1977 | Alfa Romeo Montreal

Dutch head turner

Back in time, we are talking about a car built in 1977, an Alfa Romeo Montreal was already a very special car. We can say that there were many dealers at the time who never sold this Milanese top model and stuck with the, of course also beautiful, Alfetta. In total, only 3925 copies of the Montreal were made in the years 1970-1977. A low enough number to be called exclusive today. A real head turner when you see something so beautiful among all the gray standard cars. Responsible for the fantastic lines was the recently deceased designer Marcello Gandini, who worked at Carrosseria Bertone at the time. This man really knew what was beautiful, because for example the Lamborghini Miura, the futuristic Countach and the iconic Lancia Stratos also came from his drawing board.

How nice it is that there are still beautiful examples preserved. The majority have now been restored and are cherished by enthusiasts who want to keep this piece of Italian automotive history running at all costs so that everyone can enjoy it. And that enjoyment is not so difficult, we think, because the typical design is, from whichever angle you look at the car, always overwhelmingly beautiful. And then pay special attention to the beautiful details such as the retractable “eyelashes” over the headlights, the louvres behind the doors (in which, by the way, a touch of Miura design can still be recognized) or the unique fully glazed tailgate. And then the technology: an engine from an Alfa is always a feat, but a V-8 DOHC with fuel injection, directly derived from the famous Tipo 33 racing car, that is a real gem. Wonderfully smooth, completely aluminum, 4 camshafts and enough power for the relatively light car. In this case, the engine has also been overhauled and of course photos have been taken of this. This V-8 is then connected to a smooth shifting 5-speed gearbox. It takes some time getting used to the shifting pattern, because it is of the so-called “dog leg” type, so with the 1st gear to the rear left and the 2nd gear top forward. However, a true “Alfist” will get guickly used to it.

The interior offers ample space for two people and the “back seat” plus large trunk offers enough space for suitcases and bags. A real Alfa to tour with on fast and winding country roads.

This Alfa Romeo Montreal is an original car delivered in the Netherlands and was registered on March 13, 1977. There are three known owners and certainly the second has invested a lot to get the car exactly as it is now. The most recent owner has paid special attention to the chassis. With the work carried out, such as the correct polyurethane bushings in the suspension, Bilstein shock absorbers, Alfaholics springs and the thicker torsion bar at the front, you will not recognize the Montreal in terms of handling and roadholding. Now the car responds directly to every movement of the steering wheel, the lean is just right, the height of the car is good and the suspension is comfortable yet communicative. That’s how we like it. And actually Alfa should have delivered the car like this at the time. This Montreal now steers like we have never experienced before. And the best thing is: you don’t see anything of it, so the originality has not been affected.

Many invoices and hundreds of photos show the journey that this beautiful Italian coupe has made. A journey in which the owners have invested a lot and enjoyed the Italian classic. That enjoyment can now be continued by you with the exception that you do not have to invest in any work. Just maintain it normally and do what this Alfa Romeo Montreal was made for: driving.

Technical information

**Engine: **V8 DOHC

**Fuelsystem: **injection system

**Engine capacity: **2593 cc.

**Power: **230 bhp at 6500 rpm.

**Topspeed: **220 km/h

**Weight: **1270 kg.

**Transmission: **5 speed, manual

History

Alfa Romeo was asked by Canada to design a car for the future for the 1967 World Exhibition. This request was gladly complied with and collaboration was sought with designer Bertone. The car that was presented at the World Exhibition was based on the Tipo 33 racing car and was equipped with a rear-mounted engine.
In 1970, the show car became reality in a modified form with the appearance of the Alfa Romeo Montreal. The appearance remained identical but the engine was moved to the front. The Montreal is equipped with a modified V8 engine from the Tipo 33 that was of course tuned milder for road use. This beautiful engine is made entirely of aluminum, has four camshafts, ‘dry sump’ lubrication and petrol injection. The rest of the technology is as we would expect from Alfa Romeo in the early seventies; coil springs all around, independent front wheel suspension and disc brakes all around.
The Alfa Romeo Montreal was built until 1977 and 3925 copies were produced in seven years. The car drives comfortably/sporty and is very suitable for cruising long distances with two people.