Alfa 2600 Sprint
This rare Alfa’s mechanical condition makes up for for its lack of history, but there are cosmetic issues, says Rob Scorah
Alfa’s larger Sixties coupé is a rare sight on British roads, not least because in 1962 it cost more than a Jaguar E-type, but also because the build quality back then wasn’t all it could have been. Certainly the first keeper of this example – a marine manufacturing business owner – felt that way. He had the car dismantled and rebuilt in his own workshops. Since his stewardship (he had the car for 18 years) the car has had two further keepers, though unfortunately only anecdotal evidence of the rebuild remains.
This Sprint looks a tidy car. Panel gaps and shut lines are even and sides and surfaces smooth. The black paintwork is in very good shape, though there are minor inconsistencies around the trailing edge of the offside rear quarterlight, and a ripple in the finish on the leading edge of the bonnet. There is also a small but deep crack in the paint just under the driver’s door window, and a small bubble below the window of the passenger door. This looks more like an inconsistency in the lead loading than corrosion.
The chrome retains a good lustre overall, though there is a little degradation in the finish of the openable quarterlight window frames. The bars and supports of the radiator grille and the headlights are in fine form, as is that big Alfa centrepiece. The car also looks reassuringly sound underneath.
The cabin appears used but cared for, the maroon leather interior showing a nice patina. There is a small tear in the driver’s seat cushion; the carpets are presentable. Likewise, door panels and fittings present well and are firmly mounted, while instruments, switches and the steering wheel are original and in good order.
The engine fires up readily enough with no clattering to indicate those twin camshafts are oil-starved. The rhythm of the motor suggests the three twin-choke carburettors are working in harmony. Sadly there is little documentary evidence to validate those nice mechanical noises. It has recently had a new clutch though.
If you’re more used to Alfa’s later 105-series cars, this Sprint may feel a little odd at first because the steering wheel is set on a flatter plane. The steering itself is responsive – perhaps a little vague in the straight ahead – but nicely geared as you bring the big coupé into the turn. The suspension feels supple and the car poised. Acceleration is brisk and braking adequate.
The gearchange and pedal movement are smooth enough to keep A-road and wider B-road driving entertaining and it’s not hard to keep the engine in a powerband (2000-4500rpm) where it keeps the car feeling nimble. However, the lever can pop out of reverse and needs to be held in that gear. A lack of rattles or creaks is reassuring, though there is a small tapping from the rear parcel shelf area.
With values of best examples climbing beyond £40k, it’s the lack of history that keeps this car’s price a little lower. CHOOSE YOUR 2000/2600 SPRINT
Based on a stretched 2000 Spider chassis, the 2000 Sprint coupé is launched in 1960 with styling by Bertone – penned by young protégé Giorgetto Giugiaro. It’s powered by a 115bhp version of Alfa’s iron-block 1975cc four-cylinder twin-cam. It has a five-speed gearbox but only drum brakes. About 700 are built.
At the 1962 Geneva Motor Show Alfa introduces the 2600 Sprint. This carries over styling from the 2000, but under the bonnet is a 2.6-litre all-alloy six-cylinder engine producing 145bhp with the aid of three twin-choke carburettors. Servo-assisted front disc brakes are another benefit.
In 1964 rear brakes are switched to discs. In 1965 a lightweight version bodied by Zagato is offered: the 2600 SZ. Just 105 are built.
The 2600 Sprint runs until 1968 – 6999 are built, 597 of them in right-hand drive.