{vsig}1996-6_1691{/vsig}
Stylish, elegant and distinctive, the Montreal made its debut at the Montreal Expo during the 1967 World Fair in the city of the same name, an event that celebrated Canada's centenary. It was initially fitted with Alfa's ubiquitous four-cylinder, twin-cam engine, in this case a 1,779 cc unit, but by the time the Montreal was launched for limited production at the 1970 Geneva Show, this had been changed for an all-new V8.
Developed from the engine of the successful Type 33 sports racer, this represented a new departure in engine design for Alfa Romeo. With a capacity of 2,594 cc, the sweet-revving V8 featured twin overhead camshafts per bank and produced, via Alfa Romeo/Spica fuel injection and electronic ignition, 200 bhp and 173 lb/ft at 6,500 rpm and 4,750 rpm respectively; mated to a five-speed gearbox, this provided strong performance with a 137 mph maximum speed and 0-60 mph in just under 7.6 seconds.
Under the svelte Bertone designed 2+2 coupe coachwork, the floorpan was derived from the Giulia Sprint GT and sported independent coil spring front suspension, a live coil-sprung rear axle, limited road-holding and ample retardation, in keeping with the Montreal's high performance.
Inside, the stylish interior the seats had built-in adjustable headrests, while an unusual feature was vacuum-operated headlamp stoneguards. When production ended in 1977, the vast majority in left-hand drive form, 3,925 Montreals had been built.
The Montreal pictured here was imported from Germany to the UK in 1989, whereupon it underwent restoration. It has recently benefited from an approximate $6,000 expenditure with top specialists Autodelta, including uprated suspension, new fuel pump, points, leads, ignition boxes, steering box, fuel pipes and so on. Overall condition is therefore described as very good and the car appears superb.
Included with the car are receipts and bills for work carried out. Coachwork is finished in Alfa Red while the interior is upholstered in black, making this a very handsome and exciting Italian Gran Turismo.
{analysis} On 30 April 1996, S/N 7490 crossed the block at the Coys Auction in London, and failed to sell at a high bid of $11,700.
Montreals are intensely satisfying to drive, especially when fitted with slightly lowered suspensions such as those developed by Northwest racer David Rugh. They provide the typical understeer one has come to expect from an Alfa Romeo, if in a bit larger dose, coupled with effortless power in the gear of your choice.
Montreals seem destined to languish in the backwater of collector cars, which is a tremendous boon to the enthusiast looking for a true exotic at the price of a Geo Metro.
Prices will continue to hover in the $14,000 - $18,000 range for the foreseeable future. - ED.
{/analysis}