Lot 201 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 Turbo Bell & Covill Intercooled

• Unique piece of Alfa Romeo history
• One of two believed surviving examples
• Unrepeatable history and condition

One of the rarest and most intriguing derivatives of Alfa Romeo's transaxle-era Giulietta, this exceptional 1981 Giulietta 2.0 Turbo represents a fascinating chapter in both Alfa Romeo and British performance-car history. While Autodelta's factory-developed Giulietta Turbodelta remains a highly sought-after model in its own right, this example is believed to be one of only two surviving Bell & Colvill-converted turbocharged Giuliettas, and the sole known intercooled example in the United Kingdom.

During the early 1980s, renowned Lotus and Alfa Romeo specialists Bell & Colvill developed a limited series of turbocharged Alfa Romeos for discerning enthusiasts seeking performance beyond factory specifications. Utilising a Garrett T3 turbocharger and extensive engine modifications carried out by renowned Fleet based race engine specialists, Mathwall Engineering, the Giulietta's twin-cam four-cylinder engine was rebuilt with Cosworth pistons, larger valves, revised camshafts, and a reduced compression ratio. In its ultimate intercooled specification, like this car, power output was reputedly close to 200hp, remarkable performance for a compact sports saloon of the period.

To complement the enhanced powertrain, Bell & Colvill equipped the Giulietta with uprated suspension, Koni dampers, improved braking components, braided brake lines, distinctive BBS alloy wheels and wider performance tyres. The result was a discreet yet highly capable sports saloon, combining Alfa Romeo's celebrated transaxle chassis with performance that could rival far more exotic machinery.

Discovered after years of storage and off the road since 1992, this rare Giulietta was acquired by a noted Alfa Romeo enthusiast who acquired the car from its first owner. He subsequently recommissioned the car with considerable care and attention. Mechanical work included renewal of engine-bay plumbing using modern silicone hoses, installation of electronic ignition, overhaul and tuning of the turbocharging system, and refurbishment of numerous engine components. A stainless steel sports exhaust system has also been recently fitted. Significantly, the car retained its remarkably low mileage and highly original character throughout the restoration process.

Presented in dark red paintwork with colour-coded light weight bumpers, rare sunroof and period BBS wheels, the car remains outwardly understated, its rarity and performance evident only to the knowledgeable observer. Included in the service history file are copies of both Auto Italia and Alfa Romeo Owners Club magazine including articles on the car as well as its original bill of sale, various receipts and its original book-pack. Combining rarity, period tuning pedigree, and genuine historical significance, this Bell & Colvill Giulietta Turbo occupies a singular place in the marque's history and represents an opportunity unlikely to be repeated. Consigned by Will Penrose