The Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2 is the racing-only version of the Tubolare Zagato, introduced at the Turin Auto Show in 1964 with a more streamlined fibreglass body that cut the weight to 620 kg. Only 12 were built, and it won its class at Monza, Sebring, the Targa Florio and the Nürburgring.
Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2 at a glance
| Introduced | 1964 Turin Auto Show (Zagato stand) |
|---|---|
| Units | 12 |
| Use | racing only |
| Body | fibreglass, moulded tight to the chassis, by Zagato |
| Engine | 1,570 cc DOHC straight-four, Autodelta-prepared, twin plug, dry sump |
| Power | about 170 bhp at 7,000 rpm |
| Weight | 620 kg (1,370 lb) |
| Top speed | 245 km/h (152 mph) |
| Development ended | end of 1965, to make room for the GTA programme |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.
History of the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2
To strengthen the structure and cut weight further, Zagato replaced the light-alloy body of the TZ with an even more streamlined fibreglass body moulded tight to the chassis, which gave lower drag and a weight of 620 kg. The rear window was now a single unit instead of three parts. Development of the TZ cars stopped at the end of 1965 to make room for the Alfa Romeo GTA racing programme.
In 1965 the TZ2 took a class win in the 1000 km of Monza (Bussinello and De Adamich finished seventh overall and first in the GT 1600 category), and class victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Targa Florio, the Nürburgring 1000 km, the 6 Hours of Melbourne, the Giro d’Italia and the Critérium des Cévennes. There were more class wins in 1966 at Monza, Sebring, the Targa Florio and the Nürburgring. The Australian team Mildren Racing also raced a TZ2, and in 1966 Kevin Bartlett and Doug Chivas drove it to third place in the Surfers Paradise 12 Hour race. A TZ2 won the Gran Turismo Trophy at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Design and features
- Body: fibreglass, moulded tight to the chassis, for lower drag and weight.
- Engine: an Autodelta-prepared twin-plug, dry-sump 1,570 cc twin-cam four giving about 170 bhp.
- Racing only: unlike the TZ1, the TZ2 was never offered as a road car.
Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2 versions
- TZ2 (1964–1965): 12 racing cars.
- TZ (TZ1): the earlier aluminium-bodied car built in 112 units.
More Alfa Romeo sports cars of the 1960s are in our Alfa Romeo collection, for example the Giulia TZ1 and the Giulia GTA.
Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2 questions and answers
How many TZ2 were built?
Only 12.
What is different from the TZ1?
A fibreglass body instead of aluminium, 620 kg instead of 650 kg, and no road version.
How fast is the TZ2?
About 245 km/h (152 mph).
Why did TZ development stop?
To make room for the Alfa Romeo GTA racing programme at the end of 1965.
Sources
- Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ, English Wikipedia: TZ2 design and race results
