Restoring the Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 Sprint Speciale: A Rare Beauty Reborn in Berlin
Some cars don’t just catch your eye—they stay in your mind. The Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 Sprint Speciale is one of those rare machines. Its unique, wind-sculpted shape and coachbuilt soul make it a timeless design icon. And thanks to two incredibly skilled craftsmen in Berlin—Siegmar Prätor and Christian Schmidt—this example was brought back from the edge of oblivion to its full, glorious form.
To visually capture that spirit, I chose to photograph the restored car in front of one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks: the Philharmonie. Its sharp geometry, golden façade, and bold mid-century modern lines echo the futuristic optimism of 1960s automotive design. The light cast playful shadows across the Alfa’s curves, and the architectural lines felt like a natural extension of the car’s flowing silhouette. It was more than a backdrop—it was a visual dialogue between two design masterpieces from the same era.
I had the honor of being part of the restoration process, documenting it, watching it unfold—from corroded metal to art in motion. In this exclusive feature, Phillip, the owner of this rare Alfa, takes us through his journey—from discovery to restoration—with a heartfelt tribute to the people who made it all possible.
How the Sprint Speciale Came Into His Life
“I fell in love with the Alfa Romeo Montreal in 2017,” says Phillip. “That led me to explore Gandini’s work and then deeper into Alfa Romeo history. Eventually, I started driving a Scalino daily.”
But then came a discovery that changed everything.
“When I found the Sprint Speciale—designed by Franco Scaglione—I was captivated. I had never seen one in person and thought it was out of reach. But its shape… that cigar-like, fluid body stuck in my head.”
He was hooked. Especially after watching a Petrolicious video featuring a white Giulietta SS. “I must have watched it ten times over the years. I couldn’t unsee it.”
The Auction That Changed Everything
“November 19, 2021—I was in the snowy woods of Brandenburg, bidding over the phone with Sotheby’s on a Sprint Speciale from the Guikas Collection in France,” Phillip recalls. “I had a strict budget and told myself: ‘If I get it for this price, I’ll never complain.’ And then—‘Sold, Mr. Rechberg. The car is yours.’ I couldn’t believe it.”
What followed was a mixture of joy and realization. The car looked good on the surface—but had years of bad repairs lurking underneath. “The U.S. shops had done just enough to make it look clean for auction, but underneath, it was a disaster.”
From Plan to Passion Project
Phillip’s plan was originally simple: “Drive it until there’s a problem.” But the car’s hidden damage—especially within the sills—quickly made clear that full restoration was the only safe way forward.
“This car doesn’t have a traditional frame. The body’s strength comes from the sides—so it had to be done right.”
Enter the Master Craftsmen: Siegmar & Christian
That’s where the true heart of this story lies—with Siegmar Prätor, founder of Hofwerkstatt Königstadt, and his son Christian Schmidt, former owner of Spurwechsel and now running his own garage in Kreuzberg.
“Finding someone capable of this level of craftsmanship was the hardest part,” says Phillip. “Siggi is a true master—he has the original tools and materials for each era, with entire corners of his shop dedicated to the ’30s, ’40s, ’50s, and so on.”
Siggi shaped and restored the metal by hand—matching the original factory techniques—cutting, bending, welding, and grinding every curve until the car’s iconic form was perfectly reborn.
His son Christian, also an expert Karosseriebauer and Alfa connoisseur, played an equally vital role. “Christian and I had worked together before. He introduced me to his father, and when the SS came along, I knew they were the right team. Christian also sourced rare parts, guided the vision, and his garage is a hub of Alfa wisdom.”
These two deserve every ounce of recognition. Without their skill, precision, and dedication, this restoration wouldn’t have been possible.
Witnessing the Rebirth
One of the most powerful moments in the restoration came during a winter photoshoot.
“The car stood in bare metal, gleaming like a sculpture. The fireplace was burning, it was cold, and Siggi was there, quiet but proud. It felt like unwrapping a gift,” Phillip recalls.
I was there for that shoot—it truly felt like capturing a resurrection. The Sprint Speciale looked alive again.
What Makes the Sprint Speciale So Special?
“Everything,” says Phillip. “It’s light and nimble at low speeds, smooth and calm at higher ones. But more than that—it’s a piece of rolling sculpture.”
The body is made from over 160 pieces of hand-shaped sheet metal, all welded into one seamless form. “It’s all curves. My favorite detail? The side lines that converge into a cigar-like shape. When viewed from above, it’s mesmerizing—and you can see those same lines echoed 20 years later in the GT Junior. That kind of legacy is magic.”
The Real Challenge Wasn’t the Parts
While most classic car restorations struggle with sourcing parts, Phillip says that wasn’t the hardest part. “With Christian’s network, anything we needed, he found. The challenge was finding the right hands—and that was Siggi.”
Lessons Learned, Legacy Preserved
When asked how owning this car changed him, Phillip reflects:
“A smarter man once said, ‘We are only short-time caretakers of these cars—never owners.’ That stayed with me. I was just a small part in bringing this machine back. The real credit goes to Siggi and Christian.”
A Celebration of Design, Craft, and Culture
This restoration wasn’t just about reviving a classic Alfa Romeo. It was a celebration—of Italian automotive design, of Berlin’s rich architectural canvas, and most of all, of the rare craft and soul poured into the work by Siegmar and Christian.
To Siggi and Christian—this article is for you.
Your work is artistry. And this Alfa is now a moving monument to your skill.
🔧 Explore their workshop: