Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1959–1963 car dimensions: 4120 mm long, 1660 mm wide and 1280 mm high. Unladen weight is 950 kg.
The cabin is a pure two-seater with separate vinyl-trimmed front seats and a useful rear parcel shelf for extra bags. A three-spoke aluminium steering wheel with bakelite rim sits ahead of a body-coloured dashboard. An oval hood gathers three circular instruments, with secondary controls, ashtray and glovebox clustered in the centre. The layout feels compact yet airy thanks to the curved windscreen and generous glass.
The boot is compact, with the fuel filler cap located inside to keep the exterior clean. A rear shelf behind the seats provides additional luggage space for a weekend’s worth of bags.
The cabin is a pure two-seater sports coupe with separate front bucket seats trimmed in vinyl. A three-spoke aluminium steering wheel sits ahead of a simple body-coloured dash with three main circular gauges under an oval hood. Controls are basic and floor-mounted for the five-speed gearbox. Heating and ventilation are fitted via a matrix and valves. Sound proofing is minimal. Early cars used plexiglass side windows. The feel is close, focused and sporting with a rear parcel shelf only.
Petrol engine with twin Weber sidedraught carburettors.
Hydraulic drum brakes, three-shoe type at front.
Five-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox.
Independent front suspension with coil springs and anti-roll bar. live rear axle with coils.
The car runs on petrol via twin sidedraught Weber carburettors on the 1290 cc twin-cam four. Fuel tank capacity is listed around 60-80 litres depending on source. Combined consumption figures appear in modern compilations but period data is limited to range estimates near 500 km.
Servicing follows the period instruction book schedules for oil, filters, belts, brakes and lubrication points. Regular checks of fluids, points and clearances are required. No fixed modern-style intervals are published beyond the factory lubrication and maintenance tables.
Safety equipment is period-typical. All four wheels use hydraulic drum brakes, with the fronts featuring three self-wrapping shoes for stronger stopping. No seat belts, airbags or electronic aids are fitted. The structure is unitary steel with aluminium panels on some early examples. Handling is described as secure and vice-free for the era when driven properly.
Keeping the car means attention to the aluminium engine, carburettor tuning, drum brake adjustment and the light body. Parts support exists through specialists. The aerodynamic shape and short wheelbase make it rewarding on open roads but less practical in town due to limited bumper protection and tight packaging.
Length 4120 mm, Width 1660 mm, Height 1280 mm, Wheelbase 2250 mm (Giulietta 1959–1963)
Sources: manufacturer data, Museo Storico Alfa Romeo collection card, Paint is Rosso Alfa from the 1959 Alfa Romeo 101-series Giulietta colour card.