Launched in 1968, the Alfa Romeo GTA 1300 Junior was the evolution of Alfa Romeo’s famed “Gran Turismo Alleggerita” programme — a lightweight, competition-bred version of the Giulia GT designed to dominate in the under-1300cc category. With approximately only 450 examples ever produced, genuine GTA 1300 Juniors remain exceptionally rare today and highly sought-after by collectors and racers alike.

Built for competition, the GTA 1300 Junior combined lightweight construction (aluminium/Peraluman bodywork and magnesium components) with Alfa Romeo’s short-stroke 1,290cc twin-cam engine, designed to rev freely and deliver impressive performance for the displacement. The car offered here is a 1968 production example, finished in classic Alfa Rosso with period racing livery.

This particular car began life in Italy and displays evidence of early motorsport preparation. According to its known history, it spent time in a police pound in Rome, having been used in an armed bank robbery in Italy before being acquired in 1987 by Alfa Romeo specialist Richard Banks (of Alfaholics) on behalf of its now owner. It retains its original Italian registration booklet dated 8th August 1969, supporting its provenance and long-standing Italian history. Later restored with no expense spared and converted for road use, it was first UK-registered in 1997 and carries the registration UFS 118.

The car has been enthusiast-owned for decades, coming with a selection of older MOT certificates (1997–2018), invoices, and vendor notes documenting various works undertaken over the years. The odometer currently displays 2,937 km, as noted on the V5C (not warranted). Its history and specification make it an attractive proposition for collectors or those wishing to campaign a genuine, lightweight Alfa Romeo GTA in historic events.

Exterior

Finished in the iconic Alfa Rosso with period-correct white detailing, the GTA presents in striking and purposeful condition, befitting its competition roots. The lightweight alloy bodywork, trim and badging appear complete, and the car maintains the unmistakable stance of the GTA Junior. Naturally, as with any older, competition-derived vehicle, small age-related marks can be found, but there is no corrosion of note, and the overall presentation honours the heritage and motorsport pedigree of the model.

Interior

The interior is simple, purposeful and very much in keeping with the GTA’s lightweight ethos. Trim, dashboard components and instrumentation present well, with signs of use consistent with an older vehicle that has seen both road and competition preparation. Controls function as expected, and the cabin retains the evocative, mechanical feel characteristic of Alfa Romeo’s 1960s competition machinery.

Mechanical

Powered by its 1,290cc AR00559-series twin-cam engine, the GTA 1300 Junior is known for its responsiveness and willingness to rev. This example starts, idles and runs in line with expectations for an older, competition-spec vehicle. Mechanical works are documented across several invoices supplied with the car, alongside MOT records dating back to its UK registration period. It offers a strong basis for continued road enjoyment or further preparation for historic rally or race participation.

History

VIN: Upon Request
Engine: AR00559 1,290cc Twin-Cam
Year of Manufacture: 1968
UK Registration: UFS 118 (first registered in UK 1997)
Odometer: 4,334 km displayed (104,334km, not warranted)
Original Italian registration booklet (08/08/1969)
Historic invoices and vendor notes
MOT certificates from 1997–2018
Original Under-bonnet Alfa Romeo factory sticker
Letters from Richard Banks to the current owner of nearly four decades

Walk-around video available. National delivery can be arranged. Part exchange welcome. Viewing strictly by appointment.

While we take every effort to describe the car as thoroughly as possible, as with all classic vehicles there may be period quirks or characteristics that cannot be fully identified during our inspection — although, of course, it’s often these very traits that make classics so charming. Please consider this when purchasing a historic vehicle.

📞 07895448308
✉️ info@maplehouseclassiccars.co.uk