Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior
Discussion
After nearly 2-years of searching, I finally found my 40th birthday present, to myself - a 1969 Rosso Amaranto Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior, usually referred to as a Stepnose (or Scalino if you're fancy), due to the bonnet lip.
I searched high and low for this little Alfa, all over the world in fact, from a 1970 Series 1 1750 GTV in Japan, to an imported South African 1600 GT Junior in The Netherlands, only to find this little beauty in East London.
For those who know their 105 Coupes, you'll be familiar with the almost ridiculous nuances with these cars. I was desperate to have a Stepnose, so much so that after purchasing a 1972 GT 1300 Junior only months ago, I decided to sell it as it didn't have that tiny little step in the bonnet - which means nothing to most, but everything to others. Not only that, but the interior on most Stepnoses is the earlier style, again, something I wasn't keen on, so to get the right car with the right interior was pretty challenging - not to mention how few of these cars still exist (as most have succumbed to the British weather).
The job is now to take this very much standard GT 1300 Junior and to give it the GTA 1300 treatment. I'll be upgrading most components from suspension to interior, modifying the engine to squeeze as much BHP out of it as possible, and maybe even giving her a new lick of paint. Having just passed her 52nd birthday, I'm keen to see her pass her 75th if I can.
Any advice welcome - I'm no mechanic - and will periodically try to update you all on where the project is. We already have some cosmetics on order to complement our big ideas, so very exciting times ahead.
I searched high and low for this little Alfa, all over the world in fact, from a 1970 Series 1 1750 GTV in Japan, to an imported South African 1600 GT Junior in The Netherlands, only to find this little beauty in East London.
For those who know their 105 Coupes, you'll be familiar with the almost ridiculous nuances with these cars. I was desperate to have a Stepnose, so much so that after purchasing a 1972 GT 1300 Junior only months ago, I decided to sell it as it didn't have that tiny little step in the bonnet - which means nothing to most, but everything to others. Not only that, but the interior on most Stepnoses is the earlier style, again, something I wasn't keen on, so to get the right car with the right interior was pretty challenging - not to mention how few of these cars still exist (as most have succumbed to the British weather).
The job is now to take this very much standard GT 1300 Junior and to give it the GTA 1300 treatment. I'll be upgrading most components from suspension to interior, modifying the engine to squeeze as much BHP out of it as possible, and maybe even giving her a new lick of paint. Having just passed her 52nd birthday, I'm keen to see her pass her 75th if I can.
Any advice welcome - I'm no mechanic - and will periodically try to update you all on where the project is. We already have some cosmetics on order to complement our big ideas, so very exciting times ahead.
Great choice, I have been eyeing a 2000 for a while now and I completely understand why a stepnose would be a design flourish to aim for.
Having seen the various restomods being produced and happily tracked to extreme fun levels on youtube, stepping this one up a notch sounds like fun. Forgive me for saying so, but this one almost looks 'too good' to upgrade. Has it been restored before?
Having seen the various restomods being produced and happily tracked to extreme fun levels on youtube, stepping this one up a notch sounds like fun. Forgive me for saying so, but this one almost looks 'too good' to upgrade. Has it been restored before?
If it's not rusty or rotten and you want to learn on it they are very easy cars to work on. Parts are ridiculously easy to get from Classic alfa and cheaper than Alfaholics.
You'll be shocked at what people will quote you though to build a fast road nord, do lots of research and get prices. I used the guy that classic Alfa use but not sure if he's still working.
If you have deep pockets Marco hesshaus is the man for full on engines.
2 litre nord with cams and twin 40s is a nice fast road spec without making it undriveable and they nip along nicely. If you aren't going mad bhp wise the classic Alfa fast road brake kit is more than enough.
First job - bumpers off :-)
You'll be shocked at what people will quote you though to build a fast road nord, do lots of research and get prices. I used the guy that classic Alfa use but not sure if he's still working.
If you have deep pockets Marco hesshaus is the man for full on engines.
2 litre nord with cams and twin 40s is a nice fast road spec without making it undriveable and they nip along nicely. If you aren't going mad bhp wise the classic Alfa fast road brake kit is more than enough.
First job - bumpers off :-)
Spinakerr said:
Having seen the various restomods being produced and happily tracked to extreme fun levels on youtube, stepping this one up a notch sounds like fun. Forgive me for saying so, but this one almost looks 'too good' to upgrade. Has it been restored before?
It has - around 10 years ago it was taken back to bare metal. It isn’t perfect but it’s solid - I wanted a good base to build on. 200Plus Club said:
Many people prefer to keep 14" wheels n tyres for the driving feel also rather than 15s but some nice alloys in the right shade go a long way.
We decided on 15s, GTA style, as there is a broader range of performance tyre. We've kept the overall circumference of the wheel/tyre as the 14s by spec'ing 195/60 R15 H (88).What a great way to celebrate turning 40, many happy returns OP. I embarked on Fiat based project when I reached that milestone a couple of years ago. I'd recommend having a chat with Roger the owner of Classic Engine Workshop. He has a GT and did a lovely job building the Twincam for my project. Looking forward to seeing more.
Beautiful car, one of the best designs ever.
I used to own a 1970 Elan S4, and , as you do, I read up as much as I could about anything related to the car which I had for 12 years.
Apparently, when Lotus was upgrading the S3 Elan to the S4, they chose to replicate the Alfa 105 rear light design, as you can see they look almost identical.
These lights were also used on the later model Jag E-types, albeit upside down !!
And the Lotus Twin Cam ( or Twink as it is sometimes called !) rocker cover was influenced by the Alfa TC engine cover design.
I used to own a 1970 Elan S4, and , as you do, I read up as much as I could about anything related to the car which I had for 12 years.
Apparently, when Lotus was upgrading the S3 Elan to the S4, they chose to replicate the Alfa 105 rear light design, as you can see they look almost identical.
These lights were also used on the later model Jag E-types, albeit upside down !!
And the Lotus Twin Cam ( or Twink as it is sometimes called !) rocker cover was influenced by the Alfa TC engine cover design.
Beautiful 105 there OP, this will be yet another Reader’s Cars thread worth dipping into I’m sure, and what a lovely way to treat yourself, especially after such a long search. After four years of various twists and turns and a lot of frustration, I finally bought an old Maserati a couple of weeks ago, I’m still pinching myself and I dare say you’ll feel the same way about your Alfa.
Looking forward to the updates - good luck!
Looking forward to the updates - good luck!
Outstanding car!
To make it last, I'd say take it to a specialist for rust protection. Get them to Bilthammer (amazing product) into all the nooks underneath to really make it last. With really good protection you won't worry about using it so much, it's made to be used
Mechanically, replace all the fluids and keep a good record of when you change them and with what.
Enjoy!
To make it last, I'd say take it to a specialist for rust protection. Get them to Bilthammer (amazing product) into all the nooks underneath to really make it last. With really good protection you won't worry about using it so much, it's made to be used
Mechanically, replace all the fluids and keep a good record of when you change them and with what.
Enjoy!
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