Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato

Zagato, one of the oldest and most respected automotive design firms, was founded in Milano in 1919 by Ugo Zagato, who used techniques learned from the wartime aviation industry to create a series of lightweight racing cars.

Alfa Romeo immediately recognized the potential of the Zagato design and began a fruitful collaboration that continues to this day. Some of the most beautiful cars of the 20th century were Zagato-bodied Alfa Romeos.

Designed by Ercole Spada, the coachbuilder's then-chief designer, the Junior Zagato was born as a lightweight and sporty coupe that would be integrated into the Giulia range and aimed at customers looking for a more responsive and faster alternative to the Sprint GT.

It was built on the Spider Duetto platform and had the same gearbox, suspension, rear axle, brakes, and 79 ci (1290 cc) aluminum engine as the Spider Junior and GT Junior.

While the internals were pristine Alfa Romeo mechanicals, the body styling was very much Zagato, and when it was first unveiled at the 1969 Turin Motor Show, its futuristic design was met with mixed reviews in the press.

While the clean and modern wedge shape was praised as elegant, the general consensus was that other design elements, such as the chunky bumpers or perspex headlight cover, were not to everyone's taste.

Interior

While not everyone liked the appearance of the car, many people liked the Italian interior. Low and sport seats trimmed in Texalfa, Alfa Romeo man-made leather, allow the driver to experience the typical Alfa Romeo road behavior of the era: excellent handling and grip, especially in fast corners, a constant temptation to accelerate thanks to responsive engines, and powerful and balanced braking.

Photo: "Alfa-Romeo 1300 Junior Zagato (1971)" by andreboeni

Thanks to the small body size and large glass surfaces, visibility is excellent, and the interior is modern and spacious for such a small car of the era.

Engine and Specs

A reliable and proven 4-cylinder engine with a volume of 79 ci (1290 cc), thanks to two Weber carburetors, developed a power of 89 hp, and a 5-speed gearbox transmitted power to the rear wheels.

Photo: "1972 Alfa Romeo Giulia Junior Zagato - blue - fvl" by Rex Gray

At the front, there was an independent suspension on wishbones, and at the rear, there was a rigid axle with radial rods. There were disc brakes on all wheels. The car developed a maximum speed of 105 mph (169 kph) and accelerated to 100 kph (62 mph) in 13.1 seconds. Average fuel consumption is 10–11 l/100 km.

Junior Zagato in Today's Market

Owning such a masterpiece does come with a price tag. The current market value for a well-maintained Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato can range from around $25,000 to over $100,000. These figures may seem steep, but they are a testament to the rarity and exclusivity of this automobile.

Factors that contribute to the Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato's price include its originality, mileage, restoration history, and overall condition. A pristine example with low mileage and a documented restoration process will undoubtedly command a higher price, as it represents a rare gem in the collector car realm.

It is essential for potential buyers to thoroughly research and inspect any Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato they consider purchasing. Engaging the services of a trusted classic car expert or specialist can help navigate the complex world of vintage automobile ownership and ensure an informed decision.

The unusual design, a two-seater with no back seat, and the fact that it cost more than all its competitors meant that the Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato was not designed to please everyone, and today it is still somewhat undervalued, especially given its rarity and heritage.