The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.
The Alfa Romeo TZ 1965 is a sports car that was produced in limited quantities by the Italian automaker. It was made for the FIA GT championship and was designed to be competitive in races against other GT cars of its time.
The body of the car was designed by Zagato, a renowned coachbuilder that was known for its distinctive lightweight designs. The TZ was built on a tube frame chassis that was constructed of chrome-moly steel, which made it exceptionally light and strong. The body panels were made of aluminum, and the entire car weighed in at only 650 kg.
Under the hood, the TZ was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that was capable of producing up to 170 horsepower. This was achieved through the use of dual overhead camshafts, twin spark plugs per cylinder, and a pair of Weber carburetors. The engine was mated to a five-speed manual transmission that was located at the rear of the car.
The suspension of the TZ was a combination of double wishbones in the front and a De Dion axle in the rear. The car was fitted with adjustable telescopic shock absorbers to provide optimal handling under different driving conditions.
Stopping power was provided by four-wheel disc brakes that were mounted inboard to reduce unsprung weight. The brakes were cooled by air ducts that were located in the bodywork.
The interior of the TZ was spartan, with racing seats and minimal instrumentation. However, the car did feature a roll cage for added safety in the event of an accident.
Overall, the Alfa Romeo TZ 1965 was a technical masterpiece that showcased the best of Italian engineering and design. It remains an icon of the GT racing scene and is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Milestones
- Alfa Romeo unveils the Giulia TZ at the 1962 Turin Auto Show as a lightweight, racing-oriented model. - The TZ (Tubolare Zagato) version is developed in collaboration with Zagato coachbuilders and features a tubular steel chassis with aluminum bodywork. - The car is powered by a 1570 cc twin-cam engine producing up to 170 horsepower and mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. - The TZ makes its racing debut in 1963, winning its class and finishing fifth overall at the 12 Hours of Sebring. - In 1964, the TZ achieves numerous victories in European touring car races, including the Targa Florio and the Tour de France Automobile. - In 1965, the TZ receives upgrades to the engine and suspension, increasing its power output and handling capabilities. - The TZ dominates the GT racing scene in 1965, winning the GT class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Nürburgring 1000 km, and the Coppa Inter-Europa. - Alfa Romeo discontinues production of the TZ in 1967, having built a total of 112 cars over three years.Technical
- 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine - Power output of 160 hp - Six-speed manual transmission - Rear-wheel drive - Aluminum body with fiberglass hood and doors - Independent suspension with coil springs and telescopic dampers - Disc brakes on all four wheels - Maximum speed of 135 mph - Acceleration from 0-60 mph in 7 seconds - Weight of 1,565 lbs - Built by Italian coachbuilder Zagato - Based on the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ platform - Won numerous racing victories, including its class at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans - Only 112 examples were produced.