When one thinks of Alfa Romeo, the thought is often accompanied by passion, flair, and beauty. Things the Italians are normally known and associated with.
That's why it comes as little surprise that the 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider won the award for most popular classic car in the 'Convertibles' category, and the Giulia Sprint GT won the inaugural award for most coveted 'people's sports car'.
Majority votes
The Spider, which was first revealed in 1966, walked away with 24.9% of the votes to win its category. In 1969, Alfa launched the GT Giulia GT Sprint. Some 51 years later and the car wins its category with 34.8% of the votes counting in its favour.
Alfa Romeo said: "This prestigious award comes in a special year for the brand. In 2020, we celebrate the first 110 years of Alfa Romeo, a milestone of motoring with its trophies, technological innovations and memorable creations on four wheels, just like the two striking models that brought home the 'Motor Klassik Awards'"
Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto. Image: QuickPic
Decent power for the time
The first-generation Alfa Romeo Spider was penned by Battista Pininfarina, and was commonly known as the "Duetto". The two-seater, with its 1.6-litre engine delivers 80kW, was first displayed at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. Two more engines followed: a 1.3-litre that develops 65kW, and a 1.-7-litre that was good for 87kW.
The Giulia range was offered with a host of engines, ranging from 1.3-litres to 2.0-litres. Power outputs were between 65kW and 96kW. Alfa Romeo says that around 225 000 units were produced.
According to Alfa Romeo: "This lightweight convertible, with mainly aluminum bodywork and a 1.6-liter engine equipped with dual ignition - two spark plugs per cylinder - became the most successful racing car in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The various models of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT racing versions won three titles in the European Touring Car Championship."
Alfa Romeo GT Sprint. Image: QuickPic
Compiled by: Charlen Raymond