Alfa Giulietta (Protar): Overview

It turns out I've gotten sucked into buying this kit twice, both times hoping for a detailed motor. The Protar and Italeri kits turn out to be identical, reboxed curbside kits, albeit with a removable hood and trunk lid. So one will get built stock, the other hot rodded; this build is part of an ongoing build-off managed by The New Modeler's Club (TNMC) on Facebook.



The Giulietta, in coupe or spider form, was a gorgeous little thing. The classic aluminum twincam 1290 cc motor made from 52 to 100 hp depending on version; this compares with 60 hp from the relatively agricultural 1275 in the Mini Cooper S. It would be gutless by today's standards, but doubtless a joy on a twisty little mountain route. Later versions were increased to 1570 cc; the larger Giulia had motors up to 2 litres.



This one will get done in yellow, because there are enough red Italian cars in the display case. This has required a lot of primer as the body is molded in red; I've also shaved off the bumper mounting pins, so this will be the hot-rodded version. Currently ride height and a proper wheel and tire combo are being evaluated. I've got a set of Minilites from Scale Production that look about right, and disc brakes from Model Car Garage. I am debating hijacking a set of fender flares designed for the BMW 2002 tii, made by Scale Productions, in case the track with these fat little tires winds up being excessive, but I would also like to save those for the actual 2002, so decisions need to be made.



An appropriate engine may need to be found, without cannibalising a decent Tamiya Giulia kit. Proper Italian motors are few and far between! And I have a couple of Gunze Sangyo Giulias which are also missing a motor, so demand for Alfa Twincams is high. Plan B is of course to build it as a curbside, because the amount of fabrication needed for firewall, radiator, etc., is going to be large.

Stay tuned!