Lot details
Registration No: EU-Reg
Chassis No: 1427035

- Recent mechanical work by Montreal specialists Super Engineering

- White with black velour interior, c.71,500km

- French registered, LHD example of this stunning grand tourer

Asked to produce a cutting edge automotive design for the 1967 Montreal Expo that would "express man's ultimate aspirations in the field of motor cars", Alfa Romeo enlisted the help of Carrozzeria Bertone. Penned by Marcello Gandini, the resultant show car caused a sensation and inspired Alfa Romeo to start work on a production version which debuted at the 1970 Geneva Salon. With its shark-nosed profile, NACA-style bonnet duct and vented B-posts, the newcomer had been eagerly awaited by the press and public alike. However, many automotive journalists at the time, who were anticipating a bona fide supercar rather than a competent grand tourer, gave the car mixed reviews. Nevertheless, its all-round coil-sprung suspension (independent double-wishbone front / 'live' trailing arm rear) and ventilated disc brakes helped ensure decent roadholding and handling.

Powered by a dry-sump 2593cc 'quad-cam' fuel-injected V8 derived from Alfa Romeo's successful Tipo 33/2 sports racers, the model also boasted a ZF five-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential. With a quoted 200bhp and 173lbft of torque on tap, it was capable of 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds and 137mph. Marketed somewhat haphazardly between 1970 and 1977 and hampered by the fuel crisis of the early years of that decade, despite strong initial public demand just 3,925 Montreals are thought to have been made. In recent years Gandini's design has come to be appreciated for exactly what it is - an exotic and highly capable long-distance tourer which never fails to turn heads.

This French registered lefthand drive example is finished in White Bianco with black velour seats and has recently received a mechanical overhaul by Montreal specialists Super Engineering. The vendor advises some £10,000 has been spent including a new exhaust system and injection system overhaul. Described as being in "good" condition with regard to its bodywork, paintwork, engine, interior and gearbox, it is understood a detailed report of the recent works undertaken will accompany the car.