Richard Stafferton’s TZ1 S/N 084 and John Winter’s Coda Tronca s/n 00195 and Oliver Collin’s round tail, s/n 00147, taken in Richard’s driveway in Toronto, 1978. See how many Alfas you can identify in Richard’s yard. Photo Oliver Collins collection.
By Pete Vack *
As early as the late 1960s, the Alfa enthusiast instinctively knew that of all the post war Alfas semi production cars, the Zagatos were the most desirable. Alfa Zagatos exemplified the era of the relatively inexpensive, coachbuilt GT car, as did the special bodied Ferraris, Maseratis, and Lancias.
They were also, for most part, aluminum, which beat the ever present rust problem associated with steel bodied cars of the era. Unlike the competition, Alfas were more numerous, less expensive and in general more reliable. They had mechanicals that could be understood, repaired and there were ample parts available. Another part of the lure of Alfas was that the 1300/1600 cars were a joy to drive; some, yes, underpowered, but all were fun and easy to drive. They were small, light, responsive and eager. Many were raced successfully at Le Mans, Sebring, and the Targa Florio.
One of the most unabashedly quixotic Alfa photos of all time: It is early on the morning of April 26 1964; the sun still casting long shadows as the entrants to the Targa Florio line up by displacement and car number. The weather is warm and dry as a fashionable young lady appears to glance at the gentleman standing next to the Alfa TZ number 62; he returns her look with interest. TZ number 62 will be driven by Antonio Nicodemi and Francesco Lessona to finish 17th overall. Next in the lineup of Zagatos is the number 60 TZ of Sergio Pedretti and Alfonso Thiele; the pair would finish a credible fourth overall. An even more remarkable third was won by the number 58 TZ, driven by Roberto Bussinello and Nino Todaro; both Alfas were entered by Scuderia Sant Ambroeus. Number 56 is the OSCA Zagato of Mario Nadari; number 54 is a new Giuilia 1600 Sprint which would finish 4th in the hot 1600 class. Forward of those are a line-up of the ten SZs that were entered in the 1300 class. Photographer unknown.