Evaluation: One of the first 15 GTAs built by Autodelta, raced by Lucien Bianchi’s Belgian team until 1970 and continued to be raced until the late 1970s. Acquired in 1984 with spares marked VDS and restored in the 1990s with a correct 1,580cc GTA twin-plug engine. There are a few minor chips in the paint. The front seat upholstery has been stretched and has small gouges. The magnesium sump has been scraped and has chipped fins but the chassis and underbody are neat and clean. The engine compartment is clean and orderly with some paint loss on the black painted magnesium cam cover. No confirmed competition history in the ’60’s or ’70s. Better than it has any right to be for the restoration’s age and the temptation to take it out and drive it hard.
Bottom Line: This early, largely hand-built GTA will be a welcome—and handsome—participant at shows and historic events, where it will hold its own in both appearance and performance. Not having been used much recently, it will need thorough checking before it’s let loose, but at this price the new owner can give it the attention it needs without going underwater.
