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This 1961 SZ Giulietta Berlinetta sold at Bonhams' Bond Street sale for £270,300 including premium, but it really was very special.

Alfa Romeo's successful Giulietta range debuted in 1954 with the arrival of the Bertone-styled Sprint coupé, the berlina (saloon) not appearing until the succeeding season. Veloce models with improved performance followed, and the agile Giulietta SV quickly established an enviable record in production car racing, notable victories including a Gran Turismo class win in the 1956 Mille Miglia. Nevertheless, to fully exploit the car's potential, lighter and more aerodynamic bodywork was deemed necessary, a requirement which resulted in the ultimate Giuliettas: Bertone's Sprint Special and the Sprint Zagato (SZ), both built on the short-wheelbase Spider platform and powered by the 116bhp version of Alfa's classic, 1.3-litre, twin-cam four.

Conceived as an out-and-out competition car, the Sprint Zagato coupé adopted lightweight aluminium-alloy coachwork and demonstrated its designer's commitment to weight saving in every detail, tipping the scales at an astonishing 785kg. With a top speed of around 125mph, the SZ was easily the fastest of the Giuliettas and even today there are few 1.3-litre cars capable of matching this level of performance. The SZ's inherent stability and instantaneous response to steering input made it a driver's car par excellence. On the racetrack it proved virtually unbeatable, and the Sprint Zagato remains a major force to be reckoned with in historic motor sport, being eligible for a wide variety of the most prestigious events, including the Le Mans Classic.

One of the 'Coda Tonda' (round tail) first-series SZs, chassis number '0107' was first owned by Bruno Fascetti in Rome, Italy, passing in 1965 to a Mr Compoli in that same city. Mr Compoli was followed by Enrico Congredo of Lecce, Italy (from 1976 to 1987) and then by London-based American, Dr Tony Standen. In 1999 the Alfa was acquired by Nick Savage. Its restoration completed while in his ownership, the car was raced in Continental Europe and the UK throughout the next few seasons, including an appearance at the Goodwood Revival meeting.

Between 2008 and 2010, '0107' was owned by Richard Frankel and raced by him and his brother, Andrew. During Richard Frankel's ownership the Alfa was prepared by Vernon Mackenzie. The engine was rebuilt, incorporating a lightened steel flywheel, steel con-rods, 75mm JE pistons, a gas flowed cylinder head and Jim Evans camshafts. Boasting a full race exhaust system in stainless steel (including manifold) by Torque Techniques and a correct distributor by Bob Dove Motorsport (both fitted only 200 kilometres ago) it produces a claimed 130bhp (revving to 9,000rpm) and has run for only five hours since the rebuild. A lightweight unit by ProAlloy replaces the original radiator (included in the sale).

Power is transmitted via a Sachs single-plate competition clutch to an Alfa Romeo close-ratio five-speed gearbox and thence via a race prop-shaft to the rear axle, which incorporates a limited-slip differential (841) and heavy-duty drive shafts. Only 200 kilometres have been covered since the clutch was replaced. The magnesium alloy wheels are shod with Dunlop racing tyres, while the brakes are finned alloy drums all round: triple-leading-shoe at the front, twin-shoe at the rear, similar to those used in Alfa Romeo's 1½-litre Grand Prix cars. All six front wheel cylinders have been replaced with matching units and all front/rear shoes relined in high-performance material by Friction Services, while the master cylinder has been overhauled by Past Parts.

The original fuel tank has been replaced with an aluminium race tank, sectioned and foam filled. (Fuel level is determined by dipstick as the gauge is disconnected). A subsidiary electric loom runs from the dashboard to the switch panel affording the driver easy access when strapped into the seat, a modification easily removed or reversed. Both seats are original. A full Safety Devices roll cage is fitted and it should be noted that the dashboard ends have been cut away to enable the roll bar to be mounted as far forward as possible in order to facilitate access/egress.

While in the vendor's possession, '0107' has competed in the Spa Francorchamps Trofeo Nostro for pre-'66 GT cars (2011 and 2012); the Silverstone Classic for pre-'63 GTs (2011 and 2012); the HRDC pre-'68 Historic GT event at Castle Combe; and the Equipe GTS event at Brands Hatch (2013).

The spares package includes the aforementioned original radiator; a dynamo (checked and OK); and a set of five original steel wheels. A full race engine (number 'AR00530*39729') by Bob Dove ('BD307') that has run for only three hours since last rebuilt is available via separate negotiation with the vendor (specification sheet on file). The installed engine ('BD408') had its top end rebuilt by Bob Dove Motorsport only 200 kilometres ago, the transmission being overhauled by BDM at the same time. Additionally, a full pre-sale check over has been carried out by Coopersport.

Unusual in possessing fully documented history from new, this well sorted example of Zagato's 'little jewel' comes with FIA Historic Technical Passport (Class GTS4) and is ready to race. It is eligible for a variety of the most prestigious historic motor sports events including the Goodwood Revival, Tour Auto, Le Mans Classic, etc and is a potential class winner in the right hands.