This week’s look back at old classified advertisements features a Alfa Romeo race car offered for sale in the May 1972 issue of Road & Track magazine for $6,750.
The original Tubolare Zagato or TZ, currently referenced as TZ1 to differentiate from the later TZ2, was developed with Alfa Romeo’s competition department Autodelta.
Although the TZ1 shared a 1570 cc twin cam engine and other mechanical components shared with the Alfa Romeo Giulia, it was a purpose-built sports racing car with a tubular spaceframe chassis, light all-aluminum bodywork, disc brakes and independent suspension.
The Alfa debuted at the 1963 FISA Monza Cup, where TZs took the first four places in the prototype category. At the beginning of 1964 the TZ was homologated (100 units were needed for homologation) to the Gran Turismo category. After homologation it started to take more class wins in Europe and North-America. Approximately 112 units were built between 1963 and 1965.
This particular Alfa Romeo TZ1, which we believe to be chassis 750052, won its class and finished 13th overall at the 1964 12 Hours of Sebring driven by Jim Kaser and Chuck Stoddard for the Scuderia Sant Ambroeus team.
The Cars That Matter September – December 2008 price guide suggests a $437,000 – $564,000 price for an Alfa Romeo TZ1. This price is supported by the recent Bonhams Goodwood Revival auction that saw a very well documented Alfa Romeo TZ1 sell for £254,500. Needless to say, this Sebring 12 Hour class winner would command top dollar if it went to the market today.
If you bought the Alfa in 1972 for $6,750, your investment would have returned approximately 13% over 36 years.
[Source: Road & Track; Wikipedia]
I doubt you could buy this car today (assuming it was in near concours condition) for under $500K
I agree with Stu ^.
I would think any TZ1 or TZ2 (assuming it was in near concours condition) would fetch over $500K. The scarcity and age of the marque almost demands it.
To find one with an illustrious racing history; especially such winner as this particular example is; would make it a treasure (but, only for the wealthy).