Alfa Romeo’s Legendary Giulietta: A Look at a First-Year Third-Gen Model
Alfa Romeo first introduced the Giulietta name in 1954, producing a legendary generation that lasted until 1965. The name was revived for a wild-looking sedan in the late 1970s to the mid-1980s before it was used again on a compact hatchback in 2011. In this junkyard scrapyard find, we take a closer look at a first-year third-gen Giulietta, found in a self-service yard in Yorkshire, England.
### Discovering Rare Finds in the UK
During a trip to Great Britain, the Copart-owned U-Pull-It stores in England and Scotland revealed a host of unique vehicles not commonly found in the US. From a 2005 Smart ForFour to a 1963 Bentley S3, these hidden gems included a 2009 Alfa Romeo Brera S and a 2010 Citroën C4 Picasso.
### Giulietta’s Evolution and Legacy
The third-generation Giulietta remained in production until 2020, when it was replaced by a Jeep Compass-related crossover. The closest U.S.-market relative to the Giulietta was the Dodge Dart, which shared a platform with the Alfa Romeo model. The Giulietta even made an appearance in Fast & Furious 6, showcasing its performance capabilities.
### Speculations and Realities
There were talks in the early 2010s of the Giulietta potentially being sold in the US. However, this did not materialize, and the Alfa Romeo 4C became the brand’s first new model available in the United States since the 1995 models. The Giulietta came with a range of engine options, including petrol and diesel variants, making it a versatile choice for consumers.
### Features and Design Offerings
European buyers of the 2011 Giulietta had a wide selection of engines and alloy wheel types to choose from. This particular model features a base six-speed manual transmission and one of the available 16-inch alloy wheel options. Despite its practicality and competitive edge against models like the Volkswagen Golf, the Giulietta faced challenges in staying relevant as the SUV craze took over Europe.
### Alfa Romeo’s Enduring Appeal
While the Giulietta didn’t make it to the US market, it remains a symbol of Alfa Romeo’s legacy and craftsmanship. With unique marketing campaigns featuring spokespeople like Uma Thurman, the Giulietta stood out as a blend of freedom, strength, and technology. While it may not be just a car, it is undoubtedly an Alfa Romeo, a distinction that sets it apart from more mainstream models like the Dodge Dart.
In conclusion, the Giulietta’s rich history, innovative design, and Euro-centric appeal continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, making it a timeless icon in Alfa Romeo’s lineup.