1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT Veloce “Stepnose” - For Alfisti With Standards
Jamie Ong
This 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT Veloce - known to insiders as the “Stepnose”- isn’t just a car. It’s an initiation rite into the cult of real driving, where style, sound, and soul matter more than speed on a spec sheet.
If you’re just looking for a showpiece for Cars & Coffee, this might not be your speed. But if you appreciate the thrill of a twin-cam engine screaming past 6,000 RPM and the satisfying snick of a precise gear change, you’re in the right place.
The “Stepnose” Controversy: From Flaw to Flex
Let’s get it out of the way - the stepped front lip wasn’t intentional. It was a quirk of early body alignment. At first, even the faithful weren’t sure what to make of it.
But over time, it became an iconic design cue - a visual signal that you’ve got the real-deal early Veloce, the kind that came before Alfa softened the edges. Today, if your Alfa doesn’t have a step, you’re not quite in the club.
Alfistis know that Veloce means “fast,” but in Alfa Romeo’s world, it’s never just about outright speed. First used on the Giulietta in 1956, the Veloce badge has come to signify something deeper - whether it’s a bigger engine or a model crafted for drivers who appreciate styling and substance with character. It’s Alfa’s way of blending performance with personality, past with present.
Race Pedigree and Factory Quirks
This Veloce isn’t just a pretty face - it has racing DNA. Underneath the elegant lines lie touches borrowed from Alfa’s motorsport program, like the race-derived oil cooler (prone to heat soak in early builds, which only adds to its rarity and story).
And the factory tuning lottery? Some Veloces left with richer carb jetting, giving them a noticeable edge. It wasn’t consistent - but when you got a good one, you felt it.
The 1.6L Heart and That Lightweight Hustle
At its core is Alfa’s legendary 1.6L all-aluminum twin-cam engine, delivering 109 horsepower through twin Weber carburetors. It revs freely, sings with urgency, and delivers a lightweight driving experience that modern machines can’t replicate.
And the body? Alfa used thinner-gauge steel for non-structural panels to keep the car agile. Great for handling - bad for rust. That’s why this South African dry-climate survivor is so significant. No rust. No compromises.
Restored With Reverence, Not Flash
This isn’t a resto-mod or a parts-bin rebuild. It’s a nut-and-bolt restoration carried out with factory-correct precision. The paint is Bianco Spino, and the attention to detail is the kind usually reserved for Ferraris with waiting lists.
From the tight gearbox to the harmonized carbs and rebuilt oil system, this Veloce has been restored to be driven - not just displayed.
And yes, The Italian Job (1969) gave the Giulia Ti a few seconds of screen time - but the culture impact stuck. It was the Alfa you saw parked sideways outside the café. The Alfa your uncle “raced once.” The Alfa that convinced you Italians truly knew how to build cars.
Design That Still Turns Heads
It’s one of Giugiaro’s early masterpieces at Bertone - simple, purposeful, and timeless.
- Kamm-tail rear
- Minimal chrome
- Tucked-in beltline
And of course, that satisfying Stepnose profile
Inside, it’s pure ‘60s analog magic: wood-rimmed steering wheel, Jaeger gauges, twin-hood dash. No screens. No gimmicks. Just feel, smell, and soul.
Collector Gold with a Driving Edge
As collectors look past the obvious brands, the Stepnose Alfa is climbing fast. According to Classic.com’s data, top-condition Sprint GT Veloces restored by known experts, with correct parts, desirable specifications and documented provenance have approached or cross the six-figure sales threshold, with values trending upward as demand for mechanically pure and stylistically iconic classics rises.
This one stands apart not just for its condition, but for its rare origin, correct parts, and drive-ready mechanicals.
Insider Intel
Most Stepnoses you’ll find have either been:
- Heavily modified
- Rust-damaged in Europe
- Or restored with mismatched parts
But this one?
- Dry-climate South African body
- Nut-and-bolt integrity
- A restoration brief that reads like a love letter to Milano
Auto Icons: For Drivers Who Collect, For Collectors Who Drive
The 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT Veloce “Stepnose” is for people who get it. It’s not about flash or fame - it’s about proportions, purity, and presence. It reminds you why you fell in love with driving in the first place. Looking for a specific Alfa Romeo or planning to add another gem to your collection? Connect with us via WhatsApp, drop us an email, or fill out our contact form.