. The 2000 replaced the 1900-Series as Alfa Romeo’s flagship model in 1958 and utilised a 2-litre, four-cylinder engine coupled with a 5-speed gearbox on a longer wheelbase platform for additional legroom. The Berlina was joined at the outset by a lovely Spider version, styled by Carrozzeria Touring, which acquired a set of twin carburettors to boost power to 115bhp. In 1960, the range was further expanded to include an elegant 2+2 Coupé styled by the talented Giorgetto Giugiaro, then employed as Chief Designer by Bertone. The Sprint, as the coupé version was known, managed to convey a refined, sporting air that still looks fabulous nearly six decades on. Answering criticism that the 2000 lacked power, Alfa’s engineers developed a new six-cylinder engine, a reworking of the big four, and the over-square motor had a total capacity of 2,584cc with twin overhead camshafts, a raised compression of 9:1 and triple carburettors. With a healthy 145bhp available, the new power unit was capable of propelling the 2600 Sprint to a top speed of 125mph (200 km/h). The styling of the Sprint was little-altered, only the air scoop on the bonnet and ‘2600’ badging setting it apart from the four-cylinder version. Although built in comparatively small numbers, the 2600 Sprint was actually the most successful of the 2000/2600 family, with 6,999 finding homes worldwide and it has become historically significant as the last Alfa Romeo to have been fitted with an inline, six-cylinder engine topped with twin overhead camshafts, the traditional Alfa Romeo engine configuration since the 1920s.

Manufactured on 21st May 1963, this is a superb example of these rare Alfas and is finished in an attractive shade of Cobalt Blue with burgundy leather seating, complementing wine-red interior trim and sky blue carpets. It was delivered new to South Africa in left-hand drive before eventually arriving in the UK in 2014. The subject of an earlier, photo-documented restoration, this particular Alfa has clearly passed through caring hands and remains in excellent, corrosion-free condition throughout. It has recently been serviced including a brake overhaul and will be offered with a fresh MOT issued prior to our sale. Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to appreciate this eminently useable, four-seat classic.

The 2600 Sprint is a wonderful 1960s Italian GT and represents superb value when compared with contemporary exotics from Maserati and Ferrari.