Mate,

I'm sure the nomenclature is simply due to US cars being sold as something other than what they really are !!!

Roughly, the 116 coupe is an Alfetta GT from birth until the introduction of the two litre engine, whence it became a GTV. In Europe the GT name lived on beside the GTV as a 1600 coupe in lower trim. Similarly, I don't think the sedan was ever sold as an Alfetta in the US, but as a Sports Sedan. The earlier body style in 1.8 form may have been an Alfetta stateside.

For the US, you guys got Spica from the get go....no-one else did. You also never had an Alfetta badge, nor was the name used in any official capacity.

You have a Sprint Veloce even though it was never called an SV ! To me it looks like an Alfetta GTV2000 with heavy bumpers, funny wheels, and a strange fuel system

All the above info is merely my understanding and remember, I live half way 'round the earth, so I may be mistaken.

 

"Sprint Veloce" was a special trim package for the '79 and (I think) '78 model years. I used to have one. The trim pieces included a goofy rear spoiler with side brackets with 'lightening holes', the green quadrifoglio emblem on the side vents, and maybe I couple of other items I've forgotten. Otherwise it was a garden variety "Alfetta GT" (generic name for 4-cylinder 116 series coupe).
This is what I remember, anyway, it's been a few years.............

 

Try and post some pics

 

"Sprint Veloce" was a special trim package for the '79 and (I think) '78 model years. I used to have one. The trim pieces included a goofy rear spoiler with side brackets with 'lightening holes', the green quadrifoglio emblem on the side vents, and maybe I couple of other items I've forgotten. Otherwise it was a garden variety "Alfetta GT" (generic name for 4-cylinder 116 series coupe).
This is what I remember, anyway, it's been a few years.............

No, no and .... no.

It's mostly marketing speak in the first place, whether they called it an Alfetta GT, GTV or Sprint Veloce. If your serial number begins with 116, it is Alfetta based.

Check your serial number against this...
116.15 Alfetta GT, GTV for California
116.29 GTV
116.69 GTV6 2.5
116.70 GTV6 Balocco 2.5

Ifin yer outside the US (first I would ask why?!) these #'s may not apply.

There were special models within those groups.

In 1976 there was the Andretti Edition (very rare): Red carpet, a rear spoiler (no brackets with holes), Alloy wheels (like turbinas but with every hole open and made of magnesium), fog lights, body length sticker, right hand mirror, wood steering wheel and dash plaque. A/C was a dealer installed option. A US option only I am sure.

In 1978/9 was the Mille Miglia edition (500 built and not so hard to come by): Special Ronal Wheels, Sun roof, Rear window wiper/washer, Blaupunkt AM/FM stereo cassette with (count 'em) 4 speakers and electronic amplified antenna, A/C, deck spoiler (with holes in bracket), digital quartz clock, outside right hand mirror, rear quarter extractor quadrifoglio badges and 3 special exterior plaques and a dash plaque naming it a "special Edition".

Also in '79 was the Velocissima package (extremely rare): Fender flares with integrated front spoiler, fog lights, rear deck spoiler (avec holes), rear sun shade, sun roof, A/C, right side mirror etc, etc and special wheels.
(I have this kit for sale if you are interested. Excellent shape and NOT inexpensive)

Europe had other specials, namely a turbo and more engines, 1.6 to 2.0.

Whatever you end up deciding to call your car it does NOT really matter as NOBODY else will know what it is either! They can be great fun and have enourmous potential.

Cheers,

-Brian

http://home.columbus.rr.com/sprintturbo

 

Brian, you're absolutely right, I apologize! I'm embarrassed. The full American 'title' of my '79 was "Sprint Veloce Mille Miglia Edition" and the cosmetic stuff I started to list (and you completed) were indeed the 'Mille Miglia" package add-ons, whereas "Sprint Veloce" was the American-market name for the 116-series coupe (a.k.a. Alfetta GT or GTV). Or something like that.

 

Thank you all for insightful replies – at this point is seems that since I’m in the US, I have an Alfa Romeo Sprint Veloce. However, for the sake of simplicity, I will call it an Alfetta GT, so we all get along just fine .

Brian, thank you the info and I would be very interested in getting more information about what’s included in the kit and pricing – perhaps some pictures to see what they look like! Let me know if you want me to contact you offline. BTW, your Alfetta is hands down the best I’ve seen and certainly an example to go by. I won’t use forced induction, but everything else is pretty much what I want in my car!

Thanks again!

 

According to the Alfa documents I have, Alfa called the 116 Series US version L4 coupes an Alfetta GT 2000 for 1975 & 1976. For 1977-1979 inclusive, Alfa changed the name to Sprint Veloce. Same car, different name. Just like Spider 1600 and Duetto.

 

Two photos of an original Velocissima. The body components I have is from a similar car, not this particular one. Email me for the sale amount if you are interested.

Playing aorund with Windows Movie Maker...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6309806383940433242&q=alfa+romeo&pr=goog-sl

 

parajam is right.. for here in the US, the Alfetta GT was just the term used for the first few years, then they called them Sprint Veloce, but I always call them Alfetta GT's no matter what the year is heh.

 

I just examined my original US sales brochure that was included with my 1978 Sprint Veloce when I bought it used in 1984. It is a 34 Page brochure that covers the "Sport Sedan" and "Sprint Veloce" models. No information is in the brochure regarding the special models. If you have ever seen this brochure, you know it is a work of art. Most of the pages have Leonardo Divinci drawings as the backgrounds and many scenic pics from Italy. Don't ask, it's not for sale.

One unusual thing I noticed is that there is absolutely no reference anywhere in the brochure regarding the model years it it for. I imagine it was done that way so it could be used for for both 1978 and 1979 model years.

Everything in the brochure matches my 1978. I wish I could find it and I would buy it back in a heartbeat.

 

I just examined my original US sales brochure that was included with my 1978 Sprint Veloce when I bought it used in 1984. It is a 34 Page brochure that covers the "Sport Sedan" and "Sprint Veloce" models. No information is in the brochure regarding the special models. If you have ever seen this brochure, you know it is a work of art. Most of the pages have Leonardo Divinci drawings as the backgrounds and many scenic pics from Italy. Don't ask, it's not for sale.

One unusual thing I noticed is that there is absolutely no reference anywhere in the brochure regarding the model years it it for. I imagine it was done that way so it could be used for for both 1978 and 1979 model years.

Everything in the brochure matches my 1978. I wish I could find it and I would buy it back in a heartbeat.

Interesting, I received that same brochure and it is a work of art. Mine is actually in perfect condition. I also received the original owners manual and service booklet.

 

Alfetta GT?

I can tell you I have been driving alfetta GTVs since high school and I have never been without one. ( I am 43) In Europe the name Alfetta ( little Alfa ) was resurected as a marketing gimick. The originals were race winning formula 1 cars. The sedan was named the Alfetta Berlina and the coupe was named the Alfetta GT in the 1.8 liter and smaller engines. the 2.0 had the two double barrel Solex, Dell Orto or Weber carbs and was named GTV or Gran Turismo Veloce. Veloce meaning fast. To import these cars to the states they had to comply with the rediculous US laws and put on polution control. This reduced power to 116 BHP. So they couldnt call it a GTV so they called is a Sprint Veloce or "fast sprint" Afew special editions were introduced. The Mario Andretti, The Mille Miglia and the Velocissima. After this the GTV6 was introduced and the 2.0 liter cars were no longer imported. I still prefer the Spica fuel injection but the engine should be modified for more horsepower. Hope this helps.

Regards,

Ruben

59 Fiat 1200 cabriolet
79 Alfetta GTV
91 Alfa 164L

 

Yes the Alfetta was badged "Sprint Veloce" in the US because the Marketing geniuses didn't think the name Alfetta would sell. Now I am not a purest or worry about being original so I've "rebadged" my US version "Sprint Veloce" with "Alfetta" Badges I found in Tokyo and include the Euro Stainless steel bumpers.

 

Well, she looks sweet qdemenna. To complete the Euro look you should search out the four (2 per side) chrome strips for the horizontal grille bars.

 

Beatle,
I have seen those chrome bars but have never seen them on a 1979 Alfetta. How do they attach and where can you find them?

 

Gee to this New Zealander a 'Sprint Veloce' is a Sud coupe ...

Pete

 

Beatle,
I have seen those chrome bars but have never seen them on a 1979 Alfetta. How do they attach and where can you find them?

Hmmmmm good luck tracking them down.

They are chromed cast metal and slip over the plastic bars. Held with a couple of dimple washers IIRC. The rear of your grille should have a couple of scallops on the centre bars where the locating pins fit.

 

I see them from time to time on eBay.