1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal

In 1967 Alfa Romeo dipped its toe into the Supercar sector by launching the Montreal, named after the Montreal Expo where it made its debut.

Initially fitted with Alfa's four cylinder, twin cam engine, a 1,779cc unit, by the time the Montreal was launched for a limited production run at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show, this had changed to an all-new V8 quad cam racing engine with dry sump lubrication taken from the successful Type 33 sports racer and mated to a 5 speed ZF gearbox . An altogether rather more appropriate power plant for such an exotic machine. With a capacity of 2,593cc, the V8 featured twin overhead camshafts per bank and produced, via Alfa Romeo/Spica fuel injection and Bosch electronic ignition, 200bhp at 6,500rpm. This provided superb performance with a top speed of 137mph and 0-60mph in just 7.6 seconds.

Under the exotic Bertone designed 2+2 coupe coachwork, the Montreal incorporated many stylish features, such as the headlamp eyelids and the NACA duct on the bonnet. The floor pan was derived from a modified 1750 GTV chassis and sported independent coil sprung front suspension, live coil sprung rear axle, limited slip differential and ventilated discs. This resulted in excellent road holding and braking. For the stylish interior the seats had built-in adjustable headrests and for the exterior an unusual feature of vacuum-operated headlamp stone guards.

A limited production ran up to 1977 in which just 3,925 examples were been made. This one-time Alfa flagship is certainly underrated, providing high performance with refinement and practicality.This fine left hand drive example has had only two previous owners. Manufactured on 14th October 1972 and sold new by Alfa Romeo Brussels on 17th October 1972. The original colour was Luci del Bosco Metallizato, but was resprayed to a high standard in attractive White in 1999.

The current owner purchased the car on 10 March 2007 and all major mechanical components are understood to be in very good order and functioning correctly. The vendor has developed the car for reliable daily use. To this end the Montreal has benefitted from new silicone water hoses, new steering and suspension joints, uprated radiator with 2 fans, adjustable top arm front suspension has been fitted, new Bilstein shock absorbers, a Classic Alfa handling kit fitted, uprated 4 pot front brake callipers, new front discs, new clutch plate, cover and bearing, full stainless steel exhaust and Compomotive wheels. The car also comes with a new Wilton carpet set (though currently not fitted).

A well-known car amongst Alfa Montreal Club members, the car has been a staple addition to the European Montreal scene, attending many annual European meets and not skipping a beat in the process. The Alfa Montreal has long been tipped as a "sleeper' car amongst the team here at Silverstone Auctions. There's no doubt in our minds that these cars will sometime soon have their day. Will this be the one to lead the march?...