THE SUPER STAR
Upon its launch, at the 1957 Turin Motor Show, the motoring press was impressed by an unrivaled drag coefficient of only 0.28. They trumpeted this figure, that was not to be surpassed for the ensuing 20 years, as a triumph of Italian technology. I always thought they were wrong in their attribution. I think the air itself is stunned by this incredible beauty. And so it needs to just step back and take a better look. In doing so, it creates a bubble of magical void that wraps around the sensual curves of the splendid body, granting it a frictionless right of passage to wherever it might wish to head towards. It’s a heart shaped car that oozes emotion, one of the quintessential expressions of what makes an Alfa great.
It’s easy to see the influence of the BAT designs on this Franco Scaglione masterpiece, but while the BAT 9 has a presence and a prestige that is more related to the pre war Alfa designs, the SS is an expression of the post war ideal of creating nimble cars, that rely on a featherweight construction rather than outright engine power. The seminal Giulietta Tipo 750 /101 platform, the source of so much joy for the Alfisti, blessed the SS with its 1.3 bialbero, an engine with an incredibly powerful voice, especially when it makes itself heard through an open exhaust. Just like this competition oriented 1962 Tipo 750 SS/ 101.20. While Olivier, founder and owner of Auto Storica Barcelona, revs up the engine, as he gets ready to blast up a ramp, I nearly forget that I am all set to take a shot and I just let go of any thoughts as the sound reverberates through my body. Glorious. This girl makes a conquest before you even see her.
We are in the den of the big cat whisperers of Barcelona. It’s a temple dedicated to the Coventry marque. Everywhere you look, there are reminders that British car culture is very dear to everyone working here. From memorabilia to model cars, from the polished Brough to the pair of Jensens, from the Lotus wedge to the voluptuous Aston, there is evidence in just about every corner. And yet, as so many true enthusiasts’ places, this is not exclusive to vehicles manufactured in only one country. There are XK 120s, Mark 2s and a respectable assortment of E-types, but there are also a few Ferraris, a couple of Lambos, some mysterious Facels and an American car or two. Oh, and Alfas. I think even the guys from Auto Storica were surprised as I kept uncovering one Alfa after another, in various parts of the premises and in different states of tune. From GTC to GTV, not to mention a second SS. A Giulia Turismo Internationale, a 105 Junior and an Osso di Sepia. Needless to say, the Biscione was feeling right at home under this roof.
For me, it was a great pleasure to see, side by side, an E-type and a SS. I always found these two to have so much in common. Two visions of aerodynamic perfection, executed in completely different ways. Both are impeccable and iconic. The Jaguar is motivated by a big engine, that was certainly a necessity, given the large paws this car has to set in motion. It is so much bigger on the outside, with a brawny look and a hearty dose of aggression. Very manly. Sure, Enzo Ferrari considered it the most beautiful car in the world, but, to be fair, his insatiable pride got in the way of him admitting that his former employer still produced designs that nobody else could dream of rivalling. It’s hard to make an E-type look a little lumpy. But that’s exactly what the proximity of the SS does to it. It’s not that it ever looks ugly, but you can’t help but look at the red one. And blush. The Jaguar makes you want to flex your muscles. The Alfa makes you want to bring her flowers, sing to her and dedicate her poems. All in the very remote hope that you might get just a glance back from this pristine muse.
It is a competition car. With tow hooks, a higher ride height than usual, a roll cage and plexiglas side windows. It does without the front bumper, giving her a bit of the low nose look. The aluminium fuel cap adds a gorgeous detail to the left flank, while the red fire extinguisher seems colour coded to the painted dash. And you could be forgiven for believing that those leather straps are on just for decoration. Every detail has a tactile dimension to it. It works. But it also delights. It's a very Italian way to interpret the form follows function mantra, one that makes you wonder if there really is any difference at all between the two. Which brings our story full circle.
Cars like the Giulietta Sprint Speciale make you realise that sometimes all factual information only amounts to a post rationalisation, a futile attempt to explain with the mind something that only the heart can fully apprehend. You are much better off simply accepting that what you are dealing with is not the application of any number of intricate formulae. It’s just magic.
