Classic Car Overview
Alfa Romeo received a tremendous honor in late 1966 when it was selected to create a conceptual exhibit of mans aspiration for the automobile at the 1967 International and Universal Exposition held in Montreal. Alfa assigned coachwork duties to Bertone and the project was spearheaded by Marcelo Gandini the young designer who had leapt to the forefront of the automotive imagination with the Lamborghini Miura.Two identical prototypes were prepared for the exhibition and Gandini did not disappoint. Channeling many of the same cues that made the Miura so innovative the new Alfa was wide and low with a shark-like nose extending through a curved fender and shoulder haunches into a truncated tail. The headlight blinds and stacked horizontal vents on the C-pillar were attractive as well as futuristic in concept.Strong customer interest prompted Alfa to develop a production version which continued to be based on the respected 105 Series chassis as with the Expo show cars. A new direction was taken for the models engine however. Discarding the 105s standard twin-cam inline-four Alfas engineers installed a modified version of the competition-pedigreed V-8 from the Tipo 33 Stradale prototype race car. Featuring aluminum alloy construction dual overhead-cam actuation and a dry-sump lubrication system the advanced racing engine provided the new production model with nearly unprecedented power for an Alfa road car.Just 3925 examples of the appropriately named Montreal were built between 1971 and 1975. It is estimated that as many as 100 examples had made their way to American shores as recently as a few years ago. The landmark design on the resume of the great Marcelo Gandini features one of Alfa Romeos most legendary motors and the Montreal has arguably grown to be Milans most iconic road car of the 1970s.According to its Certificato di Origine this gorgeous 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal was built on July 29 1971 and destined for the Italian market. Imported to the US in 2018 the car is a recent Alfa Romeo Owners Club Concours award winner and is offered with its tool kit certificate of origin RIAR Homologation Certificate papers and literature. Finished in its original color combination of Rosso over Nero interior it is very well-presented and restored to original specification. The paint and bodywork are quite attractive overall with just a few minor blemishes picked up from use on the road. Panel fit is quite good and the detailing is crisp and well defined. A set of proper Campagnolo alloy wheels provides the finishing touch.The exotic exterior styling carries over into the cabin a classic 1970s Italian cockpit with lots of black material and an exotic driver-focused instrument cluster. The original wood-rim steering wheel is a delight to hold. Seats door cards and interior panels are trimmed in black as per original and the red carpet sets off the cabin in a wonderful 70s way. This was a rather expensive GT car in its day so was well-equipped with a full array of Jaeger instrumentation power windows and excellent bolstered seating.The engine shows very well with tidy detailing and finishes. This jewel of a V8 features SPICA fuel injection that allows a screaming 7000rpm redline. A 5-speed manual ZF transmission feeds power to Alfas proven live rear axle with a limited slip differential. These are wonderful cars to drive and the sound at full tilt is glorious.The Alfa Romeo Montreal has enjoyed a well-deserved resurgence in value recently as collectors have finally taken notice of its glamorous styling fantastic engine and rarity. But it still remains a relative bargain when compared to its more common competitors such as the Porsche 911 or Jaguar E-Type. An exotic high-revving V8 outlandish Bertone styling and lots of room for luggage makes this an ideal Gran Turismo machine. This example is very well suited for the enthusiast who loves to enjoy their cars from behind the wheel. Offers welcome and trades consideredFor additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7701-1971-alfa-romeo-montreal-coupe/
