On the outside of the car, more upgrades were made using the factory parts bin. The headlights on the car are factory European pieces, which give better light and look a little cleaner at the same time. At the back, Becronis chose the same route and found factory correct Euro taillight assemblies to clean up the back end. The bumpers on the car are actually world pieces. These were the days before the U.S. got bigger heavier impact bumpers than the home market. What is most surprising, however, is that most of the brightwork on the car's exterior is not chrome. All the flashy trim on the outside is actually polished stainless steel. While it may not have quite the gleam of chrome, it has a dark brilliance to it that is a little classier and certainly more durable. The small badges and emblems are a mixture of original parts and parts discovered through late-night Internet buying expeditions. Some things however just don't seem to be available anymore. The small Alfa crests on the C-pillars are apparently all but extinct. Copies and different versions can be had on eBay, but the originals are rare indeed. Seeing the originals in all their patinaed glory let you know that this truly is a vintage car owned by an enthusiast. It doesn't look too perfect or over restored.
Experiencing a car like this being driven in anger through the canyons of Southern California is something special. To know that vintage cars are still being enjoyed for what they were built for is reassuring. Becronis has owned the car for 27 years, he street raced in it in high school, it was the getaway car at his wedding, and it even carried his daughter home from the hospital. That same daughter is now 9 years old and already has her eye on the little Super. At first Becronis laughs at the idea of giving her the car, then shrugs and replies, "Well it survived through my teen years."
1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super
*Miles
280,000 (estimated)
*Layout
Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
*Engine
1,570cc, dohc, inline four, twin Weber carburetors, Alfa GTA cams
*Transmission
Five-speed synchromesh manual
*Suspension
A-arm, live axle
*Brakes
ATE power-vacuum assisted, four-wheel disc
*Wheels and Tires
'79 Alfa Romeo 6 x 14 magnesium alloys, Pirelli P6s 195/60
*Performance
Peak Power: 120 hp (estimated)
*Exterior
European headlights and taillights
*Interior
Updated European gauges
Jack's Car
In Nov. 1994, european car featured a '26 Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 Zagato owned by Becronis late father Jack. We had no idea of the connection until Becronis brought it up in the initial meeting. At the time of writing, it was the oldest Jano-designed Alfa in the U.S. and one of the oldest Alfas in private hands anywhere. Jack had brought the car back from England and restored the car from the ground up. The car was regularly raced at vintage events and driven hard on the streets. After finding the old article in our archives, we are no longer surprised by Becronis' Alfa enthusiasm. Maybe his daughter will be getting the Super in a few years to continue the tradition.