Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC

Vehicle Overview

The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC was intended by Alfa Romeo’s management to serve as the spider version of the new “Giulia” range, thereby completing the renewal of the cars in the old “Giulietta” range. The maquette of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC was built by Bertone, based on a design by Giorgetto Giugiaro, and the prototype made its debut at the 1964 Geneva Motor Show. Although Bertone was responsible for the initial design, the refinement and assembly of the cars were entrusted to the Touring coachbuilder, which implemented slight aesthetic changes and more substantial improvements to the chassis. These modifications aimed to strengthen the vehicle while keeping its weight in check, resulting in the GTC having the same weight as the “GT” model from which it was derived. This unusual decision to assign the construction of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC to Touring was likely influenced by a desire to support the prestigious Milanese coachbuilder, which was facing an economic crisis. This crisis was precipitated by the sudden death of Lord William Rootes, which led to the unilateral breakdown of the contract with the Rootes Group—a contract for which Touring had made significant investments. By assigning the GTC project to Touring, Alfa Romeo might have hoped to alleviate some of the financial difficulties of the coachbuilder. Meanwhile, Bertone did not object to this decision, as the company was deeply involved in the production of the “GT” and was preparing to start production of the Fiat 850 Spider. The collaboration between Alfa Romeo and Touring for the GTC project was thus beneficial for all parties involved. Touring’s craftsmanship ensured that the Giulia GTC retained the elegance and performance expected of an Alfa Romeo, while also incorporating unique features that distinguished it from its predecessors and contemporaries. The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of some of the most renowned names in automotive design and manufacturing. The car not only represented the evolution of the Giulia range but also symbolized the resilience and adaptability of the Italian automotive industry during a challenging economic period. Its debut and subsequent production underscored Alfa Romeo’s commitment to innovation and excellence, cementing the Giulia GTC’s place in the annals of automotive history.