1970 Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce Series II

The Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV appeared in 1967 replacing the Giulia Sprint GT Veloce and introducing many updates and modifications. Most significantly the engine capacity was increased to 1779cc and the peak power from the engine was increased to 120bhp at 5500rpm. A higher ratio final drive was fitted but the same gearbox ratios were retained. The result was that, on paper, the car had only slightly improved performance compared to the Giulia Sprint GT Veloce, but out on the road it was much more flexible to drive and it was easier to maintain higher average speeds for fast touring.

The new nose styling eliminated the "stepped" bonnet of the Giulia Sprint GT, GTC, GTA and early GT 1300 Juniors and it now incorporated four headlamps. There was a new dashboard with large speedometer and tachometer instruments in twin binnacles that were closer to the driver's line of sight. The instruments were also mounted at a more conventional angle, thus avoiding the reflections caused by the upward angled flat dash of the earlier cars. New seats were introduced with adjustable headrests, these merged with the top of the seat when fully down. The window winder levers, the door release levers and the quarter-light vent knobs were also restyled.

The later Series 2 1750 GTV of 1970 introduced other mechanical changes, including a dual circuit braking system. Externally, the series 2 1750 GTV is identified by new, slimmer bumpers with front and rear over-riders. The combined front indicator and sidelight units were now mounted to the front panel instead of the front bumper and the interior was slightly modified, with the seats retaining the same basic outline but following a simpler design.

The Series II car offered for sale here represents excellent value in a marketplace where lesser examples of this, the more desirable 1750 GTV, have been seen to make in excess of £20,000. An ex-Scottish car, this example has benefitted from considerable recent expenditure to the bodywork, including cutting away and re-metalling the bottom two inches of the doors as well as front and rear panels. Attention has also been given to the boot floor ensuring that any of the erosion gremlins from which Alfa Romeo's have become known to suffer have been correctly ironed out.

The largely original interior, fresh from a deep clean, has been lifted to a standard befitting a much newer car, and is in very good order throughout. Mechanically, the car is reported to run and drive beautifully with seamless gear changes and a strong pull from the engine as the driver climbs up through the ratios. The car will be subject of a thorough engine detail prior to the auction, and will therefore appear more factory fresh, yet retain the proven performance that our vendor has enjoyed.

Supplied with UK V5C and current MoT test certificate, this cataloguer will be watching with a keen eye (and possibly a raised paddle) when the bidding commences...