Step back into the early 1960s, a moment when Alfa Romeo was attempting to balance its rich engineering heritage with the dawning era of mass production. The company needed a true flagship, a high-speed grand tourer to replace the outgoing 2000 series. What emerged at the 1962 Geneva Motor Show was the 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint, a handsome coupe with a powerful heart. It represented the end of one great era and the beginning of another for the storied Italian marque. This vehicle is certainly a testament to a unique moment in the brand’s history.
Bertone’s Design Triumph
The body of the 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint was penned by a young designer at Carrozzeria Bertone. That individual was Giorgetto Giugiaro, a man whose name would later become synonymous with iconic car design. The Sprint’s coachwork was an evolution of the preceding 2000 Sprint. It featured a sleek, modern, long-hood and short-deck silhouette, which truly defined the look of 1960s GT cars. Therefore, its sharp lines and balanced proportions ensured that the 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint was the most successful model in the 2600 range.
The Last of a Legendary Engine
The importance of the 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint lies primarily under its bonnet. This car has the distinction of being the final Alfa Romeo model to be fitted with a straight-six engine featuring twin overhead camshafts. This inline-six configuration had been a cornerstone of Alfa Romeo engineering since the 1920s. Consequently, the 2600 effectively closed that chapter as the company pivoted towards smaller, four-cylinder engines for economy. However, this big engine gave the flagship its unique character.
A True Grand Tourer’s Interior
The concept of a grand touring car means seating comfort for long, fast journeys. The 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint delivered on that expectation impressively. The large coupe comfortably seated four adults, making it an ideal choice for crossing continents quickly. Amenities like leather upholstery, power windows, and a wood steering wheel added to the luxurious feel. Ultimately, the emphasis was more on stability and a smooth ride over outright sporting agility.
Power and Engine Specifications
The 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint was equipped with an all-new, all-alloy, 2.6-liter (2,584 cc) straight-six engine. This engine was a powerhouse for its day, featuring three double-choke Solex carburetors for optimal breathing. This setup allowed the engine to produce a strong 145 horsepower at 5,900 rpm. The power was routed through a fully synchronized five-speed manual transmission, a premium feature at the time. This combination enabled the Sprint to reach a top speed approaching 200 kilometers per hour, establishing it as a formidable high-speed tourer. Later models also benefited from the addition of rear disc brakes.
An Iconic Legacy of Style
The 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint experienced limited sales success due to its high price and the emergence of the newer, smaller Giulia series. Nevertheless, the Sprint’s striking design influenced many cars that followed. For instance, the shape inspired models from other European manufacturers. Today, this rarity is ironically one of its greatest appeals to collectors. They appreciate the opulent styling and the intoxicating sound of that powerful twin-cam six-cylinder engine. The 2600 Sprint is a significant historical marker for the brand.
Summary: The 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint is a true auto icon because it beautifully encapsulated the transition of Alfa Romeo. It paired an aluminum twin-cam inline-six, the end of an engineering lineage, with a thoroughly modern, influential body designed by a future master, Giugiaro. This elegant, powerful, four-seat coupe remains a beloved classic.
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Source: Stellantis