The Alfa Romeo TZ Zagato Is a Life-Changing Experience

TL;DR

The 1964 Alfa Romeo TZ Zagato earns that claim through its featherlight 1,500 lb frame, twin-spark engine, and intoxicating race-car driving experience.

Key Points

• 1.Only around 100 TZ Zagatos were ever built. The TZ (Tubular Zagato) used a bespoke lightweight tube frame that helped it weigh under 1,500 lbs with fluids, making it exceptionally rare and historically significant.
• 2.The 'baby GTO' nickname comes from shared aerodynamic philosophy. Both the TZ and Ferrari 250 GTO used the 'coda tronca' (short tail) design principle, a cutting-edge 1960s aerodynamic discovery that chopping the tail saved weight without sacrificing aero performance.
• 3.The 1.6L twin-spark four-cylinder was genuinely advanced for its era. Two spark plugs per cylinder — producing eight plug wires that resemble a V8 — delivered around 160 hp in race trim and a growl Doug says sounds like a V12 at full throttle.
• 4.The TZ featured race-spec technology uncommon in the early 1960s. Disc brakes, independent suspension, and a five-speed manual transmission were all cutting-edge features at a time when drum brakes and three- or four-speed gearboxes were the norm.
• 5.The stripped interior reflects pure racing function with unusual quirks. There is no key ignition — just a fuel pump switch, ignition switch, and starter button; the tachometer is tilted so the high-rev zone sits in the driver's direct line of sight.
• 6.Asymmetric mirrors, a keyless door lock, and a leather strap hinge are among the standout oddities. The driver-side mirror mounts on the door while the passenger mirror is on the hood fender; the door is held open only by a leather strap, and a pull-cord replaces an interior handle.
• 7.The TZ evolved into three distinct generations. The original became the TZ1, followed by the more aerodynamic TZ2; a decade ago Alfa created the TZ3, a Zagato-rebodied Dodge Viper produced under parent company FCA/Stellantis.
• 8.Doug scored the TZ 47/100 overall but gave it a perfect 10 for fun factor. That fun score beats the Ferrari 812 and Lamborghini Huracán Evo, and Doug called the driving experience one of the most exciting he has ever had on four wheels.