The 1969 Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato is a rare, radically distinct sports coupe that perfectly epitomizes early-1970s Italian futurism. Debuting at the 1969 Turin Motor Show, the car was penned by legendary designer Ercole Spada for the Zagato coachbuilder. Spada boldly broke away from traditional 1960s curves, creating an aggressive, wedge-shaped silhouette featuring a stark Kamm tail and an innovative, fully enclosed plexiglass front grille hiding the headlights.
Underneath its striking, experimental bodywork lay the proven mechanical DNA of the Alfa Romeo 105-series, specifically utilizing the shortened floorpan of the Spider 1300 Junior. The initial 1969 version was powered by a lively 1.3-litre twin-cam inline-four engine pushing 88 horsepower, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Because these cars were coachbuilt and priced significantly higher than a standard Giulia Sprint, they remained incredibly exclusive. Only 1,108 units of the original 1300 variant were produced between 1969 and 1972, making it a highly sought-after gem among Alfisti today.
French model maker Norev recently released a highly anticipated 1/18 scale diecast replica of this avant-garde classic. Finished in a factory-correct, vibrant green, this release is limited to just 1,000 pieces worldwide. As is typical with Norev’s strategy, we will undoubtedly see additional colours follow in due course.
Lately, Norev has been elevating its game, consistently releasing stunning models—particularly their Porsche lineup—at incredibly reasonable price points. It came as no surprise to the community when Norev captured the top spot with their 718 Spyder RS in the 2025 Diecast Society Model of the Year rankings. Even more telling of their current momentum was the fact that they swept three out of the top four positions overall.
Naturally, expectations for this new Alfa Romeo were high. Could Norev replicate that same magic outside of the Porsche brand? The short answer is a resounding yes.
Of course, this isn’t trying to be an AUTOart, Almost Real, or CMC model, nor does it pretend to be with a retail price tag well under €100. However, for that modest investment, you get a replica that ticks nearly every major box, offering far more pros than cons.
First and foremost, the model features full openings. The paint finish is beautiful, the stance is true to the original car, and the interior execution is so impressive it could easily be mistaken for an AUTOart piece. Continuing the welcome trend we’ve seen on their recent Porsches, Norev has treated the cabin to full flocking rather than bare plastic.
Where the model reveals its budget-conscious engineering is in the engine bay. At first glance, the presentation looks complete, but closer inspection reveals it is essentially a top-side engine plate rather than a fully independent, deep-moulded engine block. Additionally, the grilles are solid plastic rather than open mesh. For a sub-€100 diecast, however, these shortcuts are entirely forgivable.
If there is one minor critique, it is at the rear of the car. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly, but when compared to photos of the real 1:1 counterpart, the Kamm tail and taillight execution look just slightly off in terms of proportion or angle.
If you have a passion for classic Italian sports cars or simply appreciate unique, era-defining automotive design, do not hesitate to add this little Alfa to your collection. The price-to-quality ratio here is exceptional. Just don’t wait too long to pull the trigger if you want it in this stunning green—with only 1,000 pieces available, it is sure to sell out quickly!
Wow, what a lovely piece. Norev can execute classics with detail and an affordable price, and not just with the Porsche badge!
Modern Norev models are more and more like “classic” die-cast metal AutoArt!
Now I feel like if, for example, Norev decides to produce a new modern version of Bullitt Ford Mustang GT Fastback 1968 in 1:18 die-cast metal with openings, I may prefer it to a possible composite re-release by AutoArt.
I am still neither convinced nor satisfied from approx. 100 USD Norev models. It’s time they start produce signature versions of their flagship models (with e.g. leather-like seats, fabric belts and so on). AutoArt would be in big trouble then.
They are perfectly positioned as is. Their focus on sligh improves over the last few years reminds us of the glory era of the hobby. There are more than enough premier brands to manage more detailed models. And this will always come at a premium price
Thanks for your excellent review of this very fine model. I bought one as soon as it became available and I am very pleased with it. For those who may prefer an alternate color, Norev has just released this car in blue.
Striking model. Love to see these vibrant colours instead of whites, blacks, greys and dark blues…
What puts me off of these older cars by Norev (Alfas, Lancias, Peugots etc.) is that afaik, none of them get working suspension. Although maybe that will eventually change since they keep getting more and more refined and now get flocking for the interiors (don’t think most of the models were getting capeted interiors either).
I hope they won’t. Maybe sounds weird, but it will cost them development money, with I rather wish they spend on better engine details for instance. Also, working suspension can be tricky in terms of ride height. Even brands like CMC have difficulty getting that correct. I rather have solid suspension but good display presence, than working suspension but a model that sits too high.
Second.
Hmm, the benefit for me then is I might actually eventually be able to get all the nice models with suspension I have on my list and not having to spend money on all these others.
;)
Their Alfa 105 series (I have the 1300 Junior in dark blue, a really nice model) do have a working suspension. As does the Merc C111. I don’t know about the others.
The Alfa seems just right in terms of stance, and the advantage is that lowering it is very easy on these. I did so slightly on the C111, couldn’t have been easier.
Yes, I have the C111. Possibly the best Norev model I’ve ever seen.
But thank you for the info on the Alfa, I’ll look into possibly adding that one to my collection then. I guess I’ll have to judge even those older car models individually. (It’d be so much easier if all orev models had suspension. It would save me so much time having to sleuth over the internet figuring out whether a specific model does or doesn’t have working suspension.)
Genuinly interrested here, why is your focus on working suspensions? I personally couldn’t care less about that feature, I considder it the least important of all possible features.
I’m not entirely sure myself. But from the moment I was given Bburago and Maisto models as a child, I immediately recognised bburagos without suspension as shiny plasticky cheap crap and maistos with painted softer plastics and working suspensions as far more realistic.
And to this day, models without suspension just don’t sit right with me. Whenever I handle any models, I get the most pleasure of sitting them on uneven surfaces and seeing them “settle”. The most fun are models with very soft suspensions like LCD Models Land Rover Defender (that one even jiggles on the suspension whenever you lightly touch it, like a real life car moves when you sit in it).
And there’s the realism part of it. Even stiff supercars still lean into corners. Regular cars will settle if you load them fully. And offroaders need to keep their wheels on the ground at all times for traction. Therefore working suspension is a far more important feature on a model than say carpeting.
Last but not least, models with working suspensions are more likely to allow for stance modification if you really don’t like it (therefore kinda invalidating in my mind the notion that supposedly, models with working suspensions often have a wrong stance).
Oh, bonus point I just realised: I’m also weirdly interested in the detail of models’ undercarriage and chassis in general (and even on ships, I really care about the underwater hull shape, propulsion and rudders and hate waterline models with a passion). I really love models that have realistically moving suspension links, wishbones, steering arms etc. Typically present on LCD models again, wonder why I like them so much… :D
Oh my this gets my heart racing. What a gorgeous piece from the ever improving and impressive Norev! One of the prettiest small sports cars of all time. I remember spending ages looking close up at one at Silverstone Classic over 10 years ago, in a distinctive metallic red, with cloverleaf on the front wing. Now I can get this beautiful model and enjoy exploring all the lovely design from my desk drinking a coffee. Taking my time to enjoy a fine 1/18 scale diecast model
car. It’s what makes us collectors happy. Thanks for the review and pictures. And well done Norev again on another cracking little car!