Alfa Giulia Super 105

Remember those hopeless Alfa police cars in The Italian Job? They never caught up with Michael Caine’s Mini Coopers – but they should have. The Giulia’s twin-cam 1570cc engine could hit 109mph, and at 0-60mph in 12sec it could outrun a Cooper S. Sadly, all the cheap ones have gone. Around £20k seems to be the benchmark price in Europe but values for rare right-hand-drive cars are slightly lower in the UK.

Alfisti appreciate what a great handling saloon this is with just 1000kg, neutral steering and fine balance and they rate it as one of the best-driving Alfas of the period. Best Auto in Italy has a restored 1964 left-hand-drive 1600TI in grey with 10,000km since resto for £21,100 and by the time you read this Historics at Brooklands will have sold a very rare right-hand-drive ’68 in burgundy that was originally Alfa UK’S Sloane Street demonstrator. It needs some light bodywork but is shiny with 70,000 miles and ready to drive away with a very tempting estimate of just £8k-£12k. Last year Historics sold a ‘67 blue right-handdrive 1600 with huge history and recent rally successes for £16,800. The peppy 1290cc versions are just as bewitching, look equally lovely and run at less money – £15k buys a very good one. But they’re more numerous and you’d be better finding a well-restored 1600 because they’ve got the greatest long-term potential and desirability factor. Best of all, the 105 Series Giulia 1600 saloon radiates as much Italian cool as vintage Lambretta scooters and Sixties Gaggia coffee machines. I think they’re gorgeous.