UK vs Italy — 1958 vs 1950
| Grantura Mk III | 1900 Sprint Zagato | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 95 hp | 115 hp |
| Torque | 110 lb-ft | 120 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,798 cc | 1,975 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.8 sec | 10.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 110 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 17.5 sec |
| Weight | 1,625 lbs | 2,028 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,159 mm | 2,500 mm |
| Length | 3,810 mm | 4,310 mm |
| Units Produced | 300 | 21,304 |
| Original MSRP | $3,500 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $400,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1958 TVR Grantura Mk III brings lighter weight, greater rarity, better value to the table, and the 1950 Alfa Romeo 1900 Sprint Zagato answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between UK and Italy automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1958 TVR Grantura Mk III versus 1950 Alfa Romeo 1900 Sprint Zagato is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1950 Alfa Romeo 1900 Sprint Zagato holds a clear advantage in raw power with 115 hp compared to 95 hp, a 20-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the TVR Grantura uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,798 cc, while the Alfa Romeo 1900 relies on a Inline-4 DOHC with 1,975 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1950 Alfa Romeo 1900 Sprint Zagato edges ahead at 10.5 seconds versus 10.8 seconds. The TVR Grantura carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 403 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 300 units built, the 1958 TVR Grantura Mk III is considerably scarcer than the Alfa Romeo 1900's 21,304 examples. On the collector market, the 1950 Alfa Romeo 1900 Sprint Zagato commands a significant premium over the 1958 TVR Grantura Mk III, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.