1976 ALFA ROMEO MONTREAL

• An original UK-supplied, right-hand drive Montreal. One of only 155. Warranted 45,495 miles
• Still in its original Arancio Pastello (AR601) with a Nero interior. Very desirable combination
• Purchased by our vendor in 1980 with 4,000 miles indicated. Only two previous keepers
• Dry stored for the last 15 years in our vendor's factory as he couldn't bear to part with it
• Good original interior with the driver's seat showing very few signs of wear
• Original owners manual. Cherished number (600 JRL) will stay with the car

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. It was powered by an all-new V8 quad-cam competition-derived power unit with dry-sump lubrication taken from the successful Type 33 sports racer and mated to a 5-speed ZF gearbox. 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 excellent performance with a top speed of 137mph and 0-60mph in just 7.6 seconds. Under the exotic Bertone designed 2+2 coupé coachwork, the Montreal incorporated many stylish features, such as the headlamp eyelids and the NACA duct on the bonnet.

This may have been love at first sight but was certainly an impulsive purchase as, on July 15th 1977, our vendor was in traffic moving slowly down Birmingham's Broad Street when he spotted this gleaming orange Alfa Romeo Montreal right at the front of Ryland's showroom. A close inspection of the car, confirmation of the mileage of 4,000, a discussion about the remarkable colour (Arancio Pastello), and a few quiet moments sitting in the cabin was enough. That was it, cheque book out and the deal was done in just over an hour, we did say that it was love at first sight.

With only two previous owners, stewardship has remained with our vendor to the present day and was used sparingly over the following 27 years until a developing collection of daily drivers rendered it surplus to requirements. His love for this car had not faded so, rather than dispose of it, he considered placing it into hibernation within his factory the better option. Now, some 15 years later, he has decided its time to offer the opportunity of owning this rare, right-hand Montreal to a new custodian. We understand that it was driving very well to the point of storage but has not been run since. This is indeed a project but we feel it's more of a re-commission than a restoration, after all, it was in regular use up to 15 years ago and has remained dry and warm on a mezzanine floor in a working factory. We have decided that it's best to leave the car covered in dust as you see in the photographs rather than wash it allowing potential purchasers to form their own opinion about the amount of work required.

Accompanied by its original handbook, spare wheel and keys, this desirable Montreal is now ready for the next adventure. With low ownership, a warranted 45,495 miles and retaining the registration number 600 JRL, this is a fantastic project. One of only 155 original right-hand drive examples, highly desirable and very collectable, an opportunity that really should not be missed.