The History

The elegant 105 Series GT coupes began life in 1963 and developed into the 1750 GT Veloce four years later. Defined by its quad headlamps and legendary five bearing four-cylinder 1779cc twin-cam engine, It inherited the previous models cornering abilities and power delivery through one of the finest gearboxes of the era.

This 1969 Series 1 is one of 1138 right-hand drive South African built cars, one of only 240 first series 1750s, having left the Rosslyn plant in 1969. Imported into the UK in 1992, it initially served as a road car and was then selected to be converted into a racing car by specialists Gran Turismo Engineering of Kent where it was built to FIA race standards and to compete in HSCC events.

It now carries a provenance of track history. Furthermore, it comes with a considerable body of paperwork, covering mechanical, body and race expenditures to the tune of £70,000. The car has recently seen the solid prop-shaft removed and replaced with a standard one, to make the car more drivable on the roads and has had the race tyres replaced with a set of road tyres. The car is being sold with those lightly used race Yokohama Advans A048 as well as several boxes of spares including 2 Cylinder heads, a central console, original seat belts and various other parts.

Additional spending in recent years Includes bodywork, race preparation, engine tuning and rebuilds, storage and servicing. Much of the initial work was carried out by Gran Turismo, the company covered all of the mechanical and running gear aspects of the car, but also includes welding, glass and electrical work. Parts were sourced from Classic Alfa, Alfaholics and Wren Classics, along with the additional engine, electrical and maintenance work by Connaught Competition engines and Day & Whites. The most recent work Includes an engine and gearbox rebuild, along with a differential overhaul totalling £11,500 and the car has only covered 3,000 miles since.

The car was created to compete within the HSCC guidelines, so therefore a stringent level of structural integrity can be expected. The body and structure are in very good order. The floor pan, engine bay, boot well and bulkheads are solid, much of the interior metal is easy to inspect and offers any potential buyer a high degree of reassurance.
The Day and White rebuilt race engine is in excellent condition, its twin-cam block, combined with the twin Dellorto DHLA40 produce an exhaust tone that is close to automotive perfection. The car is fitted with roll cage, full race fire-extinguisher system with external release and external ignition cutoff, electronic ignition, flamethrower coil and a Mocal oil catch tank.

The car is now presented for sale after its recent exhibition at Race Retro 2023, where it became one of the star attractions gaining approval from enthusiast and expert alike for its style, shape and high standard of preparation.