1970→1977 Alfa Romeo Montreal

At Expo ’67 in Montréal, Quebec, Canada, the world first saw the Alfa Romeo Montreal. Presented as a concept car, it was stylistically different from any previous Alfa and reached full scale production 1970.

Built as a 2+2 coupé, the Montreal was distinguished by its front headlight treatment by designer Marcello Gandini at Bertone. He fitted the headlights beind four unusual grilles which, by the time the car reached prodcution in 1970, were replaced by larger, single panels. Other unique details included a hood-mounted NACA duct and nonfunctional slats behind the doors.

The first two prototypes were powered by an inline-4 from the Alfa Romeo Giulia, but the production version was much more serious. Instead it was powered by 90° V8, with competition features like dry-sump lubrication and SPICA fuel injection. This was a derivative of the same potent V8 which was used in the Alfa Romeo 33 racecar.

Chassis details were lent from the Giulia GTV including its double wishbone front suspension with a live axle in the rear.

Almost 4000 Montreals were produced from 1970 to 1977. Ironically, none were ever sold in Montreal because Alfa Romeo was limited to European markets.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1970 – 1977
released at	1967 Montreal Expo
body stylist	Marcello Gandini
coachbuilder	Bertone
engine	90 Degree V8
position	Front Engine
valvetrain	DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl
displacement	2594 cc / 158.3 in³
bore	80.0 mm / 3.15 in
stroke	64.5 mm / 2.54 in
compression	9.3:1
power	149.1 kw / 200 bhp @ 6500 rpm
specific output	77.1 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	152.44 bhp per tonne
torque	235.0 nm / 173.3 ft lbs @ 4750 rpm
body / frame	Unit Steel
driven wheels	RWD
front tires	195/70VR-14
rear tires	195/70VR-14
front brakes	Vented Discs w/Vacuum Assist
rear brakes	Discs
front wheels	F 35.6 x 16.5 cm / 14.0 x 6.5 in
rear wheels	R 35.6 x 16.5 cm / 14.0 x 6.5 in
steering	Recirculating Ball
f suspension	Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	Live Axle w/Coil Springs, Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight	1312 kg / 2892 lbs
wheelbase	2527 mm / 99.5 in
front track	1372 mm / 54.0 in
rear track	1341 mm / 52.8 in
length	3962 mm / 156.0 in
width	1676 mm / 66.0 in
height	1312 mm / 51.7 in
transmission	5-Speed Manual
gear ratios	3.30:1, 1.99:1, 1.35:1, 1.00:1, 0.79:1
top speed	~222.1 kph / 138.0 mph
0 – 60 mph	~8.0 seconds

Auction Sales History

1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal 1426423 – sold for $96,250 Owned by Luigino Neri of Terni, Italy for 42 years. Repainted and sold in 2013. Remained in Italy until imported to USA in 2015. Beautifully presented example of classic Bertone styling. Striking original color combination.
Auction Source: 2015 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams

1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal AR 1426330 – sold for $110,000 One of approximately 100 examples in the United States. Powerful Tipo 33-based V-8 engine. Iconic design by Marcelo Gandini. Superb restoration by a longtime Pebble Beach judge. Rare factory-equipped air conditioning. Offered with manuals and an original tool pouch.
Auction Source: RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2015

1976 Alfa Romeo Montreal 1426004 – sold for €107,280

This car has had an unusual history : in August 1982, Paul Gavarini, then the CEO of Exxon Europe in Geneva, was in his office with his son Jean-Hughes. The latter, astonished, pointed out a car parked at the foot of the building. They went down together to take a look at it and met the owner who told them he had bought it new and it was now for sale. The father and son decided to buy the car together, with the son to pay his father his share at a later date…
In 1986, the car was stored in a barn belonging to the family in Savoie, when Paul Gavarini and his family moved to California. On 8 November 1991, during a visit to France, he had a valuation carried out on the car, which at that time had covered 44 698 km. In 2013, Jean-Hugues Gavarini retrieved the car, and decided to have it completely restored by a German friend who had a paint workshop. The Montreal was stripped back to bare metal and no expense was spared in the work carried out. A file of photographs and bills will be supplied with the car. Mechanically, it was thoroughly overhauled by Quadrifoglio, which notably included replacing the cylinder head gaskets in 2014. In superb condition today, this Alfa Montreal retains its original leather, now beautifully patinated, and has new carpets. The odometer records 45 650 km, which the family believes to be original, given its lack of use.

Auction Source: Rétromobile 2015 by Artcurial Motorcars

1970 Alfa Romeo Montreal AR0012101353 – sold for $99,000 This particular example, finished in its original paint color of Argento Silver Metallic with a red leather interior, was believed to have been delivered new to France. Rarely seen in the U.S. Single owner from 1985 to 2012. Recent thorough refurbishment and cosmetic restoration. Elegant color scheme. Unique Marcello Gandini styling.
Auction Source: 2014 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams

1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal AR1426330 – sold for $99,000 Restored by a Pebble Beach Judge in 2013. Longtime California Car. Innovative Marcello Gandini Styling. One of Approximately 100 Examples in the US. Rare Factory Air-Conditioning.
Auction Source: Gooding & Company’s 10th Anniversary 2013 Pebble Beach Auction

1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal AR1425271 – sold for $36,000

The Alfa Romeo Montreal prototype was introduced the world at Expo 67 on Isle Notre Dame in Montreal, Quebec, the center of Canada’s year-long celebration of its centenary. Based on the highly successful 105-series Giulia and designed by Bertone, the production version shared the prototype’s fastback profile, roof side cooling slots and hooded headlights, but enthusiasts contend that its best feature is the 2.6 L 4-cam V-8 under the hood, essentially a detuned version of the engine used in the racing Type 33. A 5-speed manual gearbox, power steering and ventilated power disc brakes help make this pristine 1971 Montreal, which shows a believed-actual 18,760 kilometers, a formidable performer.

Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum

1977 Alfa Romeo Montreal Coupé – sold for €32,200 Sold new in Holland, this example has had approximately five owners from new and comes with service history. The car has been partially restored while retaining its original dark metallic brown livery, and comes with sundry invoices for recent work by Vireo (on the engine) and previously by Sam van Lingen. Offered with Netherlands registration papers.
Auction Source: The Paris Sale 2012 by Bonhams

1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal – sold for €29,900 Finished in its attractive original colour scheme of white with blue interior, this particular Montreal benefits from a recent major service and has been fitted with a new exhaust system, battery and tyres. The car is currently registered in the Netherlands and comes with FIA papers.
Auction Source: 2011 Automobiles d’exception au Grand Palais by Bonhams