Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint Zagato
The Alfa Romeo 2000/2600 series, produced from 1958 to 1968, represented Alfa Romeo's move upmarket with a larger, more powerful grand touring car. The six-cylinder engine, a rarity in Alfa's predominantly four-cylinder lineup, provided a smoothness and refinement that distinguished these cars from the smaller Giulia-based models.
The 2600 series (from 1962) used a 2584cc twin-cam inline-six producing 145 to 165 horsepower depending on variant. The Sprint, bodied by Bertone, was the standard coupe, while the Sprint Zagato (SZ) featured distinctive streamlined bodywork that was lighter and more aerodynamic. A Touring-bodied Spider was also produced, offering elegant open-top motoring.
The Zagato-bodied 2600 SZ was the most sporting variant, with its lightweight construction and aerodynamic shape contributing to a top speed approaching 140 mph. Zagato's distinctive rounded body, with its characteristic double-bubble roof, created a car that was visually unique and dynamically superior to the other 2600 variants.
The engine was a magnificent piece of engineering: a twin-cam inline-six with alloy head and iron block, fed by three Weber DCOE carburetors. It produced its power smoothly and willingly, revving cleanly to the 6500 rpm redline with a character distinctly different from the gruff enthusiasm of Alfa's four-cylinder units. This was a refined, cultured engine that suited the car's grand touring aspirations.
The chassis used Alfa Romeo's proven layout of independent front suspension with double wishbones and a live rear axle on coil springs. Four-wheel disc brakes were fitted, providing confident stopping power. A five-speed manual gearbox handled transmission duties, and the steering was pleasingly direct with good feedback.
Total production across all 2000/2600 variants reached approximately 7,000 units, making these among the rarer Alfa Romeos of the period. The 2600 SZ, with only about 105 examples built, is particularly scarce and sought after by collectors.
The Zagato SZ is the most valuable variant by a wide margin. Check for rust throughout, particularly in sills, floor pans, and wheel arches. The inline-six engine is robust but parts can be scarce. Verify body authenticity on Zagato and Touring variants. Three Weber carburetors require expert synchronization. Five-speed gearbox is generally reliable.
The 2000 series (1958-1961) used a 1975cc engine, while the 2600 (1962-1968) used 2584cc. Sprint coupe by Bertone, Spider by Touring, SZ by Zagato. The SZ was the rarest with approximately 105 built. Total production approximately 6,999 across all variants. The inline-six was Alfa's only postwar production six-cylinder until the 164.