Classic Alfa Romeos are renowned for two things. The first is that many are powered by peppy little engines that punch above their weight. However, it is their propensity to rust that some people find worrying. This 1961 Giulietta Normale features plenty of the former and none of the latter. It is a tidy and solid driver with engine upgrades designed to enhance the motoring experience. It needs a new home and an owner willing to lift its presentation to a higher level. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Malibu, California. You could drive it home by handing them $38,500. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for using a finely tuned classic radar to spot this Italian gem.

My first impressions of this Alfa are positive. Its Dark Blue paint shines nicely, with no signs of panel damage or other issues. The seller is candid about its overall condition, recommending a repaint to achieve better presentation. However, the lack of significant flaws or bare metal means this could happen as time and circumstances allow. With the country rapidly heading towards warm weather, the buyer may enjoy the Alfa untouched, saving its restoration as a winter project. One battle many owners face with classic Alfas is rust. It can consume these classics in record time, but life in a dry climate appears to have left this car rust-free. The glass looks excellent, while the exterior trim and chrome are free from corrosion or other issues. The only significant change I would make to this Giulietta’s exterior would be to the GTA Veloce wheels. The current color doesn’t compliment the car’s paint shade, and I would probably consider something more appropriate. Of course, the new owner could also bolt on some aftermarket wheels if they weren’t focused on originality.

The Alfas interior is a surprise because it is another aspect of these cars prone to deterioration. Warm weather and harsh UV rays can exact a high toll, and it is common to see floors littered with crumbling plastic. This car avoided that fate, and its interior has no apparent needs. The Black seatcovers look excellent, with the same true of the remaining upholstered surfaces. The dash and headliner are spotless, and the gauges feature clear lenses. There are no aftermarket additions, but the interior carries the hallmarks of a driver’s car. There are no luxury appointments like air conditioning or power windows, and the new owner won’t even receive a radio. There is scope to add one, but I’d probably rather listen to the tune being sung by the engine than anything plying the airwaves.

The seller doesn’t supply engine photos, but they provide plenty of information on its mechanical specifications. The Giulietta Normale usually features a 1,290cc twin-cam four that sends 61hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. That combination doesn’t equate to lightning performance, but with a curb weight of 1,940 lbs, it would normally cope with the cut and thrust of city traffic while cruising effortlessly all day at highway speeds. The story is slightly better with this Giulietta because its engine received more aggressive camshafts and headers designed for the Veloce version. It inhales deeply via dual Weber downdraft carburetors, which should put 100hp within this classic’s reach and push the top speed beyond 100mph. The seller improved things further by adding electronic ignition, new Pirelli tires, a new braking system from end to end, and an external oil radiator and filter to keep this baby running cool. While they don’t expressly state it, the impression is that this Alfa is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

With a bit of TLC, this 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Normale could present at an exceptional level. Its apparent lack of rust means the process should be straightforward. The seller’s price may seem high, but it appears justified. With a fresh coat of paint, recent sales results suggest a value of $50,000 should be within reach. However, with no pressing needs, the new owner could enjoy this classic immediately before committing to any restoration work. It has been on the market for less than a day, and while I don’t believe the current owner will have potential buyers beating a path to their door, I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home fairly quickly.