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
Auction Source: 2015 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
Auction Source: RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2015
1976 Alfa Romeo Montreal 1426004 – sold for €107,280
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
Auction Source: 2014 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
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
Auction Source: The Paris Sale 2012 by Bonhams
Auction Source: 2011 Automobiles d’exception au Grand Palais by Bonhams