The 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ-1 ‘Double Bubble’: A Racing Legend with Literary Pedigree

For many fervent devotees of Alfa Romeo, the Giulia Tubolare Zagato, affectionately known as the TZ-1, represents the zenith of the marque’s beloved four-cylinder lineage. This particular example, however, elevates that desirability even further, boasting not only original ownership and a compelling period racing history but also a unique feature that sets it apart: a factory-delivered double-bubble roof. And its first custodian? None other than Dmitri Nabokov, a fascinating cultural figure in his own right.

Dmitri was far more than just the son of the celebrated literary giant Vladimir Nabokov, the multilingual mind behind the iconic novels Lolita and Pale Fire. He was an accomplished academic writer and translator, a talented athlete, and an aspiring opera singer who once shared the stage with the legendary Luciano Pavarotti. Adding another layer to his multifaceted persona, Dmitri Nabokov was a true petrolhead, his garage having housed a diverse collection of marques including Triumph, Bizzarrini, Dodge Viper, MG, and several Ferraris.

Completed in April 1964, chassis number 750061 emerged from the factory finished in elegant Bianco paint, complemented by Nero leather upholstery. Crucially, it was specified with a double-bubble roof. Standing at nearly six feet, five inches, Dmitri Nabokov, often wearing a racing helmet, reportedly insisted on this now-iconic Zagato design element. This makes this particular TZ-1 exceptionally rare, being the sole example delivered new with this distinctive feature, instantly enhancing its desirability amongst collectors.

Nabokov wasted no time in putting his Alfa Romeo to competitive use. He entrusted its preparation to the esteemed Italian driver and tuner Carlo Facetti and proceeded to enter it in some 23 different races over the subsequent year and a half. During this period, the TZ-1 achieved numerous class victories and podium finishes at various events held at Monza and in European hillclimbs throughout 1964. A notable highlight was its 4th-place finish in the GT 1.6 category at the prestigious 1000 Kilometres of Monza in 1965. By August of that year, Nabokov offered the Giulia for sale, leading to its acquisition by Alec Mildren, an Australian driver and dealer, who soon after sold it to fellow Aussie Max Brunninghausen of Sydney.

Brunninghausen continued the TZ-1’s racing legacy in the renowned Tasman Championship, even achieving an outright victory at the Warwick Farm International in February 1966. As documented in the April 1969 issue of Sports Car World magazine, Brunninghausen later traded the TZ-1 back to dealer Roy Compton when he acquired a TZ-2. However, research suggests the privateer may have continued to race the car into 1967. For the 1968 season, Compton repainted the car in bronze and updated its mechanical components, including the installation of a fresh engine, believed to be the one currently fitted.

After passing through several owners, including Nick and Leonie Langford, the TZ-1 eventually surfaced at a Sotheby’s Australia sale in 1990, by which time it had been repainted red and fitted with a 536-series engine block from a 1966 Giulia GT. In 1991, it was acquired by its current custodian, a dedicated marque collector, who immediately recommissioned it for vintage racing, participating in events at Moroso, Sebring, and Watkins Glen in the early 1990s. More recently, during the 2010s, further investment was made to ensure its racing readiness, including a new fuel bladder, correct ring-and-pinion set, and a meticulously crafted, factory-style airbox. Following participation in the 2012 US Vintage Grand Prix and July Sprints, a full engine rebuild to competition specifications was undertaken in 2015.

Accompanied by comprehensive documentation, including a parts catalogue, owner’s manuals, correspondence, and maintenance invoices, this beautifully presented 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ-1 ‘Double Bubble’, with its unique provenance, is now offered for sale with an estimated value of $700,000 to $900,000. It represents an exceptional opportunity for further historic racing enjoyment, display at prestigious events, or even a full restoration to its original factory configuration, promising to captivate both Alfa Romeo purists and vintage racing enthusiasts alike.

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