𝐀𝐥𝐟𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨 𝐆𝐢𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐮𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞 (𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚), 𝟙𝟡𝟞𝟝

1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sport Tubolare by Pininfarina: The Lost Prototype of Milan

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Sport Tubolare, designed by Pininfarina in 1965, is one of those rare concept cars that blurs the line between art and engineering.

Based on the Giulia TZ (Tubolare Zagato) chassis—a lightweight, tubular spaceframe platform used in Alfa’s racing program—this one-off prototype was Pininfarina’s futuristic reinterpretation of what a high-performance Alfa could be.

While the Zagato-bodied TZs were already known for their aerodynamic curves and race-ready looks, Pininfarina’s take was far more avant-garde.

The design featured a long, low-slung nose, enclosed headlamps, a Kammback tail, and delicate detailing that previewed styling cues seen in later Alfa Romeo models of the late ’60s and early ’70s.

It was sleeker and more sculptural, emphasizing elegance over aggression.

Underneath, it retained the same 1.6-liter twin-cam inline-four used in the TZs, paired with a 5-speed gearbox and lightweight construction for a potent power-to-weight ratio.

The car was meant to be both a style icon and a capable GT racer—but sadly, it remained a one-off prototype, never entering production.

The car’s silhouette is low and fluid, with a long bonnet, a sharply tapered rear, and a beautifully restrained greenhouse, creating a visual balance that feels almost otherworldly for the mid-1960s.

The enclosed headlamps and ultra-sleek body lines hinted at the aerodynamic priorities of motorsport, but with a designer’s elegance. The rear treatment featured a Kammback tail, not just for looks but for aerodynamic efficiency—long before such design elements became mainstream.

Inside, the cabin was equally minimal and driver-focused, yet with Pininfarina’s signature sophistication. It was a car that looked like it belonged in a Bond film, but had the engineering DNA to compete on the Targa Florio.

Under the hood sat the familiar yet beloved 1.6-liter DOHC inline-four, breathing through twin Weber carburetors and producing around 112 horsepower. Given the car’s estimated weight—around 650 kg (1,430 lbs) thanks to its tubular chassis and alloy panels—it had genuine performance credentials. It wasn’t just a design exercise; it was a serious sports machine.

But here’s the twist: only one was ever made.

Today, the Giulia Sport Tubolare Pininfarina is a hidden gem in Alfa Romeo’s deep design archives—a bold “what if” moment in automotive history that showcased the brand’s commitment to both racing and radical design.