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Building on their successful mid-size sedan, the 1900, Alfa Romeo's second post-war line was a smaller, sportier model. It was called Giulietta, the Italian equivalent of Juliet (a clever “play” on the Romeo name). The final shape of the 1954 Giulietta Sprint coupe as developed by Bertone’s Franco Scaglione was an understated masterpiece, and an instant hit. The following year, partially at the urging of Max Hoffman and the potential American market, the Pininfarina-designed Giulietta Spider was released to similar rave reviews. It sported a 1300cc engine and, as expected, the Spider did very well in the U.S. and was popular among the celebrity crowd. It was renamed Giulia in 1962. There were ultimately 27,500 Spiders produced in both Normale and Veloce versions from 1955 through 1965.
Ricko chose the 1959 Giulietta to model, the first year of the 101 series designation (it was previously the 750). This reproduction is certainly long-anticipated, at least by me. I had heard tantalizing rumors of a discontinued Giulietta and Giulia from Revell, but never found the cars. This fills another prominent gap in the 1/18 sports car lineup. Ricko typically offers good quality for the price, and this car is no exception. The distinctive race-bred Giulietta engine is nicely detailed for a diecast in this price range, molded in at least 4 colors, with spark-plug wiring, and even has the model and serial number ID plates under the hood. There are fine chrome accents throughout, including the windshield frame and the handsome and unique Giulietta badge and grille arrangement.
The fit of the opening hood, doors and trunk is good, although the driver’s door on my model appears to be shifted a bit forward of center. Finish is smooth and even. The underside of the car is fairly plain, without details of the brakes, etc. There is a working spring suspension however, and working steering. The wheels are an authentic two-tone silver & chrome. The interior is also very well done – flawless gauges and steering wheel insignia, two-tone dash with realistic knobs and accents, and vinyl mats on the floorboards and in the trunk as well. The doors are unfortunately hinged in the dog-leg style (shame on you Ricko), but the hinges are fairly inconspicuous under the dash when the doors are closed. Still, overall, this is a very good model of a really cool car, and it’s a great bargain to boot!
(05/24/2005)
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