I picked up my Giulia Super at the factory in Milan in 1965. Of all the sedans I've ever owned, it remains my favorite. An airline strike in 1966 compelled me to use the Giulia for many illegally fast trips between New York and South Carolina, running at 100 mph on newly opened Interstate highways. We were never stopped because it was evident in those pre-radar days that a block-shaped gray four-door could not be speeding. The Giulia was the perfect stealth car, whatever the subterfuge.
"Alfa Romeo? That's a sports car!" said my insurance agent.
"No, no. It's a four-door sedan."
"Well, does it have four on the floor?" he asked.
"No, absolutely not," I replied.
It was fun, it was safe. It was a winner.
SIDE VIEW
1. The generous radius sweeping up from the hood, which slopes down to the front, reduces pressure build-up at the base of the windshield. The Giulia may look like a telephone booth, but it is very clever and very efficient.
2. Notice how the sides flow into the front with a large radius, again offering minimal disturbance for the air flowing past the body.
3. Most Giulias had these perforated steel wheels with dog-dish hubcaps. They looked so good that few bothered to change them.
4. A body feature all but gone from cars today, these opening quarter windows are very practical and agreeable for assuring adequate ventilation without buffeting.
5. Not much brightwork on the side, just the door handles, window trims, and this simple stainless steel strip.
6. The glass area in the Giulia is enormous, letting the gray and black interiors still feel luminous. Visibility for the driver and passengers was superb.
7. Extending the roof past the backlight reduces drag and provides a slight sunshade for rear passengers.
8. The Giulia was perhaps the first car to use a high, flat rear deck as an aerodynamic element (as well as give an efficient and practical rectilinear luggage compartment).
9. The entire rear façade is simple and rectangular. A rounded rib on the entire perimeter stiffens the structure without adding weight.
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