The Alfa Romeo GT coupés designed by Bertone were built from roughly 1963 to 1976. They fall into two main families depending on their front end: the "step-front" (in Italian, "scalino") and the smooth nose. This distinction matters for every front body panel and for some of the brightwork.
What is the step-front?
On the early GTs, the bonnet does not reach down to the grille: it stops above a strip of the front panel, creating a small step that can be seen from the side and from the front. This step is what gave rise to the nickname "step-front" or "scalino".
On smooth-nose versions, the bonnet covers the front right down to the grille and the step disappears. Depending on the model, these versions also received four round headlights instead of two.
The versions and their front end
| Version | Front end | Headlights |
|---|---|---|
| Giulia Sprint GT | Step-front | 2 |
| Giulia Sprint GT Veloce | Step-front | 2 |
| GT 1300 Junior, up to 1970 | Step-front | 2 |
| GT Junior 1300 / 1600, from 1970 | Smooth nose | Depending on year |
| 1750 GT Veloce (1750 GTV) | Smooth nose | 4 |
| 2000 GT Veloce (2000 GTV) | Smooth nose | 4 |
The GTC (cabriolet, built until 1966-1967) and GTA derivatives have the step-front: GTA 1600 until 1968-1969; GTA 1300 Junior from 1968 to 1975, always with the step-front. The GT Junior switched to the smooth nose in 1970. Many cars have also been modified over their lifetime.
Other clues to pin down the version
- Badges and script: the boot lid and wing script indicate the original version, but they are easy to swap; do not rely on them alone.
- Grille: its design differs between the step-front, 1750 GTV and 2000 GTV.
- Rear lights and dashboard: these change across versions, notably between the Series 1 and Series 2 1750 GTV and on the 2000 GTV.
- Pedals: standing pedals on early versions, hanging pedals on later ones. See our guide hanging or standing pedals.
- Chassis number and type code: read them on the bodyshell and the identification plate, and compare them with the registration document.
What it means for body panels
The bonnet, front panel and associated parts are not interchangeable between step-front and smooth nose without modifying the bodyshell:
- bonnet and hinges, with a differently shaped leading edge;
- front panel, crossmember and grille support;
- bonnet seals and front panel seals;
- joining panels between the front wings and the front panel, depending on the version.
Front panel repair sections and front seals are listed by version in their product pages.
What it means for brightwork and lighting
The front end concentrates most of the version-specific parts:
- grille, side grilles and grille badges;
- headlight surrounds and rims, which differ between two- and four-headlight cars;
- headlights, front indicators and their brackets;
- front bumper and mountings, to be checked according to version;
- badges and script specific to each version.
You will find these parts in the GT Bertone exterior brightwork, lighting and badges categories. All body parts are grouped under GT Bertone bodywork.
Modified cars and restorations
It is common to come across GT Juniors or 1750 GTVs fitted with a step-front or, conversely, step-fronts converted to a smooth nose after accident damage. When ordering, the configuration actually fitted is what counts. For a restoration aiming for original specification, the chassis number and factory documentation make it possible to establish the original configuration; returning to original then involves the front panels, bonnet and brightwork.
With any enquiry, please include a photo of the front, a side photo of the front end and the chassis number: we confirm compatibility before dispatch.
The Ma Petite Italienne workshop
Since 2017, our workshop in Nazelles-Négron (Indre-et-Loire, France) has been restoring and maintaining GT Bertones of every version: diagnosis, bodywork, return to original specification, mechanical work and routine servicing. We welcome cars from all over France and abroad. For a quote or to book your car in, contact us.