As was appropriate to a marque with a long and illustrious racing history, Alfa Romeo consistently provided its road-going automobiles with engines closer than most to racing specification. Alfa Romeo's seminal engine was Vittorio Jano's historic 2,300 cc supercharged twin overhead-camshaft eight-cylinder of 1930, which powered their famous monoposto P3 racer to so many victories in European Grand Prix and the Mille Miglia open roads sports-car endurance races.
Almost as important to the story was Ing. Satta's four-cylinder 1,300 cc Giulietta engine of 1953, from which was to grow a whole family of exquisitely engineered high-performance twin-overhead engines. Its type name evoking a respected previous Alfa Romeo sports model, the 1750 GTV was announced in 1967 and received the latest version of Satta's timeless five main-bearing engine. The Bertone-built Giulia bodyshell was a four-headlamp development of an early design by the brilliant young stylist Giorgio Giugiaro, first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963.
As often the case with well-loved sporting coupes, the 1750 GTV's engineering was entirely conventional. If the wishbone and coil spring independent front suspension was well-tried, the rear axle looked old fashioned. But that beam axle was a lightweight component, positively located by trailing arms, an A-bracket and anti-roll bar. Latest-specification dual-circuit brakes were provided. The coupe's interior was well-appointed, with a good complement of well-placed round-faced instruments. Its pedals were just right for heel and toe operation. Typically, a maximum speed of 188 mph was quoted, with a standing quarter mile being covered in 17.2 seconds by Auto Sport. Total production rose to 44,200 before the type was superseded by the 2000 GTV in 1972.
This coupe, finished in white with a black interior, was described as a very sound and original car with good tires which runs and drives well. It is believed to have covered only 9,900 miles in total. The present owner has had it for five years, covering only 50 miles in that time.
Included with the car is a period radio, the original tool kit and a car cover. Instruction manuals and all stickers etc., supplied when new have been preserved. There is a large history file, including much correspondence between previous owners. The engine bay is very clean and shows excellent detailing, interior trim and carpets bear little sign of wear, the under-panels appear good, the trunk lining is largely unmarked. The car has been the subject of a recent respray.
1750 GTV Alfa Romeo coupes in such original, low mileage condition are rare, and highly sought after.
{analysis} $8,065 was the high bid when this GTV crossed the block at the Christie's 13 September, 1997, London auction, and it was declared unsold.
In the U.S., the 1969 1750 GTV is the most highly prized of all the post-'67 models because of its attractive racing-bucket type seats. Also, many Alfisti find the 1750 engine to be more responsive than the later two-liter units.
The recent respray was unfortunate: despite that, a true 9,900 mile GTV in excellent condition should be a $15,000-$20,000 car. - ED.
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