Friday, March 25, 2011

Alfa Romeo Montreal (1970-77)

Introduced as a concept car in 1967 at Expo 67 in Montreal, with a body designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone. The Alfa Romeo Montreal is a 2+2 coupé automobile produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1970 to 1977. Powered by a 2.6 L V8 engine with fuel injection that produced around 197 hp, coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox. Top speed 220 km/h (137 mph). 3,917 unites built. None imported to North America, including Montreal. (wikipedia)


















































































(Photos from hemmings.com, bonhams.com & plus.google.com)



1967 Alfa Romeo Montreal Prototype





(Photos from netcarshow.com, wikipedia.com & caradvice.com.au)


Alfa Romeo Montreal Group 4 Race Car



Later in the 11970s with the introduction of the Group 4 class for which the likes of Ferrari and Porsche had created competition cars. Officially, Alfa Romeo did not follow suit but in July of 1971, Autodelta did take delivery of one road-going Montreal.



The Montreal was stripped from all unnecessary luxuries and equipped with a complete roll-cage, which both improved safety and the torsion rigidity of the chassis. Big fender flares were fitted to clear the wider tyres, while a front air-dam was also fitted. The engine was first tuned and later enlarged to displace just under three litres.


Completed late in 1972, Group 4 Montreal was launched at the London Racing Car Show in January of 1973. It was subsequently sold to Alfa Romeo Germany to use in the popular DRM series for GT cars. Ready to race in May of 1973, the car was entrusted to specialist racing team of Dieter Gleich, who was also the principle driver. (ultimatecarpage.com)















(Photos from ultimatecarpage.com & petrolicious.com)