1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta T.I. Berlina
A couple years after Alfa Romeo unveiled the four-door Giulietta Berlina sedan at the 1955 Turin Motor Show, the company introduced an upgraded Turismo Internazionale (T.I.) variant.
With better performance, the T.I. model catered to driving enthusiasts seeking a practical yet sporting saloon. Its blend of usability and dynamic prowess quickly proved popular among buyers looking for excitement from their daily driver.
The T.I. Berlina sedan built on the standard Berlina model with a tuned 1,290 cc inline-four engine producing 64 horsepower, allowing for spirited performance. The front grille was revised, instrumentation upgraded, and trim options expanded to distinguish the T.I. Styling tweaks and mechanical improvements were made throughout the model’s lifecycle to keep it competitive.
This example from 1959 features period modifications by Italian company Trivellato, intending to campaign it in motorsport with Scuderia Bardahl.
Stiffer suspension, racing transmission with floor shifter, and other upgrades gave this sedan genuine sporting capabilities to match its iconic Italian style. Houndstooth upholstery, wood steering wheel, and other period Alfa Romeo accents abound, creating an alluring aesthetic.
The T.I. Berlina was more than merely a family car – Alfa Romeo’s racing division, Autodelta, campaigned beefed-up Giuliettas with much success. This racing pedigree, plus its balanced handling and sophistication, bolstered the Giulietta’s image as an exciting sports sedan.
Four doors allowed the Berlina to seat families comfortably while maintaining a driver-focused dashboard layout. High-quality interior materials reflected the Italian brand’s attention to aesthetics and functionality – heritage that remains to this day.
Now a collectors’ item, the Giulietta holds great historical significance as a pivotal model that defined Alfa Romeo’s passionate, stylish character.
Whether preserved in original condition or tastefully modified like this example, the Giulietta T.I. Berlina encapsulates the romantic sporting spirit loved by Alfa Romeo enthusiasts worldwide. This unique car offers period race preparation combined with inherent Italian flair – a joy on both road and track.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
