Alfa Romeo TZ2 Berlinetta Competizone
There are a few Italian designed and built cars that are hailed as the best looking sports racing cars ever produced. Ferrari's 330 P4, their Dino 206 SP and Alfa Romeo's Tipo 33 and TZ to name but a few - yes, its very subjective, and one could argue for any number of other cars.
However, the Alfa Romeo TZ2 Berlinetta Competizone, should, in my opinion, be included in any argument.
Designed by Zagatto, the TZ2 was conceived, and manufactured by the Autodelta subsidiary of Alfa Romeo in Italy, this quasi-works specialist competition unit having been created by ex-Ferrari chief engineer Ing. Carlo Chiti and his friend and associate Ludovico Chizzola in 1963.
Powered by an Autodelta prepared 1.6 Twin Cam engine, with Twin Plug ignition and dry sump lubrication producing 170hp at 7000rpm, weighing in at 620kg, just 10 (12) TZ2's were produced.
The works cars, 6 being run by Autodelta for the factory, enjoyed a short period of success, winning their class at Sebring, the Targa Florio, Nürburgring, Monza, Mugello and the Giro d'Italia as well as the Criterium des Cevennes and more wins in the hands of private teams and gentleman racers.
Made in 1966, this is chassis 116, photographed for, and sold by Bonhams back in 2005 where it failed to reach its $2m estimate or reserve. Initially registered on UD121003 for Autodelta, it was then purchased by VDS in Belgium where it enjoyed limited success. The Zagatto register, last updated for #116 in 2011, shows the car still in the USA, with the current owner taking possession in 2006.
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