160bhp, 1,570 cc twin overhead camshaft inline four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with double wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar, independent rear suspension with coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar, and four-wheel disc brakes.
Wheelbase: 86.6" (2,200mm).
The 105 Series Giulia range of Alfa Romeo road cars was introduced at Monza in 1962. The super strong chassis was an evolutionary design based on the previous Giulietta and 101 Series. The 105 introduced major suspension upgrades and, for the first time, disc brakes.
A competition Giulia was introduced at the 1963 FISA Monza Cup. Named for its Tubolare spaceframe chassis and striking light aluminum Zagato coachwork, the Giulia TZ took the first four places there in its class. In 1964 the TZ was FIA homologated (100 units were needed for homologation to the Gran Turismo category) and immediately began logging its impressive string of race wins in Europe and North America. It is believed that, in the end, less that 100 examples were built between 1963 and 1967.
A purpose-built competition GT, TZ (often called the TZ-1 by modern enthusiasts to distinguish it from the later TZ-2), development was guided by Autodelta, a company led by ex-Ferrari engineer Carlo Chiti. The TZ shared the same basic 1,570 cc engine with the Sprint Speciale and Spider Veloce (later, with the addition of a twin plug cylinder head). The transmission had heavy duty, close ratio gears and a very quick short-throw lever. Reduced bonnet height was achieved by tilting the engine in the frame. The front suspension is a similar design to the standard Giulia while the rear is an elaborate independent competition type to minimise unsprung weight.
Aiding the TZ project in its quest for aerodynamic performance was the treatment of the rear bodywork. Incorporating the research of Dr. Wunibald Kamm, the TZ used an approach called “coda tronca,” otherwise known as the Kamm tail.
For ultimate streamlining, the principle is that an aircraft-like, extended tail is optimal. Since that is not practical for an automobile, Dr. Kamm discovered that there is surprisingly little increase in drag by simply chopping it at an angle. Zagato had previously proved the success of this tail treatment with their Coda Tronca Sprint Zagato Alfas, and so it was a natural evolution to adapt this to the TZ.
The stunning result of all this effort was a lightweight coupe (658 kilograms), with torsional superiority to other cars of the day and the power to achieve up to 240 kilometres per hour (depending upon final gearing), not to mention superb Zagato aerodynamics. The outstanding chassis provided very predictable handling for road racing, but also made for an unbreakable rally car, with a TZ winning the Alpine Rally outright in 1964, for example. Class wins at Sebring, Le Mans, the Targa Florio, and Nürburgring in the same year solidified the TZs iconic position in the annals of motorsport. As the TZ program progressed and became successful, Autodelta increasingly became Alfa Romeo’s racing wing, leading to an eventual acquisition by the firm.
One of the most desirable of all of the post-war, four-cylinder Alfas, TZs were considered to be the ‘baby GTO,’ a description which only gains currency with the passage of time.
In its original Verde Bottiglia (bottle green) livery of Scuderia Sant’Ambroeus, TZ 003 was entered in the 1964 1000 Kilometres of Nürburgring, then on to the Le Mans 24 Hours. Driven by the Franco-Italian team of Jean Rolland and Fernand Masoero, the car crashed on lap 47 in the fifth hour of the race. Recommissioned with a new nose, sporting the single horizontal air vent, 003 went on to enter the Tour de France (Berney/Biscaldi), the Tour de Corse (Tomas/Gamet) and the Criterium Cevennes (Masoero/Massad).
TZ 003 was reported returned to Autodelta in 1965, where it was dismantled to some extent. No trace of it surfaced thereafter and it became one of the ‘missing chassis’ until it was discovered in 2002. By then many parts had disappeared. A notice had appeared in Routeclassiche magazine looking for TZ replacement items, inserted by Angelo Masoero, presumably a relative of the Le Mans driver of 003, Fernand Masoero. The original body was intact with the chassis and, soon afterwards, the engine block was located. The car was rebuilt over the next year and displayed unfinished at Retromobile in 2004, after which it was purchased by the current owner in 2006 and cosmetically restored.
Today the renovated TZ 003 will once again be presented in its original Verde Bottiglia livery, with the Le Mans configuration (just being completed). Long missing from action it is mostly complete and ready for competition once again. The original engine (AR005110002) is supplied with the car, rebuilt in Italy by Elligi Motori with zero miles. A second, un-numbered engine is currently fitted with twin plug head and freshly rebuilt to current competition specifications.
In the 1980s another, supposed 003 chassis had surfaced which we understand has since been discredited (and subsequently has been offered as a ‘replica TZ’). For the purposes of clarity, the current owner (in conjunction with RM Auctions) commissioned an inspection by an expert Alfa Romeo consultant, himself a long term TZ owner and well known AROC member. The chassis has now been verified as original TZ with correct number stampings. The body overall has been confirmed as original Zagato and the engine as correct number 002 (the engine originally fitted to chassis 003). A detailed mechanical and cosmetic appraisal is available for review upon request. The history file includes its FIVA Identity Card, FIA documents, and original Italian title (complete with the Milano number plates). In addition, a Best Models miniature of 003 has been produced in Italy, featuring it in its Scuderia Sant’Ambroeus Le Mans livery.
Advanced engineering, impressive performance and iconic Zagato coachwork make the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ an exciting and rewarding entrant for any number of historic competition and road rally events. Racing history, including Le Mans, the Nürburgring and other 1964 World Sports Car Championship venues make TZ 003 an important discovery and an attractive proposition for the enthusiast. Complete with original Zagato body work, original engine and many other components make it a rare opportunity as well to own and enjoy a significant piece of motorsport history.
Documents:
US Title
History File
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