NUT AND BOLT RESTORATION

Though one of his first major projects, the Bertone-penned Alfa Romeo 105 Series Coupe has a simple grace that is as admired today as when it first appeared in 1963. When coupled with the 1.6-litre Super version of the company's ubiquitous all-alloy, DOHC, four-cylinder engine, the result was a performance car capable of shaming many sporting two-seaters of the period. It's perhaps no surprise then that these delightful classics are highly collectable today and racing versions are still being campaigned with vigour on most continents. The specification was straightforward - a two-door, three-box, lightweight (2,050 lbs) body powered by a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels. The suspension was independent at the front and braking was by servo-assisted discs all-round. A slick five-speed manual gearbox ensured optimum performance and added to driver satisfaction. The GT Junior variants began with the 1300 of 1965. It was designed as an entry level model for those that wished to enjoy the cachet of an Alfa Coupe without suffering the fiscal penalties that often came with the bigger-engined versions. It was based on the Giulia Sprint GT but featured a simplified interior 13000 made. This Junior theme was developed over some 12 years and from 1972 included the addition of a 1600cc-engined model, that was specifically created to fill the gap that had emerged between the Junior 1300 and the now 2000cc-engined GTV. Within a couple more years the 105 range had been slimmed down to comprise just these three models, so the bodies and running gear were duly rationalised so as many parts as possible were common to each.

KKH 472N is a right-hand drive GT Junior 1600 that was first registered in 1975. It feature Blue bodywork teamed with a Cream leather interior and is said to have just had some 12000.00 lavished upon it. The related work included: an extensive body restoration that took in the fitment of new door sills and lightweight doors; an engine overhaul/service; The vendor understandably now regards the bodywork and paintwork as "excellent", and the 1600cc twin-cam engine and five-speed manual gearbox as "good".