By the mid 1960s Alfa Romeo's wonderful TZ had already proven itself to be a very competitive racing car, winning all over the world, but in 1965 the company improved on what was already a fabulous car with the launch of the TZ2. The TZ had utilised a strong but lightweight chassis built from a complex tubular construction, surmounted with an aluminium body designed by Zagato. For the new improved TZ2 alterations were made to the chassis, which enhanced the handling and made the car easier to drive on the limit. Autodelta, Alfa's in house race division, sub-contracted the chassis manufacture to an airframe builder, and one can see the aircraft technology in the chassis construction. This made perfect sense, for aeroplane construction depends on a strong but lightweight design - exactly the same desirable qualities as in a racing car. A new body was designed, again by master stylist Zagato, which was even lighter than the original TZ’s by the simple expedient of manufacturing it from fibreglass. It was also considerably lower, improving aerodynamics, reducing frontal area and allowing the centre of gravity to be lowered, which again helped to provide handling improvements. The resulting car was one of the most beautiful ever made.

Apart from improvements to the chassis and body, the engine itself was significantly altered with the adoption of a dry sump lubrication system and twin plug cylinder head. Together these changes provided more power, and this combined with the cleaner aerodynamics and lighter weight saw the top speed rise to in excess of 160 miles per hour - an outstanding achievement from 1600cc back in 1965!

It is no surprise, then, that the TZ2 enjoyed a very distinguished, though brief, career competing in the major "Blue Riband" events of international motorsport, from Le Mans to the Targa Florio, from Sebring to the Nurburgring and Monza, covering itself in glory wherever it raced. And today, TZ2s are emerging at the forefront of the greatest historic races, Willie Green's victory at the 2003 Goodwood Revival illustrating just what a marvellous and potent machine this is.

Nobody would dispute that the TZ2 is a paragon of functional, aggressive beauty. That it was also highly successful in competition provides another key ingredient to ensure its status as one of the all time greats. Add to that its rarity, for only ten were made, and these were all campaigned by the works Autodelta team – none were sold to privateers – and its place in the Hall of Fame is assured. As far as value is concerned, no one can say accurately what a genuine car is worth, because they change hands so rarely. It is safe to say though, that millions of dollars would be required to make one of the fortunate few owners relinquish their grasp on this most charismatic of sports racing gran turismi.