1968 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 GTA Junior

The 1968 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 GTA Junior is a legendary sports car that epitomizes Alfa Romeo’s dedication to combining performance, style, and engineering excellence. As a derivative of the highly successful Giulia GTA, the 1300 GTA Junior was developed to compete in the under 1300 cc category of touring car racing, aiming to replicate the success of its larger-engined siblings. 

The “GTA” designation stands for “Gran Turismo Alleggerita,” or “Lightened Grand Touring,” reflecting the car’s emphasis on weight reduction and performance. Like its predecessors, the 1300 GTA Junior featured a lightweight aluminum body designed by Bertone, mounted on a steel chassis. This construction significantly reduced the car’s weight, enhancing its agility and handling capabilities on both the road and the track. 

Under the hood, the 1300 GTA Junior was equipped with a 1.3-liter DOHC inline-four engine, which was a downsized version of the larger 1.6-liter engine found in the original GTA. Despite its smaller displacement, the 1300 GTA Junior’s engine was a high-revving powerplant capable of producing around 96 horsepower in its road-going form and up to 150 horsepower in its racing configuration. The engine featured twin Weber carburetors, optimized camshafts, and a finely tuned exhaust system, all contributing to its impressive performance. 

Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the 1300 GTA Junior delivered exhilarating acceleration and top speeds exceeding 115 mph (185 km/h). The car’s suspension system, comprising independent front suspension with coil springs and a live rear axle with trailing arms, provided exceptional handling and cornering stability. Disc brakes on all four wheels ensured reliable stopping power, essential for both road and racing conditions.