Alfetta (Type 116) 1971-1987

The Beginning of My 1976 Mk1 Alfetta Saloon Race Car Project

This is the start of my 1976 Mk1 Alfa Romeo Alfetta Saloon race car project, which is being built to compete in the CSCC Swinging Sixties Group 2 Championship, as well as the Alfa Romeo Italian Intermarque Pre-85 Championship.

I purchased the Alfetta in 2021 after it had been imported to the UK from Naples, Italy.

From what we know, the car had been owned from new by its original Italian owner. Following his sad passing, the car was purchased from the family by the previous UK-based owner before eventually coming into my ownership.

When we first saw the car, it had already been stripped down ready for restoration. Despite its age, it remained remarkably original. At the time of purchase, the odometer showed 54,813 miles, and the car still retained its original floors and body seals.

Fortunately, the bodywork required only a small amount of welding, with repairs needed in three main areas: the two lower corners of the rear screen and the bottom of the offside front door.

Given the car’s originality and solid condition, we decided it would make the perfect basis for a historic race car. The plan was to build the Alfetta to compete in the CSCC Swinging Sixties Series while preserving the character and spirit of this classic Alfa Romeo.

What started as a solid and largely original road car would soon begin its transformation into a competitive historic racing machine. 🏁🇮🇹🚗✨

Engine Specification

The Alfetta is powered by a full race-prepared 2.0-litre Alfa Romeo twin-cam engine running on 45mm Dell’Orto carburettors fitted with GTA-style air trumpets, providing excellent throttle response and the unmistakable sound of a classic Alfa race car.

The engine specification includes:

• 12mm Colombo & Bariani camshafts
• CTM Performance polished and ported cylinder head
• Classic Alfa high-compression pistons
• King race bearings throughout
• Competition timing chains
• Alfaholics lower timing chain tensioner
• Solid carburettor mounts matched to the cylinder head
• Mocal oil breather system
• EB Spares stainless steel 4-2-1 exhaust manifold
• Powerlite high-torque starter motor
• Powerlite race alternator
• 123 Electronic Ignition system
• Flame-Thrower 3-ohm ignition coil
• Classic Alfa race ignition lead set
• Classic Alfa 13-row Mocal oil cooler system

Together, these modifications create a strong, reliable and highly responsive 2.0-litre twin-cam engine, perfectly suited to historic motorsport competition and capable of delivering both performance and durability on track. The combination of the 45mm Dell’Orto carburettors, high-compression pistons and carefully developed cylinder head allows the engine to produce strong power throughout the rev range while retaining the character that makes Alfa Romeo twin-cam engines so special. 🏁🇮🇹🚗💨

Chassis, Drivetrain & Safety Specification

To ensure the Alfetta is competitive and reliable in historic motorsport, a number of carefully considered upgrades have been carried out while retaining much of the car’s original character.

Cooling System

The cooling system has been upgraded with a Coolex aluminium radiator, alloy race header tank and Evans Waterless Coolant. This combination provides improved cooling efficiency and reliability during demanding race conditions.

Suspension

The suspension has been extensively developed to improve handling and adjustability:

• Alfa 75 Twin Spark front suspension arms and hubs
• Adjustable rear A-frame Watt’s linkage
• Rose-jointed front A-frame mount
• Adjustable Gaz front coilovers
• CSR adjustable top arms
• CSR bladed front anti-roll bar
• CSR adjustable rear spring platforms and springs

These modifications allow the chassis setup to be tailored to different circuits and conditions while maintaining excellent balance and grip.

Transmission

Power is transmitted through a fully rebuilt Alfa 75 Twin Spark transaxle gearbox fitted with a limited-slip differential (LSD).

The gearbox has been rebuilt with:

• New bearings throughout
• New synchromesh components
• Limited-slip differential

The clutch assembly has been lightened and balanced, while the clutch cover has been modified with a front bearing support cage to improve durability under race conditions.

Braking System

The braking system has been upgraded to provide strong and consistent stopping performance:

• Alfa 75 Brembo front calipers
• Alfa 105 Series Spider rear calipers
• Carbon Lorraine competition brake pads front and rear
• Adjustable brake bias valve
• Hydraulic handbrake
• Racing brake fluid throughout

This setup delivers excellent braking performance and allows brake balance to be fine-tuned to suit driver preference and circuit characteristics.

Interior & Safety

While built as a race car, the Alfetta retains much of its original interior appearance, including:

• Original dashboard
• Original door cards
• Original headlining

Safety equipment includes:

• FIA-approved bolt-in roll cage
• FIA bucket seats
• Six-point racing harnesses
• Plumbed-in fire extinguisher system
• Interior-mounted battery box

The result is a historic race car that combines modern safety standards and proven race engineering with the character and charm of a classic Alfa Romeo Alfetta. Built to compete in the CSCC Swinging Sixties Group 2 Championship and Alfa Romeo Italian Intermarque Pre-85 Championship, it remains true to the spirit of historic motorsport. 🏁🇮🇹🚗💨

2023 National Alfa Day at Bicester Heritage.

The Alfetta was proudly featured in the Race Cars on Display section and later took to the track for the demonstration laps, giving spectators the chance to see A range of Alfa Romeo’s in action around the Bicester Heritage test circuit.

A fantastic day celebrating Alfa Romeo heritage, motorsport, and the passion of the Alfa community. 🇮🇹❤️🏁

🇮🇹🚗☀️ What a fantastic day at the 2024 Auto Italia Italian Car Day at Brooklands!

The event was a wonderful celebration of all things Italian, with an incredible display of classic and modern Italian cars, great food, live music, and a brilliant atmosphere throughout the day. One of the highlights was taking part in the parade laps around the Mercedes-Benz World test track, giving the cars a chance to stretch their legs and putting smiles on the faces of drivers and spectators alike.

A truly memorable day that perfectly captured the passion, style, and spirit of Italian motoring. Already looking forward to the next one! 🇮🇹🏁

🇳🇱 Road trip to Holland for the fantastic 2024 Spettacolo Sportivo at Zandvoort. The Alfetta completed the journey in style and took to the track during the Vrij Rijden Klassiek sessions. Great cars, great people, and plenty of unforgettable memories! 🚗💨🏁

A brilliant day at Goodwood for the Classic Alfa Track Day. Surrounded by beautiful Alfa Romeo 105 and 116 Series cars, the Alfetta performed flawlessly and was tremendous fun to drive around the legendary Goodwood Motor Circuit. A perfect day of classic Alfa motoring! 🏁🚗🇮🇹

2025 HSCC Mutton Grand Prix – Silverstone

What a way to finish the racing year! My first time racing on the Silverstone National Circuit, and with a packed 40-car grid it was a very busy 25-minute race. The variety of cars was incredible – everything from a Nissan GT-R GT3 and a Lamborghini Huracán GT3 to an Austin A30. Plenty to contend with, lots of action throughout, and a fantastic experience from start to finish. A brilliant way to end the season! 🏁🏎️💨

🏁 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting season!

New for 2026 is the Pre-85 Alfa Romeo and Italian Intermarque Championship, running alongside the HSCC Historic Road Sports Championship, and I’m delighted to be taking part in a fantastic calendar of events.

The season gets underway at Snetterton on the 200 Circuit with the opening round of the Pre-85 ARIIC Championship.

Next comes a very special invitation to join the HSCC Historic Road Sports Championship grid at the prestigious BRDC Silverstone Classic on the full Grand Prix Circuit.

From there, it’s on to the Alfa Romeo and Italian Intermarque Championship race as part of the Turismo Classic at the fabulous Oulton Park Gold Cup meeting, one of the highlights of the historic motorsport calendar.

The season will then conclude back at Silverstone for another round of the Pre-85 ARIIC Championship on the National Circuit.

A fantastic mix of circuits, championships, and historic racing. I can’t wait to get the Alfetta back on track and see what the season has in store! 🏎️🇮🇹🏁

Snetterton – Round 1

Round 1 of the new Alfa Romeo and Italian Intermarque Pre-85 Series took place at Snetterton alongside the HSCC Historic Road Sports Championship. The grid was packed with variety, featuring everything from Porsche 911s, Ginetta G4s, Lotus Elans and Ford Mustangs to a fantastic selection of Italian machinery. A great mix of cars, close racing throughout, and a superb way to kick off the new season. 🏁🇮🇹🚗

Built and prepared by:

https://www.kandlautosuk.com/

Race championship:

https://www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk/swinging-sixties

https://alfaracer.com/

https://www.hscc.uk/

https://www.hscc.uk/70s-road-sports

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/alfetta116racecarproject?igsh=Z3Y5MDM0cmphNGc0&utm_source=qr